Best Ben Chester Podcasts (2025)

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Breaking Chains and Building Families - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:04:14

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3d ago1:04:14

1:04:14

The Gospel isn’t theoretical. It’s gritty, messy, supernatural, confrontational, joyful, and explosive. Acts 16:11-40 1. THE GOSPEL OPENS HEARTS TO REPENT AND RECEIVE (16:11–15) First truth: Evangelism starts with God opening hearts. Second Truth: Paul preaches… but God opens. Spirit and Preaching: That’s how the Gospel moves. One heart opened → on…

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Episode 183: Chester Bennington 1:07:05

1h ago1:07:05

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Chester Bennington had a voice that sounded like every broken heart trying to heal at once. He carried a lifetime of hurt into a microphone and turned it into anthems for millions. This episode traces the rise, the music, and loss of a frontman who gave us all permission to feel broken.

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Your Story Is Still Being Written, Keep Moving - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:06:03

6d ago1:06:03

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Acts 15:35-41 Acts 16:1-10 WHAT HAPPENED? 1. Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch (15:35). - Faithfully preaching and teaching. 2. They have a major disagreement concerning John Mark (15:36–41). - God doesn’t waste conflict. He can redeem it. 3. Timothy joins the mission with Paul (16:1–5). - Sometimes you lay down your rights for missional unity and …

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: The Jerusalem Council - Believing and Belonging - Pastor Ben Hodges 46:07

6d ago46:07

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Acts 15:1-21 Salvation is free. Discipleship is expensive. Jesus didn’t die just to give you a belief system—He died to give you a new life. Saved By Grace Alone; Saved to do Good Works - Some Jewish believers: “Unless you are circumcised, you can’t be saved.” - Paul and Barnabas: “No! Salvation is by grace through faith.” - James (brother of Jesus…

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It's Just Me! Chris Hardwick! 37:17

5d ago37:17

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An experimental solo show of I Think You're Overthinking It, talking about, well, overthinking it. Chris totally forgot what week it was and thought a new episode was posting NEXT week, but guess what! It was THIS week! So he used it as an opportunity to try a solo episode to see if that was remotely interesting, cuz why not? Learn more about your …

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Episode 182: The 5th Annual Halloween Spooktackular! 59:38

16d ago59:38

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The 5th Annual Halloween Spooktackular takes the audience on a road trip from Green Bay, to Miami and then up to Boston to recount some of the scariest stories from each of the host's backyards!

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Faithful to the Gospel in a Hostile World - Pastor Ben Hodges 51:23

24d ago51:23

51:23

The worldly-minded and the religiously misguided will fight against the work of the gospel, but faithful believers stand firm, filled with the Spirit, and keep preaching Jesus until the mission is done. Acts 13:44–52 We are living in Acts 13 and 14 times: The Clash of Kingdoms 1. Faithfulness – even when the religious have lost their way. Religious…

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Special Message: Wendell Deyo 37:09

15d ago37:09

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This week we get to hear from Wendell Deyo. He is the former Chaplain to the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. He is also the former President of Athletes in Action.

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Rad Dads! - Zombie Paintball Churro 1:18:12

26d ago1:18:12

1:18:12

Chris's friend Matt Kappler returns with the addition of Mike Phirman to have a fun dad chat about Halloween, whether or not to build up a movie you loved as a kid before you show it to your own kids, and what's up with Ms. Frizzle?? Plus, clunky billion-dollar ideas! AND stick around for a great bonus chat clip with Chris's 3-year-old daughter Dim…

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DIE After Dark: Do You Know This Voice? 18:37

16d ago18:37

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Before the headlines. Before the recording. There was Amber. In August 2010, 20-year-old Amber Tuccaro vanished just outside Edmonton, Alberta after accepting a ride from a stranger. Hours before she disappeared, Amber placed a phone call — to her brother, who was in prison — knowing it would be recorded. What that recording captured was the sound …

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Serving God’s Purpose In Your Generation - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:01:40

1M ago1:01:40

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Acts 13:41 Acts 13:13-52 Acts 13:36-41 Acts 13:42-47 Acts 13:48-52 You have one life, one generation, to fulfill your God-given purpose. If you do it well, one life is enough. I. Discover and Walk In God’s Purpose — Not Yours Romans 12:2 ...that by testing you may discern what is the will of God... Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he wi…

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Episode 181: The Rise and Ruin of Dorothy Stratten 50:22

15d ago50:22

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Dorothy Stratten had the looks of an angel, the fame of a goddess, and a particularly bad taste in men. In 1980, the Playboy Playmate of the Year was on the brink of Hollywood stardom when her jealous husband decided if he couldn’t have her—no one could. This is the twisted, tragic rise and fall of a woman chewed up by fame, obsession, and the dark…

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup With Orlando Antigua 20:18

16d ago20:18

20:18

Illinois men’s associate basketball coach Orlando Antigua joins us to discuss international recruiting, today’s challenges, and where he sees the program heading in the next few years.

