The Common Good Podcast

Brian From moves from heartwarming viral stories and frigid-weather musings to deeper reflections on habits, comparison, and the spiritual “ice” that keeps us from seeing clearly. He wrestles with cultural debates—from extravagant church Christmas productions to surprising zoo controversies—while continually inviting listeners back to the hope, clarity, and stability found...

Brian From speaks with Jeff Bradford, CEO and President of Human Coalition, about the organization’s frontline work reaching women who believe abortion is their only option and providing them with compassionate, practical support. Bradford explains how Human Coalition combines medical care, social services, technology, and church partnerships to remove barriers and empower women to choose li...

Brian From navigates a wide range of stories—from surprising statistics about self-checkout theft to personal reflections on aging, snowy weekends, and the rhythms of the holiday season—before turning to deeper spiritual truths. Drawing from Scripture, he highlights how God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes and reminds listeners of the importance of remembran...

Brian From talks with evangelist and author Ray Comfort about his two new books— Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible and Jesus Amplified —and the surprising ways biblical missteps teach us about God’s patience, human nature, and spiritual wisdom. Comfort reflects on decades of daily Scripture immersion, the richness of the Amplified Bible, and why understanding Jesus’ wo...

Brian From welcomes Barry Meguiar—entrepreneur, TV host, and founder of Ignite America—to discuss why every Christian can confidently share their faith and why the world is more spiritually open than we think. Meguiar’s contagious passion challenges believers to love people boldly, trust the Holy Spirit’s leading, and live each day with eternity in mind. Their conversation...

Brian From sits down with longtime Focus on the Family counselor Rob Jackson to talk about why the Christmas season can intensify grief, loneliness, and emotional struggle for so many. Jackson offers practical wisdom on healthy coping, supporting loved ones, and dismantling unhelpful Christian stigmas around sadness, counseling, and mental health. Their conversation provides compassionate guidance...

Brian From sits down with Betsy Wright, Senior Director of Angel Tree at Prison Fellowship, to explore how this Christ-centered program supports children with incarcerated parents during the Christmas season. Wright explains how Angel Tree strengthens family bonds, breaks cycles of trauma, and connects hurting families with local churches for ongoing care. Their conversation highlights the powerfu...

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the whirlwind of the season, the pressures of time, and the importance of being fully present in the moments God has given us. He addresses the sobering economic realities many listeners are facing—rising layoffs, a frozen housing market, financial strain—and reminds us why the good news of Christ’s arrival is still “good news...

Brian From sits down with pastor and author Isaac Serrano to discuss his new book When Life Feels Empty , which explores why so many people today—especially younger generations—struggle to find purpose despite material comfort. Serrano unpacks the cultural pull toward materialism, the spiritual hunger it leaves unresolved, and seven ancient Christian practices that help reorient life t...

Brian From welcomes bestselling author and former Chicago journalist Lee Strobel to discuss his new book The Case for Christmas and why he believes the story of Jesus’ birth is historically trustworthy. Strobel reflects on his own journey from atheism to faith, the role of evidence in belief, and why Christmas is a uniquely powerful moment for spiritual conversations. The conversation also v...

Brian Fromm opens the show with a remarkable story of online generosity, as strangers raise over $1.4 million to help an 88-year-old Army veteran finally retire with dignity. He then reflects on why choosing the “hard way” in life—spiritually, relationally, and personally—often becomes the path to lasting peace. The episode closes with insights on identity and Advent longin...

Brian From welcomes Lois Stewart, Education Executive for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS, to discuss the mission and impact of more than 70 Lutheran schools across Chicagoland. Stewart shares how these schools keep Christ at the center while delivering rigorous academics, accredited programs, and safe, nurturing environments for students. She also offers guidance for families weighing...

Brian From talks with Dan Dean of the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean as they prepare for their upcoming Christmas concert in Tinley Park. Dan reflects on the group’s unexpected rise in the early ’90s, the moments that shaped their ministry, and why Christmas music continues to be such a joy to perform. He also teases some of the stories and songs audiences can expect during...

