Best Wesley Hamilton Podcasts (2026)

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Season Eight Announcement! 5:16

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4d ago5:16

5:16

Strong Songs Season Eight will kick off on Friday, January 16! If you want to listen a week early, get monthly "Inside the Episode" bonuses, and support the creation of Strong Songs, go sign up for the Patreon. We're running a sale for the whole month of January - use the code STRONG8 when signing up, and your first month will be just $1. See you i…

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HoM Episode 64: The New Name of Methodism 18:58

18d ago18:58

18:58

In this episode, we look at the fall of 1739 and the different questions of ministry that John Wesley is asking and answering. This was a fecund time for Methodism with the beginning of the General Rules and the first hints at conferencing taking place. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online at www…

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The Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter Martin 1:26:21

1M ago1:26:21

1:26:21

Kirk sits down with jazz piano legend Peter Martin to talk about Peter's musical background, his momentous early encounters with Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland, the jazz scene of the 1990s, how the Suzuki method works, and why jazz students today should be less shy about talking to their heroes. Check out Peter's online jazz education program O…

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Do You Believe in Everyday Miracles? 48:03

2M ago48:03

48:03

What if a simple Google ad could lead you to save a stranger's life? In this powerful episode, Adam Hamilton sits down with Jeff Reisinger, a Church of the Resurrection member who became a living liver donor, and Dr. Sean Kumer, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Kansas Health System, to explore the remarkable journey of organ donation—from…

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Beyond Left vs. Right: How to Read the News in Polarized Times 37:28

2M ago37:28

37:28

In a world where news feels overwhelming and every headline seems designed to trigger an emotional response, how do we stay informed without losing our peace—or our ability to love people we disagree with? Critical Thinking as Spiritual Practice Adam explains why Jesus's command to love God with our minds is more relevant than ever. When Jesus said…

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The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad 1:56:37

2M ago1:56:37

1:56:37

Writer, composer, and Peabody Award-winning podcaster Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, his new 12-part series on the life, music, and legacy of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti. DISCUSSED/REFERENCED: “Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990 “Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004 Excerpt from Port(al), mu…

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HoM Episode 63: The Rise and Fall of the Fetter Lane Society 12:21

2M ago12:21

12:21

In this episode, we look at the founding of the Fetter Lane Society in London in 1738, and how John Wesley's leadership of Fetter Lane helped him to articulate his understanding of the church in the early days of the Methodist movement. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodi…

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Why Church? The Surprising Science Behind Faith Community 17:33

2M ago17:33

17:33

Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most pressing questions facing modern spirituality: Do we really need church? With trademark honesty, Adam acknowledges the hurt and disillusionment many people feel about organized religion... and then makes a compelling, research-backed case for why faith community might be exactly what we're missing. Drawing from…

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Super Mario Bros: Koji Kondo's 8-Bit Masterpiece [Twenty Thousand Hertz] 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz originally ran in August 2025. Kirk's 2020 episode of Strong Songs about the music of Super Mario TWENTY THOUSAND HERTZ SHOW NOTES: This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling. From the springy jump sound to the iconic Overworld Theme, the sound of Super Mario Bros. is instantly recognizable. With ju…

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15,695 Times: One Key to Love That Lasts a Lifetime 26:12

2M ago26:12

26:12

In this deeply personal episode, Adam Hamilton pulls back the curtain on his 43-year marriage to LaVon, sharing the honest, sometimes messy reality of how faith has held them together when everything else might have pulled them apart. After recently officiating his youngest daughter's wedding, Adam reflects on what it really means to build a lastin…

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Our Favorite TV Themes, with Leigh Sales 1:18:05

3M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

It's fun to talk about TV theme songs, so that's what Kirk and special guest Leigh Sales did. Does this episode need any more introduction than that? Probably not. Check out Leigh's wonderful podcast Chat 10 Looks 3 A YouTube Playlist of many of the themes discussed (and some they didn't get to) DISCUSSED/REFERENCED: The Office Theme - “Handbags an…

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HoM Episode 62: Samuel Wesley Junior 13:40

3M ago13:40

13:40

In this episode, we look at the life of the oldest brother, Samuel Wesley Junior, and how is rigor and early death made an impact on the Methodist Movement. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com. You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism.…

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Resurrection's First Sermon: October 7, 1990 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

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Strong TV Songs: HBO Edition [Recast] 1:08:44