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Riki Lindhome 1:20:47

1M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

Riki Lindhome has been in such fancy titles as "Wednesday" and "Knives Out," as a writer/creator/comedian is one half of Garfunkle & Oates, co-star and co-creator of "Another Period" on Comedy Central, and recently released a comedy album called "No Worries If Not" as well as putting up her one person show "Dead Inside" at the Edinburgh Festival in…

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DIE After Dark: Do You Know This Man? 10:36

1M ago10:36

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On May 15, 1993, while Ringo Starr celebrated the CBS premiere of his show Best Wishes inside Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel, a young man fell from the roof to his death. No one came forward. No family claimed him. And the media didn’t cover it.Over 30 years later, he remains unidentified — known only as Missing Persons Case UP3736. In this premiere e…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: The Church That Changes The World - Pastor Will LoVellette 51:26

1M ago51:26

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“We somehow think the church is here for us; we forget that we are the church, and we’re here for the world.” -Erwin McManus “The Church right now has more fashion than passion, is more pathetic than prophetic, is more superficial than supernatural.” - Leonard Ravenhill Acts 13:1-13 Seven Marks of a World-Changing Church: 1. A church that is center…

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Episode 180: The Last Normal Minute: 9/11 Revisited 50:03

27d ago50:03

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On the morning of September 11, 2001, Mr. Peanut waved to tourists, Whoopi Goldberg sold donuts, and Mariah Carey dropped Glitter. Then, the world changed forever. This episode revisits 9/11 through the surreal lens of entertainment — the commercials, concerts, albums, and cultural weirdness that collided with tragedy in real time.…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: I Guess We Should Pray - Pastor Will LoVellette 49:57

2M ago49:57

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"One Song" Podcast Crossover w/ Diallo Riddle & Luxxury 1:26:37

2M ago1:26:37

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Crossing the streams with a great podcast called "One Song" with Diallo Riddle and Luxxury (aka Blake Robin)! A super fun discussion about music, technology, and a gentle nosalagic stroll down 1990s lane. One Song is available wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: When God Moves - Pastor Will LoVellette 48:34

2M ago48:34

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“A church can offer living and palpable proof that the gospel makes a real difference for real people living in the real world.” – Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. “I’ve never sat on the bench and said, ‘well I learned a lot today’”. -Deion Sanders When God Moves: 1. Barriers Fall (Acts 11:1–18) “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor fre…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Cornelius and the Missing Piece - Pastor Ben Hodges 50:46

2M ago50:46

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Acts 10:1-8 Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful—but still missing something. Acts 10:9-23a Acts 10:23b-34 Cornelius’s prayers and alms rose like sweet incense before the Lord. Romans 10:14 Acts 10:34-43 Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household: - Jesus is Lord of all (v. 36). - He died on a cross (v. 39). - God raised Him from the dead (…

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Keep Reaching for the Stars: The Casey Kasem Story (Episode 179) 55:01

1M ago55:01

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He was the voice of a generation — and then another after that. From Detroit to Hollywood, from Shaggy in Scooby-Doo to the warm sign-off of American Top 40, Casey Kasem shaped how America listened to music. But behind the smooth delivery were battles with perfectionism, family turmoil, and a tragic decline that ended in lawsuits and headlines as s…

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High Notes, Hard Falls: Buckley, Hoon and Staley (Episode 178) 55:00

2M ago55:00

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Three brilliant frontmen lit up the 1990s with voices that could break your heart with songs that still echo today. Jeff Buckley soared with Grace before vanishing into a Memphis river. Blind Melon’s Shannon Hoon danced barefoot through MTV fame, only to spiral into addiction on a tour bus in New Orleans. Alice in Chains’ Layne Staley turned despai…

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Rad Dads! with Matthew Kappler 1:15:11

2M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Chris's friend Matt Kappler is a funny dude who works in advertising but today he's here to shoot the poop with Chris about being a dad! They both have kids around the same age and share stories about their respective parenthood journeys. Heartfelt tales and silliness ensue! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Tabitha’s Good Work Outlasts Her - Pastor Ben Hodges 57:48

2M ago57:48

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Acts 9:32-35 32 Acts 9:36-43 36 Be visible, be bold: Peter did not hide in safe places. He walked “here and there” into towns, into homes. So must we—not for fame, but for purpose. Love well, serve well: Peter raised the weak and dead, we are called to raise the lowly. Seek out those ignored, marginalized. Let our hands do Grace’s work. Be prepared…

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Yes, And? The Story of Fred Willard (Episode 177) 52:23

