The Common Good Podcast

(00:00-08:56): On eve of Manhattan sex assault trial, Harvey Weinstein charged with 2013 attacks on women in Los Angeles . Brian and Ian talk about abuse of power and how this story has surged the movement of women’s fight against sexual abuse in the film industry.  (08:56-18:39): “ Dads now spend 3 times as much time with their kids than previous generations ” writes Heathe...

We are joined by Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He is a featured speaker at the March For Life Chicago on Saturday January 11. He talks about the sanctity of all life, especially unborn children of who the march is aiming to fight for.  The March For Life is building upon the success of the march and rally, the March for Life Chicago partnere...

(00:00-08:59): HAPPY 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! One year ago today, The Common Good took to the airwaves. Brian and Ian reflect and reminisce on their favorite moments throughout 2019. They also listen to their first show intro from a year ago. Oh how they’ve grown. (08:59-18:09): “ 3 Things to Do When Your Life Doesn’t Match Your Plan ” writes Grant Reynolds in Relevant Magazine...

(00:00-09:10): Ian is back! He and Brian discuss Epiphany and how significant it is as Christians and church leaders. He references articles from Transforming Center and Patheos . Epiphany highlights the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, that is, to the Magi or wise men from the East. (09:10-34:48): We are joined by church planter and director of NewThing, Eric Metcalf. He talks about how ma...

(00:00-08:53): Scott Sauls Tweeted “For us preachers, the longer it takes people to figure out where we stand on politics, in all likelihood the more faithfully we are preaching Jesus.” Brian responds to it.  (08:53-18:06): K.J. Ramsey writes in Christianity Today “ There’s No Shame When A Miracle Doesn’t Come : God didn’t #WakeUpOlive, but the gospel teach...

(00:00-08:55): Brian is flying solo today in the first new show of 2020. He references some life verses about new birth, rejuvenating relationships, and abiding in the love Christ. They are encouraging and drive new faith in the new year. (08:55-18:00): The Most Life-Changing New Year’s Resolution Won’t Come Easy . Brian touches on this Christianity Today article by Jarvis Williams tha...

(00:00-09:13):  Chinese Megachurch Torn Down During Worship Service . Brian and Ian touch on the condition and climate of religious oppression in China. The article in Stream says the pastors were arrested for “disturbing the social order”. (09:13-18:29): Atheist Richard Dawkins Says God Informs Morality, Ending Religion Would Be a Bad Idea . Brian and Ian talk about the inherent...

(00:00-09:25): Happy New Year’s Eve! Brian and Ian take some time to reflect on the year that passed (with the show, their families, and churches). They also look forward to what 2020 may bring. (09:25-19:11): Brian and Ian discuss “ 8 Simple Phrases We Use To Handle Misbehavior In The Little Years ” by This Simple Balance. They talk about alternatives to spanking by speaking dis...

(00:00-09:21):  Things Jesus Never Said : In the history of humankind, few people have been as misquoted as Jesus. Brian and Ian discuss this Relevant article by Michael Hidalgo about the misrepresentations of the words of Jesus.  (09:21-18:47): To my child-free friends—I might have to say ‘no,’ but please still invite me . As parents, Brian and Ian discuss losing free...

(00:00-09:54): Austin Massey, co-owner of Viator Coffee Cart , joins the show for the hour. He discusses his background and journey to operating a coffee cart. He ties in the readings of Paul and how serving others is what Christ calls us to do.  (09:54-20:24): Austin discusses the difficulties in deciding to open his own business. He thought he had an investor on the line, but he backed out...

(00:00-10:35): Do we need to re-imagine evangelism ? Ed Stetzer writes about his take on different and new approaches to those we witness to. Brian and Ian discuss how people view evangelists and how they encounter those who they want to talk to. (10:35-21:04): Why does Hillsong appeal to communist-centered Budapest, as well as Post-Church Seattle? Brian and Ian touch on the theology of worship an...

(00:00-10:23): 7-year-old boy living in a domestic violence shelter asks Santa for 'good dad' . Ian and Brian discuss this heartbreaking story in the wake of a holiday that we sometimes take for granted. "Blake's story is like every story we see,"..."The problem is so pervasive." (10:23-19:51): Community Pastor Ted Coniaris of Christian Community Church in Downers Grove joins Ian for the rest of t...