3M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Originally Aired October 20, 2020 The Wildlings are south of the wall, the robots are rising up, Seventh Kavalry's on the move, and two percent of the world's population has vanished. Time for another edition of Strong TV Songs! This time around the focus is on HBO, a network that has defined much of the broader TV landscape over the past couple of…

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Will the Rapture Come Today? 32:27

4M ago32:27

32:27

When a South African preacher recently claimed Jesus would return on September 23rd or 24th, 2025, it made international headlines and filled social media feeds. This bold prediction sparked conversations worldwide about the Second Coming and the concept of "the rapture." In this week’s episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles these …

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A Bob Dylan Beginner's Guide, with Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell 1:54:17

4M ago1:54:17

1:54:17

With so many dozens of albums over so many wildly disparate eras, it can take a lifetime to truly get your arms around Bob Dylan. On this episode, Kirk is joined by two guests who have spent their lifetimes doing exactly that. Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell, in addition to co-hosting the terrific political history podcast Know Your Enemy, are both …

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HoM Episode 61: The Summer of '39 15:22

4M ago15:22

15:22

In this episode, we look at the pivotal summer of 1739, after the start of the Bristol Revival. After a week in London, John Wesley returns to Bristol. In both places, he begins to put into practice a unique method of superintendency which he will expand throughout his years of ministry. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podc…

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Singing and Songwriting, with The Wailin' Jennys 1:11:03

4M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

The Wailin' Jennys have been singing together for more than two decades - recording albums, touring the world, and filling venues large and small. After all these years, the trio—Ruth Moody, Heather Masse, and Nicky Mehta—have reached both a plateau and an inflection point. What's it like for a musical group that's been together for that long; for …

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What Happens After We Die? 27:49

4M ago27:49

27:49

In this deeply thoughtful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles some of the biggest questions that keep thinking people up at night: What will heaven actually be like? Is there really a literal hell? And perhaps most challenging of all—what happens to good people who follow other faiths? Adam doesn't shy away from the hard questio…

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Big Dreams? Expect Criticism (and here's how to handle it) 13:28

5M ago13:28

13:28

Ever wondered what it takes to make a real difference in the world? In this episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton takes us on a journey to Bristol, England, where he explores the very first Methodist building—the New Room, built in 1739. From inside this historic space where John Wesley launched a movement that changed Christianity foreve…

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Talkin' Tower of Power, with Adam Maness and Peter Martin [You'll Hear It] 1:12:30

5M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Back in May, Kirk joined pianists Adam Maness and Peter Martin of the You'll Hear It podcast to talk about what makes Tower of Power great. It was a very fun conversation, so he asked if he could run their episode in the Strong Songs feed. And here we are! Listen to You'll Hear It anywhere you find podcasts, and find both Adam and Peter (and many o…

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Anti-Racism, Women's Rights, Environmentalism, and John Wesley 14:49

5M ago14:49

14:49

Step inside the world's first Methodist building with Adam Hamilton as he takes listeners on a tour of Bristol's historic New Room, revealing how John Wesley's revolutionary ministry laid the groundwork for modern social justice movements. Broadcasting live from England, Adam uncovers the surprising progressive roots of Methodism that connected coa…

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Hom Episode 60: Day-to-Day Revival 14:15

5M ago14:15

14:15

In this episode, we look at what the Bristol Revival was like on the ground and what caused John Wesley to return to London. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com. You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism.…

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My 40-Year Friend Called Me "Evil". This is How I Responded... 13:20

5M ago13:20

13:20

When a longtime friendship ends over faith differences, how do you respond with love instead of defensiveness? In this deeply personal episode, Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most painful realities of our polarized world: what happens when the people closest to us see our beliefs as fundamentally wrong—or even evil. Through vulnerable storytellin…

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A Song For My Father 39:33

5M ago39:33

39:33

THE APOCALYPSE WERE: Tony Capuano - Guitar, Lead Vocals John Shorb - Alto Sax Gene Meros - Tenor Sax Greg Novik - Bass, Backing Vocals (guitar on Stormy Monday) Oggie Hamilton - Drums, Backing Vocals Featuring The Apocalypse playing: “Good Good Lovin’” and “Try Me” by James Brown “Hi-Heel Sneakers" by Tommy Tucker “The Shadow of Your Smile” by Mand…

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If You Feel Far From God, Which One of You Moved? 9:55

