The Underground Sessions Podcast

A Catholic couple in Massachusetts walked through months of training, interviews, and home studies to become foster parents—only to be denied, not for lack of care or competence, but because of their traditional Christian beliefs about sexuality and gender. In a state facing a severe foster care shortage, with children sleeping in hospitals due to lack of placement, this case raises a sobering cul...

What do people actually mean when they say Christian nationalism—and why does the term spark so much confusion, fear, and controversy? In this episode, we slow the conversation down and ask better questions about faith, politics, moral authority, and the role of Christians in public life. We’re joined by Dr. Todd Williams, president of Cairn University and a longtime scholar of social theory, civi...

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at lowering IVF costs and expanding access has pushed infertility back into the national spotlight. While the order reflects a good and understandable desire—helping couples who long for children—it also arrives in the middle of growing legal, political, and ethical tension. Court rulings, including the Alabama Supreme Court decision recognizin...

In a cultural moment where doubt is often praised and belief treated with suspicion, many people quietly wonder whether faith can still be held with intellectual honesty. In this episode of The Underground Sessions Podcast , we explore that tension with Mary Jo Sharp —a former atheist, philosopher, and Christian apologist who understands skepticism from the inside. Mary Jo shares her personal jour...

The phrase “changed for good” has become a cultural shorthand for growth, healing, and moral clarity. In this short-form Underground Sessions commentary, we examine how that idea is presented in Wicked: For Good, and why the story it tells about goodness, intention, and transformation resonates so deeply in a culture uneasy with moral judgment. Recent reporting surrounding the film’s press tour—pa...

As headlines promise a future without work or poverty, bold claims are being made about technology’s ability to solve the deepest human problems. In this short-form Underground Sessions commentary, we examine the vision put forward by Elon Musk—that humanoid robots could eliminate poverty, make labor optional, and usher in a new era of abundance—and ask what assumptions about humanity, work, and h...

As attention centered on the Stranger Things finale, a larger shift in the entertainment landscape went largely unnoticed—one with significant implications for how moral categories are formed and sustained. This short-form Underground Sessions commentary examines how competing streaming platforms shape public assumptions about evil, responsibility, authority, and hope, and why the consolidation of...

For decades, Rob Reiner helped shape America’s moral imagination through film, television, and cultural influence—telling stories rooted in justice, love, and the promise of moral progress. This week, that narrative collided with devastating tragedy. In this short-form Underground Sessions commentary, we pause before rushing to political, psychological, or ideological explanations and ask a harder...

The Underground Sessions Podcast returns to a story with major implications at the crossroads of faith, culture, and public policy. In this episode, we revisit the case of First Choice Women’s Resource Center v. Platkin , which was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on December 2. We explore why a small New Jersey nonprofit—known for providing free resources and compassionate support to women an...

In this compelling episode, Pastor Bob sits down with Dr. Todd Hall from Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology to explore the quiet epidemic behind much of our cultural unrest: disconnection. Drawing from his book The Connected Life, Dr. Hall unpacks the theory of relational spirituality: how our early relationships shape not only how we relate to others, but how we relate to God. Toget...

Welcome back to the Underground Sessions Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Bob is joined by Philip Dearborn, President of the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). They have an engaging discussion covering the history of education, the current landscape of higher education as well as some helpful advice as you are considering college. Join as we discuss this very important topic! Like an...

In this episode Bob is joined by Claudia Tamas, a Colson Fellow and healthcare professional. Claudia has done extensive research on the transgender movement. Our discussion offers the history, definitions and implications of the current transgender conversation. We also frame a response from a Christian worldview perspective. We hope this episode equips you to engage your skeptical friends!

In this episode, Pastor Bob is joined by Pastor Dave for a stimulating discussion with Dr. Alfonse Javed. Our focus is Islam. We cover questions like: what do Muslims believe? How do we share Christ with our Muslim neighbors? And, what are some issues to be aware of? As always, we seek to "equip the saints to engage the skeptics." Enjoy the conversation! Resources:  Hearts for Muslims: h...

