The Unexpected Podcast

Ko Ito grew up in Japan. After being rejected by his parents for converting to Christianity, he came to the U.S. to attend Lee University, knowing very little English at the time. It was there that he met his wife, Amy, and started a family. Although he has lived in America for many years, he still has a heart for the people of his home country. Ko is a versatile musician who records and performs...

We can't believe we made it to our thirtieth episode, especially considering there was a time in our lives when we didn't expect to make it to our thirtieth birthdays. In this episode, we discuss the choice and the obligation to be happy even during the most difficult of times.

Good times and bad times often exist side by side. It's happening in our lives and our society. It also happens to be a biblical occurrence. "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you." Isaiah 60:1-2 "Beware le...

In this episode, we discuss a peculiar phenomenon that has surfaced in today's culture. It seems that leaders and organizations are unwilling to entertain any inquiries into their credibility. There is a prevailing attitude that dismisses anyone who raises questions about the data or the so-called "expertise" of certain power structures. Leaders in science and other fields used to say things like,...

The world is going crazy, and so are we. 😝 Our family is still navigating the situation with Lee’s severe pain. We are exhausted, and it shows in this episode. But we are committed to releasing one episode per week, so here is the latest, where we discuss the roles of men and women in society and other juicy topics. 😂  

Many Christians have a tendency to ignore the third person of the Trinity, ourselves included. But the Holy Spirit is who Jesus promised to send to all His disciples to teach us, to comfort us, to guide us, and to transform us. “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and br...

Our friend Adrianne stopped by the studio for an unexpected conversation. We call that a brave move. Topics discussed include being present in the moment, dealing with anxiety, leaning on Jesus no matter the circumstances, and more.

By implication, the title of this week's episode indicates we might rant again on the next episode, but that remains to be seen. This week's episode was recorded at the end of an awful day, but it is sometimes during the dreadful days that we grow the most. And sometimes, we just rant a lot, too.

Have you ever looked back on a previous decision and asked yourself, "What in the world was I thinking?" We sure have. And you probably have, too. Quotes from this episode: "After the funeral, when he saw her preparing to go away, he was seized with an unreasoning dread of being left alone on the farm; and before he knew what he was doing he had asked her to stay there with him. He had often thoug...

The title of this week's episode is self-explanatory, but please consider our acknowledgment that we can also be difficult. Solutions to relationship challenges are sometimes simple but often very complex.

Humans tend to fall into extremes, which is a surefire way to avoid having to think for themselves. Quotes from the show: "There are two ways to slide easily through life; to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking" - Alfred Korzybski “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern b...

In this week's episode, we discuss the human tendency to impose one's values onto others and how this approach to life is both unproductive and potentially harmful. While certain standards do apply to all, each of us must determine the best pathway to living out God's design for our own lives. "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he a...

We all get a little rusty in certain areas of our lives. There are times when we aren't firing on all cylinders. Depletion can happen to not only our minds and bodies but also our spirits. The good news is that there are ways to replenish our inner life.

We all have one thing in common: We are all getting older. Although we don't always enjoy the effects of aging, science shows that having an aging brain actually has its benefits. Plus, we can lean on God's promises to sustain us in old age. "He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age." Ruth 4:15 "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I...

As a sociology professor, Dr. Arlie Tagayuna seeks to not only understand the current culture but also desires to promote positive change and restoration. Throughout the years we've known him, we can attest that he demonstrates Christ-like qualities in his kindness and generosity towards those around him. Dr. T., as he is known by some, is well-traveled and possesses a wealth of experience with pe...

How accurate are our memories? What variables affect our perception of past events? Do we tend to let negative memories overshadow the good ones? Perhaps the pathway to wholeness and maturity requires a proper assessment of our most prominent recollections.

You've probably had your share of opportunities to let life make you bitter. Haven't we all? Let's talk about it. Quotes and verses: "Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter." - Samuel Johnson "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, malice, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil b...

This discussion took the most unexpected turn yet. We talk about meditation, the spirit realm, and more. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. Psalm 119:78 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Psalm 119:148

Have you experienced God getting your attention in ways that are unique to your personality or to where you are in life? In this episode, Amy shares divine encounters that occurred before she was ready to accept Jesus into her life. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." - James 4:8 Losing My Religion: The Story of My Life by Amy Mercer: https://bit.ly/AmyMercerLosingMyReligion

The media is the primary means of mass communication, whether it's carried out through broadcasting, publishing, or the internet. Let's talk about it. Quotes from this episode: "The media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the mind of the masses." - Malcolm X "A technology...i...

We live with a multitude of modern conveniences at our fingertips. But is there a downside to our life of ease? Are there benefits to stepping out of our comfort zone?

The power of conviction jumpstarts our surrender to Christ. "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." John 16:8   “His conviction is irresistible, both in a positive and in a negative sense. He will put His mighty thumb down hard on your self-important sin, and He will cause you to see it as you have never seen it before—as utterly offensive in t...

What is idealism? When is it a good thing? When is it a bad thing? Quotes from this episode: "We are not concerned with the very poor. They are unthinkable, and only to be approached by the statistician or the poet." - E.M. Forster, Howard's End "Scratch the surface of most cynics and you find a frustrated idealist - someone who made the mistake of converting his ideals into expectations." - Peter...

Jenn Bevan is a wife and mother, but also a worship pastor, fitness instructor, and business owner. Jenn shares wisdom about following God's leading in all areas of life. You will be both encouraged and challenged as you listen to this interview.

Have you ever felt limited by time? In this episode, we explore time as it relates to believers in Christ. How does God dwell outside of earthly time and what does that mean for us?