2M ago52:23

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He was the king of clueless confidence, the man who could steal a scene with just a raised eyebrow. Fred Willard built a decades-long career out of playing the guy who had no idea what was going on — and making sure everyone was crying laughing while he did it. From his improv roots and his unforgettable mockumentary turns in Best in Show, Waiting …

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Biographies and Testimonies - Pastor Ben Hodges 51:29

3M ago51:29

51:29

In the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit writing testimonies, not biographies. - A biography tells the story of your life, “Look what I did.” - A testimony tells the story of Jesus in your life, “Look what Jesus did.” 5 Testimony Questions 1. What were you like BC (before Jesus)? Acts 9:19-25a 2. How did you see Jesus then versus now? “…For some…

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Sam Richardson 1:17:54

2M ago1:17:54

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Sam Richardson (Veep, Detrioters, The Afterparty) is one of the quickest, funniest performers in the business! He returns to the podcast with some terrific insight on getting stuck in loops of preparation rather than actually completing goals. ALSO, his Michael McDonald impersonation is FLAWLESS. Have a listen!! Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…

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Mamba Mentality: The Life and Death of Kobe Bryant (Episode 176) 1:10:11

2M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a basketball player — he was a prodigy who skipped college, a three-time champ with Shaq, a scandal magnet, a scoring machine, and eventually the face of the Lakers dynasty. Off the court, he became an Oscar winner, investor, and girl-dad icon. But on January 26, 2020, Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven others died in a he…

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Identity Crisis - Pastor Adrianna Baker 39:00

3M ago39:00

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There are questions under the surface of every teen and even every human: • Do I matter? • Am I valuable? • Is there something bigger than the chaos, the pressure, the performance? Genesis 1:1–5 Before we figure out who we are, we need to know who God is. Because only the Creator gets to define the creation. Genesis 1:26–31 You Are Made in the Imag…

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Murder in Plain Sight: When Killer Parents Weaponize the Media (Episode 175) 1:08:43

2M ago1:08:43

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They begged for help. They cried on camera. They told stories of kidnappers and faceless strangers. And the world believed them. But behind the tears was a darker truth—parents who murdered their own children, then turned their grief into theater for the cameras. In this episode, we uncover four of the most shocking cases where killers attempted to…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Divine Appointments and Divine Interruptions - Pastor Ben Hodges 48:32

3M ago48:32

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Divine Appointments (from Acts 8 story of Philip) The Holy Spirit Can Lead Your Life – a Spirit-led life is an amazing life. - Be on the lookout for ‘divine appointments.’ - Get a handle on the basic story of the Bible so you can share it. - Get comfortable with your own story, your testimony and be prepared to share it. - Encourage someone, then p…

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This Month in Death: July 2025 (Episode 174) 1:23:04

3M ago1:23:04

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July 2025 was no ordinary month—it was a mass curtain call. Icons of music, film, and wrestling all took their final bows within weeks of each other, leaving fans stunned and pop culture forever changed. From the stage to the screen to the squared circle, we dig into the lives, scandals, triumphs, and tragic ends of the legends who left us too soon…

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James Gunn 1:08:43

3M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

I mean SURE we could discuss the massive success of Superman and return of the hilarious hit show Peacemaker or even some of the future plans for DC Studios (and we do), but we also have a great conversation about how to carry out a creative vision from start to finish and get the negative chatter in your brain out of the way in the process. PHEW! …

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Philip - The Waiter Turned Evangelist - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:00:55

3M ago1:00:55

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SERMON NOTES Acts 8:1-8 The Holy Spirit Moves the Church Outward. - After Stephen’s martyrdom, persecution scattered the believers. - What looked like defeat became mission fuel. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (v.4). - The Spirit used suffering to push the church beyond Jerusalem, just as Jesus said in Acts 1:8. - Some…

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Bears 1 – Man 0: The Tale of Timothy Treadwell (Episode 173) 1:09:08

3M ago1:09:08

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He thought they were his friends. They thought he was lunch. In this episode, we dive into the wild and tragic story of Timothy Treadwell — the self-styled “Grizzly Man” who spent 13 summers living among Alaska’s most dangerous predators… until one fatal October day in 2003. Equal parts jaw-dropping, heartbreaking, and darkly absurd, we unpack the …

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Welcome to Jurassic Dark (Episode 172) 1:21:17

3M ago1:21:17

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Welcome... to Jurassic Dark. In this prehistoric death march, we dig up the bones of the Jurassic Park franchise—not the dinosaurs, but the stars who didn’t make it past the sequel. From the clever girl who met a clever end to the gatekeepers, storm chasers, and eccentric billionaires who now reside in that big theme park in the sky, we’re breaking…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: From Tables to Testimony - Pastor Ben Hodges 50:52

