The Common Good Podcast

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In to break down a buzzworthy new sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling and whether it’s worth a trip to the theater. They also explore a new wave of faith-based content, including a series highlighting women of the Bible and the growing influence of shows like The Chosen . With practical insights for families navigating entertainment choices, this ep...

Brian From dives into the excitement of March Madness, a viral story of a faith-driven college basketball player, and the staggering costs families are paying for youth sports. He also reflects on personal moments—from watching his kids play to a powerful chapel message—and the deeper truths about identity, love, and faith that shape everyday life. From cultural headlines to spiritual...

Brian From is joined by Steve Shwetz of Through the Bible to explore the remarkable longevity and global impact of a ministry that continues decades after J. Vernon McGee’s passing. As the program prepares to begin a new five-year journey through Scripture, Shwetz invites listeners to “hop on the Bible bus” and experience God’s Word in a simple, daily rhythm. From powerful...

Brian From reacts to rising gas prices and everyday affordability struggles, acknowledging the real anxiety many feel while pointing listeners toward contentment and trust in God’s provision. He reflects on the life and legacy of John Perkins, challenging Christians to live as witnesses marked by reconciliation, unity, and love in a divided culture. From handling disagreement with grace to r...

Brian From reflects on a moment of cultural mockery toward a Christian athlete and what it reveals about how faith is often viewed in today’s world. He also explores new research showing that belief in the soul and the afterlife remains widespread, creating opportunities for deeper spiritual conversations. Along the way, Fromm highlights a viral Gen Z trend that mirrors ancient biblical prac...

Brian From reflects on a powerful story of injustice to wrestle with one of life’s hardest questions: what do we do when things simply aren’t fair? He also explores modern challenges facing Christians, from navigating youth sports and church commitments to discerning spiritual authority and avoiding manipulation in faith communities. Throughout the episode, Fromm weaves together practi...

Brian From reflects on a snowy Midwest morning, a memorable night taking his daughter to see Hamilton , and the fleeting moments that shape family life. He also honors the legacy of evangelical leader John Perkins, celebrates stories of faith in action, and reacts to everything from March Madness to viral internet headlines. Along the way, Fromm encourages listeners to slow down, embrace rest, and...

Brian From talks with Orchard Church pastor Brad Wetherell about his new book Saved to Sin No More and the powerful biblical doctrine of union with Christ. Wetherell explains how this often-overlooked truth shapes a Christian’s identity, empowers the fight against sin, and reframes the believer’s relationship with holiness. The conversation also explores why community, church life, and...

Brian From talks with mortgage broker Mark Boone of All Citizens Lending about the current housing market, falling interest rates, and what buyers and sellers should consider as the spring season begins. Boone explains how economic factors affect mortgage rates and why early conversations with a lending professional can help families prepare for major financial decisions. The discussion also explo...

Brian From talks with Plugged In’s Adam Holz about the state of movies and entertainment as the Oscars approach. They discuss the Plugged In Movie Awards, why many Oscar-nominated films feel disconnected from mainstream audiences, and how streaming, rising costs, and massive home TVs are reshaping the moviegoing experience. The conversation also looks ahead to an upcoming documentary explori...

Brian From reflects on headlines shaping the week, from acts of bravery after a synagogue attack to cultural shifts affecting restaurants, entertainment, and daily life. He also celebrates the global impact of The Chosen while warning about troubling examples of spiritual manipulation and false prophecy within Christian circles. The episode closes with a thoughtful reminder that faith is not about...

Brian From talks with Plugged In’s Paul Asay about the second annual ScreenFast, a challenge encouraging families to step away from unnecessary screen time for a week. Asay explains how constant scrolling and entertainment can quietly erode relationships and why even a short break from devices can reveal healthier ways to spend time with family and with God. The conversation offers practical...

Brian From reflects on a range of stories shaping today’s culture, from the growing wave of scams targeting Americans to debates about Bible prophecy and current events in the Middle East. Along the way he reacts to lighter headlines like alleged Bigfoot sightings and over-the-top celebrity celebrations, while also encouraging listeners to stay grounded in discernment and biblical wisdom. Th...

Brian From talks with Gospel Coalition writer Sarah Zylstra about the surprising resurgence of church planting after years of decline. Zylstra explains how earlier church planting movements often burned out leaders but also paved the way for healthier systems, stronger networks, and better support for new pastors today. The conversation explores why planting new churches continues to be a powerful...

Brian From talks with Faith to Action Executive Director Elli Oswald about new research showing how Christians are generously supporting orphanages around the world—but why that approach may not always produce the best outcomes for children. Oswald explains how most children in orphanages actually have living family members and how strengthening families and communities often leads to health...

Brian From reflects on a viral debate about what pastors’ social media accounts should look like, pushing back on the idea that every post must demonstrate “substance.” He also explores cultural conversations about nostalgia, screen time, and why so many people today wrestle with questions about meaning and purpose in life. Along the way, Fromm weighs in on everything from marria...

Brian From talks with author Becky Harling about her new book FriendWise and the simple habits that help cultivate meaningful friendships. Drawing from her own cancer journey, Harling explains how intentional listening, empathy, and laughter can transform relationships in a culture facing a growing loneliness epidemic. The conversation offers practical encouragement for anyone longing for deeper c...

Brian From speaks with evangelist Monte Watts Jr. about a remarkable collection of more than 400 antique Bibles and historic texts that trace the preservation and translation of Scripture from the 1200s to today. Watts explains how the collection highlights the careful work of scribes, translators, and martyrs who sacrificed to ensure the Bible could be read and trusted across generations. The con...

Brian From reflects on a range of cultural moments—from the NBA shutting down an Atlanta Hawks promotion tied to a strip club to a university president losing his job after an inappropriate relationship—and what they reveal about a culture that often ignores the Bible’s call to flee from sexual immorality. Along the way, he wrestles with faith and politics, discusses why Christia...

Brian From reflects on everything from wild conspiracy theories and political culture to the deeper spiritual questions they reveal about control, truth, and faith. Along the way, he explores stories of grace, including a grieving wife asking prosecutors to spare the teens involved in her husband’s tragic death. The episode closes with a call to prepare our hearts for Easter—rememberin...

Brian From speaks with Focus on the Family issues analyst Zachary Mettler about a high-profile case involving an Indiana teacher who was fired after refusing to use students’ preferred pronouns for religious reasons. The teacher offered a compromise—addressing students by last names—but was dismissed and later won a $650,000 settlement after arguing his rights to religious freedo...

Brian From is joined by Plugged In’s Adam Holz to break down Pixar’s new film Hoppers , a quirky animated adventure with an environmental message, some surprising intensity, and a premise that may be harder to love than most Pixar favorites. They also dive into Scream 7 , reflecting on the franchise’s staying power, the nostalgia factor that keeps audiences coming back, and what...

Brian From reflects on the challenges of everyday life—from unexpected financial setbacks to the deeper question of what it means to live a “worthwhile life.” Along the way, he explores stories about humility, admitting mistakes, and the power of meaningful conversations that can even change someone’s mind. The episode also highlights faith in difficult circumstances and wh...

This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of living out faith authentically, the significance of Easter, and the importance of worship focused on God. It also touches on current events, cultural reflections, and practical faith applications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From takes a sobering look at recent headlines involving church leaders, asking whether the church is losing the battle for integrity and what it means to truly represent Christ. He also explores a viral debate about whether loud children belong in worship services and reflects on the deeper call for families to prioritize gathering together at church. The episode closes with a challenge fro...