March is Disability Awareness Month, and we’re excited to bring you a special episode for the occasion. Bob Erbig is joined by his wife, Amanda, along with Rob and Tammy Mittuch, as they share their experiences as parents of children with disabilities. Together, they discuss the challenges, joys, and the profound ways God has worked in their lives through their parenting journey. We hope this hear...

In this episode, Pastor Bob chats with Adrienne Livingston from World Venture. Adrienne is one of our supported world partners and she specialized in the topic of human sex trafficking. We discuss this influence of the pornography industry on sex trafficking and what we can do to combat it. This episode contains necessary but sensitive content—listener discretion advised. We hope you benefit from...

In this episode, Pastor Bob sits down with Neil Shenvi, author of the book, Critical Dilemma. Neil was a speaker at our 2025 Contend Conference, when this episode was recorded. We discuss the topic of "Critical Theory and Social Justice Ideology," which Neil has extensively researched. If you are confused about the term critical theory and how it impacts popular culture—this episode is f...

In this episode of the Underground Session podcast Pastor Bob Erbig is joined by a co-host, Delia Kang, as they interview the one and only, Alisa Childers. This episode was filmed during our 2025 Contend Conference. Bob and Delia ask Alisa questions of the deconstruction movement. If you are wrestling with deconstruction, or know someone who is, this is the episode for you. We hope the content ben...

In this episode, Pastor Bob talks with Krista Bontrager and Monique Duson from the Center for Biblical Unity. This ministry is a "leading Christian voice on issues related to race, justice, unity and the impact of the Critical Social Theories coming into the church and society." Our discussion focuses on their new book, Walking In Unity, which outlines a better way forward for race relat...

This episode features an interview with Katy Faust. She founded and leads “Them Before Us,” an organization committed to advocating the rights of children.  She recently edited and released the book, “Pro Child Politics,” which is the subject of our interview. What does it look like to put children first in every area of public policy? How should that influence our voting patterns.  Join us for th...

In this episode, Pastor Bob is joined by Jesse Nash, a frequent speaker at our Underground Events. Jesse is a practicing lawyer in NJ. Our discussion covers current issues on the legal landscape as it relates to people of faith. In the second half we discuss how the current presidential candidates approach five important issues: human dignity, free speech, marriage and sexuality, parental rights,...

Bob Erbig and his co-pastor Dave Hentschel are joined by their respective former professors for a rousing discussion about the end times. We cover differing views on the rapture, we look at the nature of Israel and the Church, and learn how to disagree well in these polarized times.   Dr. Craig Blomberg is Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, CO.  Dr. Darrell Bock leads the...

Pastor Bob sits down with Aimee Huber, Executive Director of First Choice Women's Resource Center, and the Alliance Defending Freedom for an update on their legal situation. This episode follows a topic we covered last season and offers new insights. The conversation around the life issue has become central this election cycle—this conversation catapults the listener to ground zero of policy...

Where do we find morality?  Where does it come from?  Is there morality in a universe without a God?  Do we need God for morality?  On todays edition of the Underground Sessions Podcast, we discuss this and more with former atheist turned Christian apologist Steve DiSebastian. More on Steve DiSebastian: Website: https://www.confidenceinchrist.org/ Reintroducing Jesus: Uncovering Jesus in the Misin...

Welcome back to the Underground Sessions Podcast, the online branch of Our Underground sessions ministry. To kick off season 4, Pastor Bob Erbig sits down with his colleague Pastor Dave Hentschel to discuss the relationship of the Church and the State in relation to the political climate of today’s United States of America. Recommended Resources on the Church and Political Engagement:   Video Lect...

On our latest episode we are joined by Steve DiSebastian who discusses his book 'Reintroducing Jesus: Uncovering Jesus in the Misinformation Age.' He shares his background and journey from skepticism to faith, highlighting the objections he had and the questions he sought answers to. The conversation delves into the rise of apathy and moral objections in today's culture, the phenome...