4M ago50:52

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Acts 6–8 (ESV) This is a story of how God takes people who start in the quiet corners of ministry and moves them into places of far-reaching spiritual influence. - They didn’t begin by preaching to crowds—they began by serving bread to the overlooked. - If you want to be used greatly by God, be faithful where you are now. Don’t despise small beginn…

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Ana Gasteyer 2025 1:39:58

3M ago1:39:58

1:39:58

The hilarious Ana Gasteyer is back on the show! The SNL alum and friend of Chris's talks through sketch writing, parenting, defining success in The Social Media Age, and fiddle camp! Her holiday album Sugar & Booze is available for streaming on all the platforms, and if you ever get a chance to see her live, you should! Find her tour dates at anaga…

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We're Going to Leno's Garage, & The Isle of Man TT 55:03

4M ago55:03

55:03

The boys talk Bugattis, brainrot, and business trips to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.By Antonio Melegari, Ben Chester, and Sean O'Donnell (ABS)

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Illinois' 26 Football Commit Davon Grant Reflects on Past Few Months 12:40

4M ago12:40

12:40

In this episode, 2026 Illinois football commit Davon Grant dives into how the last few months have unfolded since his commitment to the Illini. Grant also opens up about his strong relationship with wide receivers coach Justin Stepp and how the Illini coaching staff operates under Bret Bielema’s leadership.…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: People Like Us - Pastor Ben Hodges 55:00

4M ago55:00

55:00

Acts 5:33-42 Expect Resistance :: Faithful ministry draws resistance. The apostles are imprisoned twice in this chapter (vv. 18, 26), threatened (v.28), and flogged (v.40). Ministry is not safe or convenient—it’s a spiritual battleground. Suffering is a Badge of Honor :: Instead of shrinking in fear, they rejoice that they are counted worthy to suf…

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The Woman at the Well - Pastor Abdalla Khoury 53:39

4M ago53:39

53:39

A special sermon from Pastor Abdalla Khoury from Israel. He speaks from John 4 about the story of the woman at the well.

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Tony Hale 1:28:52

4M ago1:28:52

1:28:52

Mr. Tony Hale (Arrested Development, Veep, Inside Out 2) is a FANTASTIC guest who not only is a lifelong overthinker but has really great insight and advice for those gifted with a surplus of thoughts, ESPECIALLY in the middle of the night when the "what ifs" start poking at ya! His new film "Sketch" is in theaters August 6th and he cohosts the Ext…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Trouble From Within - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:01:06

4M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

Two forces repeatedly threatened the early church: Persecution: opposition from outside the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial. Pollution: opposition from within the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial. The way forward is the same in both instances: prayerful, bold, faithful leadership of self …

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The Lady of Silence...And Violence (Episode 171) 1:05:24

4M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In this killer episode, the Death in Entertainment crew dives mask-first into the chilling true story of Juana Barraza — a Mexican lucha libre wrestler who moonlighted as a serial killer. Known as The Lady of Silence, Barraza body-slammed her way into infamy by targeting elderly women across Mexico City. Was it a tragic backstory, a botched investi…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Overcoming the Coming Pressure - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:04:13

5M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Acts 4:1-4 From Acts 4 forward, there will be growing tension and conflict in the life of the early church… tension and conflict is not foreign to a healthy church. Acts 4:5-12 Notice: It was not their kindness or serving that was the problem. It was preaching in the name of Jesus. - Christianity is inclusive. - Christianity is exclusive. Acts 4:13…

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Tom Lennon and Guitars! 53:25

4M ago53:25

53:25

The podcast just wouldn't be the podcast without Tom Lennon! OF COURSE you know Tom from Reno 911, The State, @midnight, the first ever episode of this very podcast, and a million movies that he's acted in and/or written...but he is ALSO quite the guitar wizard. At Chris's request, Tom brought one of his fancy guitars to give Chris a couple of poin…

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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: You Can't Give What You Don't Have - Pastor Ben Hodges 1:04:16

5M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

1. What I do have I give to you. Acts 3:1–10 Peter and John have a habit of going to prayer. The lame man sits at the Beautiful Gate, but his life is anything but beautiful. When Peter heals him in the name of Jesus, it’s not just a miracle—it’s a sign pointing back to what was promised in Acts 2:17–21, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy... sig…

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Public Spectacles of Death Pt. 2 (Episode 170) 1:08:34

5M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

The curtain rises again on humanity’s most jaw-dropping exits. In Part 2, we dive headfirst into a fresh wave of high-stakes disasters — from fiery race car crashes witnessed by millions, to deadly attempts at breaking world records that went down in history for all the wrong reasons. These are the moments where ambition, danger, and audience colli…