(00:00-10:24): Santa Rethinks 'Naughty or Nice' in W+K's Remarkable Mental Health Ad . Brian and Ian listen to a dramatic take on how we view naughty and nice kids. Are we punishing kids for coming into their own, or going through emotionally toiling times?  (10:24-20:23): We are joined again by Todd Chatman to talk about the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. For just $82, you can feed an entire...

(00:00-09:20): In an article by The Happy Givers , there is an important distinction between guiding and leading, and controlling. Control can be categorized as an addiction and Brian and Ian touch on how convicting it is as a leader.  (09:20-18:45):  “ Knowing God’s Love is Impossible, ” Derek Rishmawy writes in Christianity Today. Ian remarks about his mom’s hom...

(00:00-09:12): Welcome to America, the land of the perpetually whiny and offended . We have touched on cancel culture before, but this USA Today article takes more of a critical take as it states “the left and right are demanding that anyone who annoys them be cast out of polite society.”  (09:12-18:21): People Who Decorate for Christmas Earlier Are Happier, According to a Psychol...

(00:00-09:24): ‘You’ve got to call out evil,’ says pastor of church with Nativity scene separated in cages . Brian and Ian touch on this Religion News story and discuss the fine line between crossing politics and religion.  (09:24-18:50): Jim Davis writes “ Fruitful Ministry In a Changing Age ”. Brian and Ian touch on how ministry and outreach has changed for bet...

(00:00-09:43): Michael Vick will still be honored at Pro Bowl amid pushback, Commissioner Roger Goodell says. Brian and Ian discuss this situation, as well as the qualifications of leadership. While he has paid his dues, is Vick disqualified from a leadership role? (09:43-19:06): When 6th graders can access rape porn on their smartphones, school becomes toxic. We’ve been talking about the da...

(00:00-08:49): Peloton ad actress speaks out about her viral infamy . "To say I was shocked and overwhelmed by the attention this week (especially the negative) is an understatement," said the actress, Monica Ruiz. Brian and Ian discuss this bizarre phenomenon. (08:49-17:58): “ I’m a 37-Year-Old Mom & I Spent Seven Days Online as an 11-Year-Old Girl. Here’s What I Learned &rd...

We are joined by founder of EddieWouldGrow LLC , Eddie Yoon. He discusses the mission behind his business consulting business and reimagining structure, leadership, and motivational tactics. His book “ Superconsumers ” Eddie lays out a simple but extremely effective framework that has helped companies of all types and sizes achieve more sustainable growth. He also talks about his daugh...

(00:00-09:22): 'I'm not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here' : Graham predicts Trump impeachment will 'die quickly' in Senate.  Brian and Ian open up with this hard-hitting news story. Brian is discouraged by the statements said in a hearing. It sort of confirms how we feel about politics in the first place.  (09:22-18:34): 18-year-old is brutally murdered in Manhattan , the suspec...

We are joined in-studio by Jason Bentsen from www.lovemoves.us . He talks with us about the ministry and the need for support of families who adopt and foster children. He expresses the joy in serving this community, as well as the heartbreak behind it. Jason shares stories of seeing kids come out of their shells when being taken into a home and seeing the power of love and family transform them.&...

We are joined in-studio by Scott Hodge from The Orchard Community Church. He is the curator and founder of Society 57 , a common space and coffee shop in Aurora. He says the purpose and mission behind it is to provide a common space for people to celebrate, gather, and simply enjoy community.  Via Scott: Scott Hodge is the Lead Pastor of The Orchard Community - an eclectic community of artist...

We are joined via phone by Greg Wheatley. He is the director of music at New Covenant Church in Naperville and is leading an event at NCC called “ Lessons and Carols ”. Lessons being scriptural excerpts (Advent, prophesy) and the Carols are the rejoicing and worship from people who participate. The history behind the concert goes all the way back to the late 1800s in England. Via NCC W...

(00:00-09:58): “ Nobodies Were the First to Know ” writes Daniel Darling in Christianity Today. When God announced the birth of Christ to sweaty, uncouth shepherds, he signaled something important about the kind of Messiah he was sending. Brian and Ian discuss this.  (09:58-37:43): We are joined in-studio by Scott Hodge from The Orchard Community Church. He is the curator and foun...

(00:00-38:45): We are joined by Todd Chatman from Food For The Poor to tell us about this amazing ministry. For just $320 a year can feed a family for a year. Call to give at 855-901-4673 or give online at http://www.foodforthepoor.com/wyll . We also hear about Denise first and Ian and Brian react to the lack of clean water. She says she is totally dependent on people for survival. Todd explains h...