Love Breaks Bad

In this episode, I talk about something that’s been stirring in me lately: how easily I trade awe for answers. A moment on a cruise ship balcony opened my eyes to how small I’d made God, living as if faith were something I could map out instead of something vast and alive and breathtaking. I share what’s been shifting in me as I let go of certainty and return to wonder, how scripture keeps nudging...

A quick heads-up:  Hey friends, parts of the audio get a little rough or distorted since I recorded this on a late-night walk with my phone. Stick with it. The heart of the episode comes through just fine if you're willing to hear it. On this walk, I found myself naming something I’ve tried to avoid most of my life: the cocoon stage. The in-between. The uncomfortable middle where nothing feel...

In this episode, I wrestle with one of the biggest false commandments of modern Christianity—the obsession with being right . Somewhere along the line, the church traded love for correctness, compassion for certainty, and the living way of Jesus for a rulebook.  I explore what happens when being “biblical” replaces being Christlike , and how easy it is to know the verses but miss the heart. Togeth...

A late-night reflection on the wild, over the top nature of God’s love. I wrestle with how the gospel has often been reduced to rules and beliefs when it was always meant to be an audacious, overflowing story of grace.  Drawing from Jesus’ miracles, parables, and the heart of forgiveness itself, I invite listeners, especially those who grew up in church, to imagine a God who chooses relationship o...

I haven’t set foot in a church building since Easter. For someone who grew up never missing a Sunday, that feels wild to admit. On this evening walk, I talk about what it’s been like to step away from the building and discover God outside of the programs, performances, and noise. I share how past breaks from church actually opened me up to something deeper, and why this current season feels just a...

On this late-night walk, I wrestle with Jesus’ challenge: “You will know them by their fruit.” What do we actually see growing out of our churches, our politics, and even our own lives — love or fear, compassion or control? This isn’t about guilt. It’s about noticing. Paying attention. Asking honestly: does the fruit look like Jesus, or something else entirely? Take an evening stroll with me and l...

Sean takes us on a journey to unexpected places, both literal and metaphorical. We start with a nostalgic trip to "Jungle Java," a beloved childhood spot turned sour by an unfortunate incident—much like some perceptions of Christians today. With candid reflections, Sean explores how people perceive Jesus followers and what might be missing in how we embody His teachings. From there, we d...

This episode is all about ditching the rulebook religion and finding the real freedom Jesus offers. We'll be hanging out in Galatians chapter 5, where Paul talks to the early church about how awesome Jesus' freedom is compared to a bunch of old laws.  Buckle up, because we're gonna explore how faith and love are the keys to this freedom, not some strict to-do list. Sean shares some...

Finding God in Unexpected Places and the Practice of Lectio Divina This episode explores Sean's personal journey from a legalistic approach to Bible study towards a more intimate and reflective practice called Lectio Divina.  This ancient practice, which means 'divine reading' in Latin, encourages a slow, meditative approach to scripture, focusing on listening to God on a personal l...

This episode challenges traditional ideas about religion and explores the concept of radical grace. Sean dives into a scripture story about vineyard workers and explains how it contradicts our human sense of fairness. Are you ready to ditch the guilt and embrace the good news? This episode is perfect for: Anyone who grew up in church and is questioning their beliefs People who might like to explor...

In this episode, Sean delves into personal insights and reflections on his journey of faith, specifically focusing on themes outside traditional religious frameworks. He emphasizes the idea that Jesus did not come to establish another religion but to liberate people from religious constraints. The episode is divided into three main sections: Revelation of Jesus: Sean explores the personality and c...

Showing Up: The Local and Ordinary Way of Jesus In this episode Sean dives into the rhythm of presence in following Jesus, inspired by the quote: "the way of Jesus is always local and ordinary" - Eugene Peterson. Highlights: Local and ordinary: Jesus' message isn't confined to a church building; it's lived out in our daily routines and interactions. Showing up: We actively...

Reimagining Following Jesus: Moving Beyond Sin Management and Embracing Kingdom Practices In this episode Sean challenges the traditional view of following Jesus as solely focused on avoiding sin and invites listeners to explore "Kingdom Practices" based on Jesus' teachings. Key points: Traditional view: Often focuses on managing sin, attending church, and potentially converting oth...

Ditch the To-Do List and Follow Jesus: A Guide to Kairos Moments This podcast episode explores a refreshing perspective on following Jesus, free from the burdens of religious obligations and guilt. Key points: Traditional religion: Often characterized by checklists of tasks and activities to perform for religious approval. This can feel overwhelming and empty. Jesus's offer: He invites us to...

In this episode of "Love Breaks Bad" podcast, host Sean Alsobrooks shares his personal journey of stepping away from church and discovering a deeper understanding of faith.  When he and his wife were called to start a new church, they found themselves in a period of transition with no church to attend. During this time, they began reading the Bible for themselves without the influence of...

This past Sunday I was triggered by a lyric in a worship song at church that sent me straight back to my childhood - and not in a good way.  A quick chat about Jesus, grace, and the Good News.  Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram