Make It Simple

We are so excited to welcome Jon Collins for a study of wisdom.  Jon Collins, from The BibleProject, joins the podcast for a special conversation, where we will learn about wisdom by looking at what Scripture has to show us. We take a look at different examples of wisdom, and learn what it means to let Scripture answer our questions. You won’t want to miss it! Jon was a pastor then stepped into th...

Joshua Becker joins the podcast this week to talk all about minimalism! We dive into understanding minimalism, and discover that it’s more a conversation about values, than about stuff. Joshua gives practical advice, as well as shares how a journey about minimalism is really a spiritual journey. You won’t want to miss it! Joshua Becker is an author and the founder of Becoming Minimalist, a communi...

This week, we are joined by Brian McKenna for a very important conversation about anxiety and depression. Brian helps us understand the journey of anxiety and depression. He shares the differences between the two, and offers hope with the power of small victories. With compassion, Brian helps individuals and families gain skills for life so they can achieve a healthy level of functioning, renewed...

Meredith Miller joins the podcast this week to share how to teach kids about the Bible. Meredith shares with Rachel and Matt all about how to talk with kids about Jesus (and, even, what can be avoided for now!). It’s a sweet and informative conversation. You won’t want to miss it! Meredith is a pastor and parent with over 20 years experience helping families follow Jesus. She wants to help parents...

Join our discussion about the Future of the Church with Nancy Beach and Samantha Kiley Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley join us for an honest conversation about the future of the church in America. We discuss the struggles that have hindered the church’s witness today and what must be done in order for the church to be faithful and fruitful going forward. ***** To support Make It Simple, head...

Learn all about discovering your gifts with Don Everts This week, Rachel and Matt are joined by the delightful Don Everts. Don shares all about what it means to live out the gifts, talents, and passions God has given you, and what life looks like when a person fully recognizes who they are. It’s an encouraging conversation that will leave you excited about your gifts and who God made you to be. **...

Beth Moore joins Rachel and Matt to share her journey in finding a new church, and to graciously share what the last few months have been like as she has walked through controversy. It’s a lovely conversation, filled with truth, grace, and wisdom. Best-selling book and Bible study author Beth Moore is a dynamic teacher whose conferences take her across the globe. She is a dedicated wife, and mothe...

For the Season 3 finale, Dr. Anjeanette “AJ” Roberts is back to talk with us about Lessons from Covid. AJ joins us this week to look at the lessons from Covid-19 and the pandemic, and look at how the aftermath continues to effect us all, in big and small ways. AJ is a molecular biologist and virologist and public advocate for the Christian faith, and she conducted SARS-CoV research at the National...

In this week's episode, Andrea Davis joins the podcast to talk all about the ever present screens in our lives, and how to have a better relationship between screens and your family. Andrea brings encouragement, new insights, and practical strategies to help all people navigate this tech-filled world. For more information, follow Andrea at  Better Screen Time on Instagram,  or head to BetterS...

Steve Cuss is back to talk with us about Relational Anxiety. Steve joins us this week to look at anxiety & conflict that arises between us and others, with co-workers, friends, family, and even strangers. He shares pitfalls to be aware of and tips for navigating our relationships. Steve is the author of Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs and the founder of www.capablelife.me , an on...

This week, we talk with Preston Sprinkle about Gender Identity. Preston will help us ponder sensitive questions surrounding transgender identities, and he will help us wrestle with how the local church can show love and compassion to its trans-identifying neighbors. Dr. Sprinkle is a Biblical scholar, speaker, podcaster, the New York Times bestselling author of “Embodied", and the co-founder...

This week, Rachel and Matt welcome Sarah Condon to the podcast to talk grief and faith. Sarah is an Episcopal priest, an author, and a co-host of the popular Mockingcast . Sarah will share her story of trauma and grief and help us grapple with the presence of God in times of unimaginable loss. *** Love this podcast? Then check out What Matters Most, daily teachings from Matt Popovits, available wh...

Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach who helps moms and dads of “spicy” children stay calm, kind, and firm. In this episode Mary will help Matt and Rachel understand what it means to parent in a gentle, respectful, and effective way—especially if you weren’t raised that way. Love this podcast? Then check out What Matters Most, daily teachings from Matt Popovits, available wherever y...

In this first episode of season three Matt and Rachel are joined by David Zahl to discuss, “performancism” and “seculosity.” David will help us see that we, as a culture, are not less religious as we are so often told. Instead, we have — according to Zahl — shifted our religious needs and impulses to other things, like performance and efficiency. David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbi...

For this final episode of Make It Simple season 2, Matt and Rachel are joined by actor Paul Walter Hauser for a fun conversation covering faith, celebrity, and the impact of practicing gratitude in all things. Paul shares what it was like growing up in small town Michigan, to now quickly being recognized as one of the most talented actors up and coming.  With humility and lightheartedness, he remi...

In this episode, Jon Tyson joins the podcast to discuss intentional fatherhood, and how relationship shapes our parenting. He brings grace and insight into the truth that we don't have to "try harder, do more," but rather, it's the small moments that make big impacts. Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide Australia, Jon moved to the...

In this episode, Clarissa Moll joins Matt and Rachel to share her story with grief and loss. She discusses the different ways grief shows up in our lives and how grief can bring a deeper intimacy with God and those around us.  Everyone experiences grief of all kinds, as the natural flow of this life. Clarissa brings wisdom and compassion to the conversation as she reflects on experiencing such gri...

In this episode, Sarah Salzberg joins Matt and Rachel to talk all about the Old Testament, and how significant it still is for people of faith today. She breaks down what the Old Testament is, and how to approach it with new eyes as we look to see what it reveals about God. Sarah brings a delightful perspective to a scholarly and heartfelt conversation. Sarah Salzberg lives in Los Angeles, CA with...

In this episode, Jonathan Merritt joins Rachel and Matt to talk all about marijuana, and how a person of faith can wrestle with differing perspectives. Jonathan shares his personal experience and discusses his article, " A Christian Case for Marijuana. "  They look at the history, criminalization, and research around marijuana, and share how we can take a position of mercy and justice no...

Kirsten shares all about her journey with grace, and what it looks like to treat others with humanity despite hurtful discourse. She breaks down how living a life of grace is more than just “being nice,” but rather leads to kindness and accountability. It’s a great conversation, and we’re so glad to share it with you! Kirsten Powers is a senior political analyst at CNN and a NYT bestselling author...

This week, Matt and Rachel are talking all about climate change with Katharine Hayhoe. Katharine is leading the way in helpful, hope-filled conversations about the environment, diving into the ins and outs of climate change, and offering tangible solutions that we can all do, big and small, to turn things around. Her care for the environment and this planet all stems from one place- her love for J...

In this episode, Michael Wear joins Rachel and Matt to talk all about politics. Michael offers advice about how to approach personal opinions, the role politics should play in our lives, and how to approach political discourse. Michael also suggests at at its core, our political views are just another way we can love our neighbors.  You don't want to miss it! Michael Wear is a leading strateg...

In this episode, Frank Hart joins Rachel and Matt to discuss Halloween and his article Christians & Halloween, A Biblical Perspective From Frank Hart.  They discuss origins,  how believers can approach these festivities, and the importance of good candy. Frank gives us this to consider : " It's scary out there, but we don't have to be afraid."  You don't want to miss i...

Join us for our last episode of season 1, episode 10, where will be talking all about Conflicts with Michelle Thompson. We dive into all aspects of conflict, and discuss how to move through conflict in productive ways. What do we do about conflict, what does healthy versus unhealthy conflict look like, and what are some practical ways to handle conflict? We get into all of it with our good friend...

Join us for episode 9, where will be talking about Science & Faith with Sarah Salviander. We dive into the relationship with Science and Faith, and why science can seem to be, at times, at odds with God. Dr. Sarah Salviander brings a unique perspective to the conversation, as we discuss creation, burden of proof, and the importance of looking into things for yourself. You won't want to mi...