The Common Good Podcast

Brian From reflects on the legacy of James Van Der Beek and the sobering revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, asking whether the so-called “culture wars” are masking deeper moral and spiritual realities. Drawing from Russell Moore’s analysis and the book of Philippians, Brian challenges listeners to move beyond outrage and partisanship toward a life anchored in Christ. The ep...

Brian From speaks with Heather Rice-Minus, the president and CEO of Prison Fellowship, as they celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary. They discuss the mission of Prison Fellowship, its founding by Chuck Colson, the spiritual revivals occurring within prisons, and the future initiatives aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. Heather emphasizes the importance of chu...

Brian From reflects on our struggle with control—from traffic jams to life’s unexpected upheavals—and reminds listeners that true peace comes from trusting the God who is sovereign over it all. The episode weaves together cultural moments, from Survivor contestants unplugging from technology to public reminders of sin’s consequences, pointing back to the enduring hope found...

Brian From reconnects with Randy Schoof, pastor of Warehouse Church in Aurora, to hear the remarkable story of how God transformed a troubled teenager into a pastor leading an unconventional, Christ-centered community. Randy shares how a simple Bible study in a warehouse grew into a church known for reaching people on the margins, including musicians, bikers, and those far from traditional church...

Brian From is joined by author and speaker Arlene Pellicane to talk about National Marriage Week and why intentionality matters so much in long-term relationships. Arlene shares practical, hopeful ways couples can move beyond simply coexisting and rediscover connection, purpose, and joy—especially in seasons like parenting transitions and empty nesting. The conversation encourages couples to...

Brian From is joined by Pastor Aaron Byers of Calvary Christian Church in Royal Oak, Michigan to talk about legacy, calling, and what it means to pastor a truly family-centered church. Aaron shares his journey from business into ministry, his experience stepping into leadership after his father, and why investing deeply in kids and community is essential in a fragmented, lonely culture. The conver...

Brian From reflects on what it truly means to affirm the image of God in every person, drawing on Karen Swallow Prior’s call to be pro-life from the womb to the tomb and beyond partisan categories. The hour also challenges Christians to recover the primacy of Scripture in an age of distraction, urging believers to become people shaped not by slogans or brands, but by sustained engagement wit...

Brian From reflects on a whirlwind of cultural moments—from Super Bowl outrage and social media fatigue to a sobering story of a faithful pastor who died suddenly after preaching the gospel. Along the way, he wrestles with big questions about urgency, suffering, contentment in a cost-of-living crisis, and a provocative Christianity Today debate over wine versus grape juice in communion. The...

Brian From is joined in studio by Darius Holland, whose remarkable journey took him from professional football to pastoral ministry and ultimately into U.S. Army chaplaincy. Darius shares how chasing success in the NFL left him empty, and how walking with soldiers through pain, purpose, and faith has become his true calling. The conversation offers a powerful look at spiritual life in the military...

Brian From sits down with Tommy Thompson, pastor of Ashburn Baptist Church, to talk about calling, obedience, and the unexpected journey that brought a Florida pastor to Chicago. Tommy shares how Ashburn has become a hub for church revitalization, helping declining congregations rediscover mission and new life across the Chicagoland area. The conversation is both hopeful and urgent, offering encou...

Brian From is joined by singer and worship leader Sarah Scarborough McLaughlin to talk about a special benefit concert supporting Pastor Mark Kaufman and his family as they walk through a cancer journey. Sarah shares her heart for worship, songwriting, and why coming alongside people in tangible ways during seasons of suffering matters so deeply. The conversation highlights the power of music, com...

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In for a wide-ranging conversation about what’s worth watching right now—and why discernment matters more than ever. They discuss a surprisingly sweet Kevin James rom-com, a new Amazon series that offers a raw and honest look at a pastor’s family in crisis, and a challenging film that confronts the reality of human trafficking with sob...

Brian From takes on the controversy surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show and questions the habit of framing entertainment choices as moral battles rather than matters of wisdom and discernment. He then turns to a sobering reflection on Bible literacy, responding to a powerful essay by Jen Wilkin that challenges churches to stop lowering the bar and start forming true disciples who know Scriptu...

