The Common Good Podcast

Brian From reflects on how an AI-generated “viral” photo reminds us to slow down, verify what we share, and resist outrage bait online. Then, a surprise detour into ’90s worship music becomes a meaningful prompt to remember God’s past faithfulness and let gratitude fuel the present. The hour closes with a challenge: personality tests don’t excuse a lack of spiritual f...

Brian From talks with James Barnett, CEO of Come and See, the nonprofit behind The Chosen , about the vision to finish all seven seasons and translate the series into 600 languages so it can be shared around the world for free. Barnett shares powerful stories of the show’s global impact—from unexpected conversions to discipleship opportunities in places far beyond the U.S.—and ex...

Brian From welcomes March as a “month of hope,” while soberly reflecting on the frightening reality of war and turning listeners’ attention to Jesus—the firm foundation and the coming King who will bring an end to conflict. He then unpacks a weekend social-media firestorm around a John Piper Leviticus tweet, using it as a window into how outrage culture distorts Christian w...

Brian From talks with Gospel Coalition writer Sarah Zylstra about surprising signs of spiritual engagement among Gen Z. Though statistically the most secular generation, pockets of young adults are showing deeper curiosity about Christianity, filling chapels, memorizing Scripture, and pursuing serious faith. It’s a hopeful conversation about cultural shifts, quiet revival, and what this mome...

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In to break down I Can Only Imagine 2 and why its focus on marriage, illness, and everyday faith may resonate even more than the original. They also explore the growing “Chosen universe” phenomenon and whether Dallas Jenkins can sustain the momentum of one of Christian entertainment’s biggest success stories. The episode wraps with a l...

Brian From reflects on encouraging financial news before reminding listeners that true security isn’t found in mortgage rates or markets, but in Christ who never fluctuates. He walks through the “money-back guarantees” of the gospel from Romans 5—peace with God, access to grace, hope, assurance, and reconciliation—celebrating the unshakable blessings believers receive...

Brian From talks with Focus on the Family counselor Glenn Lutjens about why money can become such a flashpoint in marriage—and how couples can move from tension to teamwork. They explore practical tools like creating a “spending plan,” setting regular money conversations, teaching kids biblical financial principles, and cultivating generosity together. It’s a candid, grace-...

Brian From sits down with Mark Boone, owner of All Citizens Lending, to talk about navigating today’s confusing housing market with clarity and confidence. Mark shares how his faith shapes his approach to mortgage lending, why education—not pressure—is key for buyers, and what first-time homeowners need to know before they start shopping. It’s a hopeful, practical conversat...

Brian From wrestles with whether capital punishment belongs in the abortion debate and why a consistent pro-life ethic must extend from womb to tomb. He explores the historicity of the resurrection, asks what Christians would do if extraterrestrial life were discovered, and reflects on the difference between doubt and unbelief. Plus, a pastoral reminder that when dreams fall apart, contentment isn...

Brian From explores how churches can cultivate a truly inviting culture—starting not with programs, but with leaders who model evangelism and community themselves. He reflects candidly on lingering bitterness from personal hardship, the character revealed in everyday moments (like how we treat a waiter), and the spiritual discipline of persistent prayer. The hour closes with a powerful chall...

Brian From reflects on the spectacle of the State of the Union, the sobering four-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, and the unifying power of Olympic gold. He challenges the church to resist celebrity culture, reject political labels attached to Christianity, and pursue true unity rooted in Christ alone. The hour closes with a powerful question: would heaven still be heaven if Jesus weren&rs...

Brian From talks with Jon Jorgenson, associate pastor of Soul City Church, about his unexpected journey from acting and musical theater to pastoral ministry. Jon shares how authentic community, discipleship, and a hunger for God’s presence shaped both his calling and the culture of Soul City in Chicago’s West Loop. Together they reflect on what God is doing in the city today—high...

