The Common Good Podcast

(00:00-09:35): Michael Frost responded to the article “ 5 Reasons Socialism is Not Christian ” by Julie Roys with his piece titled “ 5 Reason Capitalism is Not Christain ”. Brian and Ian discuss the discourse.   (09:35-37:30): We are joined by Jesse Oxford, the creative director and founder of Ox Creative . He talks about his life in Chicago and the work his compa...

(00:00-09:06): Avoiding Coronavirus May Be a Luxury Some Workers Can’t Afford. A sick day? Remote work? Not so easy if your job is at a restaurant, a day care center or a construction site. Brian and Ian talk about how it is the job of the church and Christians to care for the sick and needy.  (09:06-18:08): Scott Sauls writes “ Jesus and Performance Fatigue ”. Brian and Ian...

(00:00-09:20): Brian covers this Relevant Magazine piece: “ Why One Christian CEO Made $70k His Company’s Minimum Wage ”. He discusses having a socialist mentality, without implementing a socialist government.  (09:20-18:10): Ellen Neuborne writes “ 6 Tips for Living on One Income ” in Parents Magazine. Your family can live comfortably with one working parent, an...

(00:00-09:13): Brian is on his own one last time and touches on the new fast-food chain entering the breakfast game. McDonald's is giving away free Egg McMuffins just as Wendy's launches breakfast . (09:13-18:30): Coronavirus, Christians, and a Christ-Centered Response , writes Ed Stetzer in Christianity Today. How we respond in times when we feel powerless may offer a greater opportunity for grow...

(00:00-08:48): “ If you drive an expensive car you're probably a jerk, scientists say .” writes Rob Picheta on CNN. Brian talks about this and touches on the recent mass shooting in Milwaukee.  (08:48-17:54): “ Democratic Christians Weigh Their Primary Concerns ”, writes Daniel Silliman in Christianity Today. The presidential contenders are wooing religious voters. How...

(00:00-09:07): Democrats Block Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in the Senate . Brian discusses this heartbreaking and disappointing news in the ever-growing battle against abortion.  (10:10-37:43): We are joined by author Dave Goetz. He is the president of CZ Strategy in Wheaton, a messaging and marketing agency. He talks about his journey into that aspect of his life, as well as...

(00:00-09:14): Americans should prepare for coronavirus crisis in U.S ., CDC says. Brian touches on this as well as the fact that the Dow dropped 1900 points in two days due to the disease.  (09:14-27:17): We are joined by Attorney and Partner at Mauck and Baker , John Mauck. He discusses his background and his mission as a peace-maker in the law field. He explains how he approaches litigatio...

(00:00-09:01): Man Who Saved Three Prison Guards Executed by Tennessee . Brian touches on this story of an inmate who was on death row and saved a guard. He was executed by the state of Tennessee. Should he have been? (09:01-18:22): Nate Pyle writes “ Why Christ wouldn't aspire to ‘Christic Manhood ’” in Religion News. Brian discusses the lack of tenderness in men. Jesus wa...

(00:00-09:36): Justin Bieber appeared in an interview with a renewed sense of Jesus and the purpose of faith. We listen to some of his remarks and reflect on his perspective on obedience.  (09:36-18:42): Report: L’Arche Founder Jean Vanier Abused Multiple Women. Independent investigation found at least six victims were coerced into sex by the celebrated Catholic leader, who died last ye...

(00:00-09:15): It has been two years since we lost one of the most prolific evangelists in human history, Billy Graham. He preached to over 200,000,000 people in his ministry years. Brian and Ian hear a piece of one of his sermons and reflect on the impact he had.  (09:15-18:56): CHANGE INTRO TO BUMPER! Author Natalie Brown is in studio to discuss her new book “ 52 Cups of Coffee: Weekl...

(00:00-09:12): The Democratic Debate featured some hostile moments including an opening attack on Mike Bloomberg from Elizabeth Warren .  (09:12-36:40): We are joined by pastor of Warehouse Church, Randy Schoof. He has served for 32 years since the church’s founding. His community-based ministry, Motorcycle Sunday, is celebrating its 20th year. He expresses his hope for the community of...

(00:00-09:36): Southern Baptists Disfellowship Church Over Abuse for the First Time . But victim advocates say the denomination hasn’t gone far enough. Ryan Newman released from hospital after horrific Daytona 500 crash . Rod Blagojevich thanks Trump and remains unbowed after commutation. Aubrey Huff on ban from Giants' World Series reunion over Twitter comments : 'I find it kind of hypocrit...

(00:00-09:57): NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman was involved in a serious crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 . He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Brian and Ian discuss the community and support he has received from other drivers as well as the update provided by NASCAR about his condition.  (09:57-39:48): We are joined by filmmaker, Jon Ross. He talks about his rich history o...