5M ago9:55

9:55

Picture this: you're enjoying a peaceful evening at the lake when sudden fireworks send your beloved dog running into the woods, disoriented and afraid. For Adam Hamilton, this terrifying search for his lost dog Mabel became an unexpected window into understanding God's heart for each of us. In this deeply personal episode, Adam weaves together an …

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What Dogs Teach Us About Overcoming Fear 9:37

5M ago9:37

9:37

Did you know there are 120 species of animals mentioned by name in the Bible? In this fascinating episode, Adam Hamilton explores what our four-legged friends can teach us about one of humanity's most universal experiences: fear. Drawing from neuroscience, personal stories, and ancient wisdom, Adam reveals how dogs offer surprising insights into ov…

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Will There Be Pets in Heaven? 15:05

6M ago15:05

15:05

For anyone who has ever loved a pet deeply, the question "Will there be pets in heaven?" isn't silly—it's profoundly personal. In this episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles this question with both theological depth and genuine emotion. Drawing from his own heartbreak over losing his beloved beagle Maggie, Adam guides listeners thr…

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Why Does Suffering Happen? What I Tell Hurting Families... 4:04

6M ago4:04

4:04

In this deeply personal episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of life's most agonizing questions through the lens of a heartbreaking letter from a listener whose husband is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. With the compassion of a pastor who has walked alongside countless hurting families, Adam doesn't offer easy answers or…

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"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers 58:45

6M ago58:45

58:45

For the Season Seven finale, Kirk takes a look at Bill Withers' enduring hit "Lean On Me." In the process, he takes a broader look at a bunch of Withers' other most famous songs to better understand how this plainspoken, seemingly ordinary guy managed to write so many extraordinary songs. Written by: Bill Withers Album: Still Bill, 1972 Listen/Buy …

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HoM Episode 59: Whitefield's Response to Free Grace 16:23

6M ago16:23

16:23

In this episode, we look at George Whitefield's response to John Wesley's sermon Free Grace, published more than a year later. It helps us to understand the differences between groups in Bristol and in the ongoing revival. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com. You ca…

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Can You Separate Faith From Politics? Here's Why I Don't Think So... 36:21

6M ago36:21

36:21

Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most divisive questions in modern Christianity: Can you really separate faith from politics? Speaking from his peaceful retreat at the Lake of the Ozarks, Adam opens up about the intense reaction to his July 4th Facebook post discussing recent legislation and why he believes the church must speak when political deci…

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Everybody Wants to Be Loved: Lessons from a Business Icon 35:17

6M ago35:17

35:17

In this captivating episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with 91-year-old Barnett Helzberg Jr., the legendary Kansas City entrepreneur who transformed a small family jewelry business into a national empire before selling it to Warren Buffett in one of the most remarkable chance encounters in business history. But this isn't jus…

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Bluegrass, Blue Prince, and the Blues 59:33

6M ago59:33

59:33

Kirk answers a bunch of listener questions on topics like bluegrass guitar, the music of Blue Prince, good apps for training theory skills, Robert Fripp's "Frippertronics," a mysterious sound on a Gene Clark song, different types of music notation, and the legacy of the blues. All that, and a trio of terrific singer/songwriters stops by the studio …

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Learning to Forgive When Someone You Love Does the Unthinkable 43:32

7M ago43:32

43:32

In this deeply moving episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Bob and Kelly Pascuzzi to explore one of life's most challenging questions: How do we forgive when someone we love does the unthinkable? Through their raw and honest conversation, Adam reveals why forgiveness isn't just a nice spiritual concept—it's the most essent…

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HoM Episode 58: Free Grace 13:03

7M ago13:03

13:03

In this episode, we focus entirely upon John Wesley's sermon, Free Grace, which he preached at the end of his first month in Bristol. This sermon articulates John's distinction between predestinarian thought and Biblical thought (in his mind) and sets the stage for the dispute between John Wesley and George Whitefield that will split the nascent Me…

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The Ancient Debate that Shaped Christianity Forever 37:52

7M ago37:52

37:52

What if the most important theological debate in Christian history happened because faithful people were simply trying to make sense of confusing ideas? In this fascinating episode, Adam Hamilton takes us back 1,700 years to explore the Council of Nicaea and the creation of the Nicene Creed—a document that emerged from one of Christianity's most he…

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"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police 1:00:16