Brian From reflects on the joy of a classic snow day, celebrates Team USA’s Winter Olympic success, and wrestles with a cultural shift toward radical self-focus and independence. He shares a moving meditation on Christian funerals after attending the service of a young mother, exploring how believers hold grief and resurrection hope in tension. Brian also challenges listeners to break out of...

Brian From talks with Bill Arbuckle of Focus on the Family about practical ways couples can strengthen their marriages in the year ahead. From responding to small “bids for connection” to prioritizing regular date nights and addressing deeper wounds with forgiveness and support, Bill shares simple but powerful habits that build lasting intimacy. The conversation also tackles the rise o...

Brian From talks with Pastor Greg Armstrong of Renew Church in downtown Westmont about the journey from seven people in a living room to a thriving neighborhood congregation. Greg shares the highs and lows of church planting, the lessons learned through perseverance and the pandemic, and why they see themselves as joining God’s ongoing story in their community. The conversation highlights Re...

Brian From talks with author and counselor Ed Welch about his new book The Humility Project for Men . Together they explore why humility is often misunderstood as weakness, how pride shows up as insecurity and self-protection, and why true strength begins with listening to God. Ed offers practical, gospel-centered steps for cultivating humility—reminding men that real honor and contentment a...

Brian From explores a creative twist on retirement after a Tennessee couple trades traditional living for life aboard cruise ships—raising bigger questions about money, calling, and contentment. He reflects on troubling headlines and cultural darkness, then turns to the inspiring faith of former Senator Ben Sasse as he faces terminal cancer with gospel-centered hope. From AI-driven career un...

On this Ash Wednesday edition of The Common Good , Brian From reflects on the meaning of Lent and why repentance, mortality, and preparation matter as we journey toward Easter. He tackles everything from political cruelty and cultural confusion to the power of Scripture, the need for play and rest, and how to share truth in a “live your truth” world. Through it all, Brian points listen...

Brian From reflects on what it truly means to live as an ambassador of Christ and how intentional spiritual growth shapes both our witness and our character. He explores the “10,000 hours” principle, asks whether struggling Christians should abstain from communion, and considers the reality of spiritual warfare in light of Christ’s victory. From cultural debates about longevity a...

On this Presidents Day edition of The Common Good , Brian Fromm shares surprising facts about the holiday, reflects on government dysfunction, and explores what a stunning Olympic collapse reveals about pressure and identity. He unpacks new research suggesting that worrying about aging may actually accelerate it, and challenges listeners to consider how anxiety, burnout, and misplaced hope shape o...

Brian From is joined by Dr. Peter Larson of WinShape Marriage to talk about why dating your spouse shouldn’t stop after the wedding day. They unpack practical, doable guidelines—from putting dates on the calendar and unplugging from technology to focusing on progress over perfection—that can help couples stay connected in the midst of busy family life. The conversation offers a h...

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In to break down this week’s entertainment headlines, from Steph Curry’s animated sports comedy GOAT to a surprisingly explicit new adaptation of Wuthering Heights . They also discuss the violent, spiritually murky animated film Scarlet and what parents should know before heading to the theater. The conversation wraps with reflections on Sup...

Brian From reflects on Olympic downhill skiers hurtling down the mountain at 70 miles an hour and challenges listeners to consider where God may be calling them to step out in bold faith rather than timid caution. From a false school alarm that exposed how little control we truly have, to a personal wrestling with bitterness and forgiveness, Brian explores what it means to trust the Lord in uncert...

Brian From reconnects with longtime friend and former youth group student Brad Wetherell, now lead pastor of The Orchard, to talk about calling, mentorship, and stepping into leadership after a respected predecessor. Brad shares how a hunger for God’s Word shapes the DNA of their six-campus church and reflects on the intentional transition that followed years of investment and team-based lea...

Brian From is joined by Emily Washburn of The Daily Citizen to examine the rapid rise of online sports betting and prediction markets in the wake of the Super Bowl. The conversation explores how gambling platforms use data analytics to target vulnerable users, why young men are especially susceptible, and how “prediction markets” blur the line between investing and betting. Together th...