Brian From is joined by longtime friend and Wheaton College classmate Marcus Nelson, senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in downtown Wheaton, to talk about calling, ministry, and the surprising journey that brought Marcus back to where it all began. Marcus shares what he loves most about being a pastor, the unique spirit and community of St. John, and why an “ordinary” Christian...

Brian From reflects on a striking modern-day echo of Ecclesiastes after a revealing comment from the world’s richest man reminds us that wealth can’t deliver meaning or happiness. He explores why chasing money, power, or pleasure ultimately leaves us empty, pointing instead to reverence for God as the true source of contentment. The conversation then turns to the danger of misusing Scr...

Brian From unpacks why church hopping often reflects consumer instincts rather than commitment, and why putting down roots—even in imperfect churches—matters for spiritual growth. He then turns to Super Bowl week and the explosive rise of sports betting, weighing cultural normalization against real financial, relational, and spiritual dangers, especially for young men. The episode roun...

Brian From talks with Reverend Joel Hess of St. James Chicago Church and School about his unexpected path into ministry and the joy of proclaiming the gospel as a completely free gift. Joel shares what he’s seeing on the ground in Chicago, where Gen Z is showing renewed curiosity about historic faith, real community, and truth that isn’t performative or partisan. The conversation explo...

Brian From reflects on family, faith, and the moments that quietly shape who we become—from a powerful weekend witnessing his daughter’s testimony to the enduring nostalgia of The Wonder Years . He explores what true transformation looks like through Jelly Roll’s bold Grammy testimony, asks hard questions about work-life balance, youth sports, and misplaced priorities, and challe...

Brian From talks with Kyle Isabelli, lead pastor of Avenue Christian Church, about stepping into senior leadership at a young age—and doing so just as the pandemic upended everything. Kyle shares how preaching through the book of Romans has sparked honest, healthy conversations about unity, judgment, government, and disagreement in a deeply divided cultural moment. The discussion ultimately...

Brian From talks with John Kuhfahl, Associate Campus Pastor at The Chapel’s Grayslake campus, about leaving a decades-long career in the pharmaceutical industry to step into ministry. John shares how his business background now fuels the Chapel Care Center, the largest food pantry and clothing closet in Lake County, and how serving tangible needs has reshaped the church’s culture and m...

Brian From talks with Pastor Jonathan Bergemann of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Downers Grove about leading a congregation through the aftermath of a devastating church fire. Jonathan shares how displacement, uncertainty, and worshiping as nomads clarified what truly defines the church—not programs or buildings, but the unchanging gospel and deep personal relationships. The conversation...

Brian From sits down with Jonathan Masters of Park Community Church to talk about pastoring in a city defined by constant movement, change, and opportunity. Jonathan explains Park’s unique model as a family of interdependent churches, the beauty and tension of shared leadership, and why seeing others grow in their gifts brings him the greatest joy. Together, they offer a hopeful picture of w...

Brian From reflects on the surprising rise in Bible engagement through The Bible Recap and what it reveals about a deeper hunger for God’s Word and a belief in a God who does immeasurably more than we can imagine. He then turns to a sobering spiritual question—what could we ever do to repay our debt to Christ—exploring grace, gratitude, and why the answer is ultimately nothing at...

Brian From sits down with Philip Miller, senior pastor of Moody Church, to talk about his unexpected calling into ministry and what it’s like to shepherd one of Chicago’s most historic congregations. Philip reflects on preaching through the pandemic, leading a deeply diverse church, and staying faithful without being overwhelmed by the weight of legacy. The conversation highlights the...

Brian From sits down with Steve Carter, lead pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook, to talk about calling, leadership, and stepping into a historic church with deep roots and a strong legacy. Steve shares what he loves most about pastoring, the unique DNA of Christ Church, and how presence, character, and faithful shepherding shape a healthy congregation. The conversation closes with a powerful pas...