(00:00-9:39): It’s President’s Day, and Brian and Ian discuss festivities and ways they recognize the holiday. They talk about 16 Inspiring Quotes about Faith and the Bible from U.S. Presidents . (09:39-19:07): Even for Christians, Trump Has Become a Dating Deal-Breaker . More American couples set out to be “equally yoked” on political matters too. Brian and Ian discuss thi...

(00:00-08:50): Jeff Bezos drops record-breaking $165M on Beverly Hills home . No residence has ever surpassed Bezos' new home "in size, grandeur, or sheer glamour," according to one real estate expert. Brian and Ian discuss the immense wealth Bezos has acquired. (08:50-18:02): 5-Hour Rule: If you’re not spending 5 hours per week learning, you’re being irresponsible . Brian and Ian disc...

(00:00-09:33): Snoop Dogg apologizes to Gayle King for attack over Kobe Bryant sexual assault question . "I would like to apologize to you publicly for the language that I used and calling you out of your name and just being disrespectful." (09:33-19:15): New Harvard Research Says U.S. Christianity Is Not Shrinking, But Growing Stronger . Is churchgoing and religious adherence really in ‘wid...

(00:00-09:07): Brian and Ian discuss The spectacular collapse of Joe Biden as the Democrats’ front-runner , taken from a New York Post article by Ebony Bowden. Biden placed 5th place in New Hampshire receiving only 5% of the total votes.  (09:07-19:33): Jerry Falwell Jr. Trashes Romney Over Vote to Convict Trump : Like When Scar Betrayed Mufasa. He appeared on Fox News and described Rom...

(00:00-09:43): Vanessa Bryant expressed grief and anger in an Instagram post Monday as she copes with the deaths of her husband Kobe Bryant, their daughter Gigi and seven other people in a helicopter crash last month. Brian and Ian discussed this and the importance of expressing emotions during times of grief.  (09:43-37:54): We are joined by the Ministry Director for Alpha , John Wentz. He s...

(00:00-09:08): Yesterday was the deadliest day thus far in the Coronavirus epidemic, with nearly 100 deaths. Plus, Brian and Ian discuss the Rush Limbaugh situation with people expressing hurtful remarks towards the radio host .  (09:08-17:56): Sanders: ‘Being Pro-Choice Is An Essential Part’ Of Being A Democrat . The Vermont senator spoke Saturday morning at the “Our Rights...

(00:00-10:03): John Ortberg Investigated After Church Volunteer Confessed Attraction to Minors writes Bob Smietana in Christianity Today. Menlo Church said the senior pastor showed “poor judgment” in allowing the member to work with children and failing to notify other staff. (10:03-19:52): Christians are big on relationships, but weak on discipleship and evangelism . As pastors, Brian...

(00:00-09:30): No senator ever voted to remove a president of his party from office. Until Mitt Romney. In doing so, Romney torpedoed Trump’s assertion that his impeachment was wholly partisan. (09:30-18:54): Richard Villodas writes on Twitter “If the only religious liberty Christians fight for is Christianity, we have failed to love our neighbor as ourselves, as our Lord commanded us...

(00:00-09:48): Joaquin Phoenix's attack on Baftas for 'systemic racism' hailed by film industry . Actor’s speech addressing issues of diversity and reputation meets with ‘uncomfortable silence’ – and much praise. Brian and Ian listen to his speech and respond.  (09:48-19:13): Craig Groeschel: Why You Should Commit to Doing One Faith-Filled Act Each Day ” in Relev...

(00:00-09:19): Josh Daffern writes “ 3 Keys to Thriving in Modern-Day Babylon ” in Patheos. Brian and Ian discuss how we can find inspiration in Old Testament heroes like Daniel, who not only survived but thrived in a foreign culture (Babylon) that didn’t even pretend to hold to Scripture. (09:19-18:19): We live in a time where we see unfortunate abuse of power in church leadersh...

(00:00-10:07): Chiefs are Superbowl champs for the first time in their history. Brian and Ian listen to their favorite commercial, and touch briefly on the power of sentimental ads. John W. Whitehead writes “ The Super Bowl’s Biggest Losers: The Boys and Girls Being Sold for Sex 20 Times a Day .” (10:07-29:52): We are joined by Dr. Curtis J. Sartor, the Associate Vice President f...

(00:00-09:13): Modern Family: Average Parent Spends Just 5 Hours Face-To-Face With Their Kids Per Week. Brian and Ian discuss the importance of spending ample time with their kids. They also focus on quality as much as quantity. (09:13-18:45): The Hidden Cost of Tax Exemption . Churches may someday lose their tax-exempt status. Would that be as bad as it sounds? This would change the landscape of...