Unpacked In Santa Cruz

Navigating the complexities of faith and leadership, Collin Brown joins me, Michael Howard, for a deeply personal exploration of our experiences within church ministry. We dissect the delicate balance required when juggling the roles of a parent, a professional, and a devoted member of the church. Collin, a father of five and a youth soccer coach with a coding career sparked from a childhood fasci...

Have you ever felt consumed by the rigid structures of institutions, losing your sense of personal autonomy? Ever wrestled with the dual nature of ego and grappled with the profound impact of vulnerability in your life?  Join us as Mike ventures into the intricate dynamics of these topics. 

Depression.  Mike shares his experiences and delves into the many facets of this complex mental health condition. From feelings of sadness and hopelessness to suicidal ideations, we'll be laying bare the often dark reality of depression. Join, as we discuss how depression can intertwine with alcohol, sometimes used as a form of self-medication, and why seeking professional help is of paramoun...

Hillsong is revisited.  Mike reflects on lessons to be learned from the downfall of the mega-church. 

So, you think you know all about becoming a pastor, the extent of Hillsong Worship's influence on global Christianity, and the often overlooked shadows lurking in religious institutions? Brace yourself for an enlightening journey through these complex issues that's bound to challenge your perspective. We kick off with a provocative exploration of personal experiences and the spiritual de...

In our latest podcast episode, "Chapter V", Michael Howard takes a deep dive into the challenging world of church leadership and its traditions. Drawing from personal experiences he sheds light on the often misunderstood and under-discussed issues within the institution of church. 

Ever feel like life is a tumultuous storm, and you're just trying to navigate through the chaos? Trust us, you are not alone. We've all been there, reminiscing about our high school days, finding comfort in the post-punk music movement that gave voice to our struggles. In this episode, we draw parallels between these impactful lyrics and our personal journeys to make sense of life's...

Remember that song which completely changed your perspective on life during your high school days?  Join Mike & Brian on a trip down memory lane as we explore the profound impact music has had on our lives. We reveal how a particular song defined our teenage years, shedding light on what was wrong with the church at that time, and how it still resonates with us today. We're contemplating...

Ever felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe and our tiny place within it? Want to learn how to make this understanding more accessible and meaningful in your daily life? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the Unpacked and Naked podcast, where we tackle the intersection of science, religion, and human beings. As we journey through the episode, we discuss the history and impac...