7M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

In 1981, Sting brought a demo of a song he'd been working on down to AIR Studios in Montserrat to see what his bandmates thought of it... and they wound up keeping the demo and just recording their parts on top. The result was "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," an unusual Police song, but an enduring hit. On this episode, Kirk goes deep on eve…

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America was Built on Protest: A Response to the ICE Protests 19:41

7M ago19:41

19:41

In this timely episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of today's most challenging intersections: where faith meets politics, and where our deepest values collide with current events. Responding to the ICE raids and protests happening across California and other cities, Adam doesn't shy away from the hard questions that keep thi…

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The Church Nobody Thinks Could Exist: Progressive Faith Meets Deep Tradition 38:44

7M ago38:44

38:44

What happens when three young pastors decide to build churches that challenge everything people expect from organized religion? In this compelling episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with three remarkable young clergy who are reshaping what it means to be a pastor in today's world. Fresh from a gathering of United Methodist pa…

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"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II 59:47

8M ago59:47

59:47

The jazz standard "All The Things You Are" has been performed countless times by master jazz vocalists, 30s big bands, bebop small groups, hard-bop combos, modern deconstructionists, and even soon-to-be Kings of Pop. On this episode, Kirk takes listeners through the history of the now-famous tune, from its humble Broadway origins all the way to his…

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Run Towards Pain? The Key to Influence with Global Leadership Expert Tommy Spaulding 32:43

8M ago32:43

32:43

Adam Hamilton sits down with leadership expert and bestselling author Tommy Spaulding for an honest conversation that bridges the gap between faith and leadership. What starts as a discussion about servant leadership quickly becomes a vulnerable exploration of forgiveness, relationships, and what it really means to live like Jesus in our everyday i…

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The Day Two Grieving Families Chose Love Over Hate 26:50

8M ago26:50

26:50

In this deeply moving episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Scott Mosher, a father who experienced the ultimate tragedy when his police officer son was killed in the line of duty. What unfolds is not a story of bitterness or revenge, but one of radical forgiveness that defies understanding. Mosher shares how he and his wife…

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"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler 1:00:19

8M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Turn around... every now and then I get a little lonely and the snare is sounding small Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of sleigh bells Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the cannons will not fire Turn around... ...every now and then Kirk decides to take on a classi…

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Why Holding Grudges is Destroying Your Health: World-Renowned Mental Health Expert Breaks Down the Science 42:09

8M ago42:09

42:09

In this empowering episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores the transformative power of forgiveness with world-renowned psychologist and international bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud. Together, they dive deep into why forgiveness matters for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. This conversation stands in the radical cente…

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HoM Episode 57: The Revival in Bristol 11:04

8M ago11:04

11:04

In this episode, we look the first month of John Wesley's participation in the Revival in Bristol, England, in 1739. This period is crucial for Wesley's understanding of revival. It also prepares the way for his split with George Whitefield over Free Grace vs. Predestination. If you are interested in History of Methodism Continuing Education Opport…

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The Both-And Church in and Either-Or World with Rev. Matt Miofsky 26:38

8M ago26:38

26:38

In this enlightening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores what makes the United Methodist Church uniquely positioned to speak to 21st century spiritual seekers. Adam engages in an authentic conversation about why so many people who have walked away from church or never attended might find a home in a denomination that intentiona…

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Bluey, Background Jazz, and the 'Best' Metal Guitar Solo 1:08:00

8M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

How should you count The Police's "Bed's Too Big Without You?" Why do so many people revere Marty Friedman's solo on Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls"? What's going on with those pauses during the Bluey theme? And what the heck is that sound on Sly and the Family Stone's "Sex Machine"? Those questions and many more on the first mailbag episode of Seaso…

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Tears, Triumphs, & New Beginnings: A Refugee Story of Hope & Resilience 59:43

9M ago59:43

59:43

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton welcomes viewers into an intimate conversation about refugee resettlement in Kansas City. Adam brings together a diverse panel including refugees who have rebuilt their lives in America, alongside those who support this vital work. Through honest, sometimes emotional exchanges, we wit…

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Faith vs. Reality: Finding Meaning in Crisis, Scripture, and Compassionate Action 28:45

9M ago28:45

28:45

In this special 25th episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores how facing life's greatest challenges can transform our perspective and deepen our faith. Through powerful personal stories and insightful biblical analysis, Adam examines how we interpret Jesus's teachings and apply them to modern life. The episode weaves together intima…