Brian From talks with pastor and professor Ryan Tinnetti about his new book, The Quiet Ambition , which explores Scripture’s invitation to step out of the frantic pace of modern life and into a life shaped by the gospel. Ryan unpacks what it means to “live quietly,” build holy habits of stillness, and resist the pressures of constant striving and comparison. The episode offers pr...

In their weekly conversation, Brian From and Plugged In’s Adam Holz break down the cultural phenomenon of  Stranger Things as the series enters its final season. Adam explains the show’s blend of nostalgia, horror, and heroic storytelling—along with the content concerns parents should weigh before letting kids watch. They also explore why the series resonates so deeply and h...

Author and creator Hillary Phillips joins Brian From to talk about her new book, My Brain While Reading the Bible , a witty and heartfelt look at encountering Scripture with honesty, humor, and curiosity. Hillary shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood and spiritual confusion to discovering a deeply personal faith shaped by authenticity and God’s grace. She also offers encouragement f...

On this Giving Tuesday, Brian From is joined by Aniela Chis of Human Coalition for a candid and compassionate conversation about supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies. Aniela shares how Human Coalition reaches abortion-minded women online, provides practical and emotional support, and helps them choose life by changing the circumstances that make parenting feel impossible. She also opens u...

On this episode of The Common Good , Brian From reflects on Giving Tuesday, the meaning of generosity, and why our response to God’s grace shapes how we give. He then tackles a growing debate in Christian circles—whether sending kids to public school is sinful—and offers a pastoral perspective rooted in freedom, wisdom, and family discernment. Finally, Brian explores how digital...

Brian From talks with pastor and YouTuber Tim Wildsmith about his new book, The Daily Scripture Guidebook , designed to help readers engage the entire Bible in 52 weeks with clarity and confidence. Wildsmith explains how context, structure, and community can turn a daunting reading plan into a transformative daily rhythm. He also shares insights from his popular Bible-focused YouTube channel and o...

Brian From returns after a snowy Thanksgiving weekend to reflect on control, contentment, and the rhythms that shape our lives heading into Christmas. From chaotic holiday travel to Cyber Monday pressures, he challenges listeners to rediscover rest, generosity, and trust in God amid a culture of busyness and consumerism. The episode weaves together personal stories, biblical encouragement, and pra...

Brian From welcomes John Plake from the American Bible Society to unpack the latest State of the Bible survey and what it shows about faith, flourishing, and identity across generations. Plake explains why Bible-engaged people report dramatically higher well-being, how church community strengthens personal identity—especially for Gen Z—and why young adults are showing renewed curiosity...

Brian From talks with Adam Holz from Plugged In about the biggest films arriving over Thanksgiving weekend and how families can think critically about the worldviews behind them. Holz breaks down the buzz around Wicked: For Good , previews Zootopia 2 , and offers guidance on helping kids engage entertainment thoughtfully rather than passively. He also shares his favorite Christmas movies as the ho...

Brian From speaks with Samaritan Aviation founder Mark Palm about the organization’s extraordinary work flying medical rescue missions into some of the most remote regions of Papua New Guinea. Palm shares how seaplanes have become a lifeline for villages days away from the nearest hospital—and an unexpected doorway for sharing hope and the gospel. He also invites listeners to watch Sal...

Brian From talks with campus outreach leader Tony Dentman about an unexpected surge of spiritual openness and commitment among students at the University of Illinois Chicago and beyond. Dentman describes a season unlike any he’s seen in eight years—marked by foundational questions, newfound hunger for Scripture, and students boldly sharing their faith. He also reflects on why this move...

Brian From speaks with Dave Anderson, child psychologist and founder of Safe Families, about the organization’s mission to support isolated parents before crises escalate. Anderson explains how Safe Families mobilizes volunteers to temporarily host children, mentor parents, and provide relational support that keeps families together. With the holidays approaching—a difficult season for...