When you hear the words “Judgment Day,” do you feel fear… or anticipation? In this episode, Alex and Craig challenge the fire-and-brimstone narrative by asking a bold question: Should we actually be excited for it? Through the stories of Babel, Jesus' mercy, and personal reflections, they explore what it means to truly believe that Christ has alrea…

What if two seemingly opposite emotions (like fear and joy, or vulnerability and safety) could exist together, rather than cancel each other out? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the surprising spiritual maturity found in holding tension: between shame and love, pain and hope, disappointment and delight. Drawing from personal stories, relati…

What does it look like to serve God on the frontlines (literally)? In this gripping episode, former SWAT team member and Air Rescue 5 veteran Jim Moss shares how decades in high-stakes law enforcement shaped his faith, refined his prayer life, and revealed God’s purpose in both chaos and stillness. From spiritual awakenings during tactical raids to…

In this episode of Surface Tension, Alex and Craig explore the concept of choosing which "god" to serve in life, discussing the difference between the "Big G God" (the one true God) and the many "little g gods" that often distract us, such as societal approval, money, and comfort. They reflect on how these "little g gods" can subtly take control of…

Are you okay? Are things going to be okay? In this episode, Alex and Craig go beneath the surface to explore these two deceptively simple questions. They reflect on how childhood, emotional wounds, and our pursuit of validation shape our sense of security and identity. Through personal stories and spiritual insight, they invite listeners to conside…

In this episode, Alex and Craig unpack three foundational questions: Who is God really? Do we want to live in reality? How important is love? The way we answer these shapes everything—from our faith to our relationships. Join the conversation as we examine the illusions we cling to, confront the truth God invites us into, and discover how shifting …

Craig and Alex sit down to hear Melissa Whiteman's God Story. From an early age, Melissa faced hardships many wouldn’t be able to bear. From extreme violence to drug use and trafficking, she found herself desperate for God, and by His divine grace and intervention, she was saved in more ways than one. She has devoted her life to helping children in…

Craig and Alex explore what it means to love someone for their soul, rather than merely for their thoughts, emotions, or decisions: an approach that surpasses the typical focus of most personal relationships.

Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual implications of the impending AI revolution, and examine what underlying assumptions and promises have been motivating people to do and become more.

Craig and Alex explore Acts 8:9-25, the story of Simon the Magician, and reflect on what it means to surrender our version of "good" for His ultimate "Good."

Craig and Alex discuss reclaiming how we move through the world and how we all need coaches, one coach in particular.

Craig and Alex explore what it means to navigate challenging times—whether you're the one in the hot seat or supporting someone who is.

Craig sits down with Pastor Doc Jacobs to discuss "everywhere ministry," true courage, and how even pastors must constantly reset on prioritizing Jesus, family, and community.

Craig opens with the seemingly counter-intuitive question of "What are the wrong questions to ask around Christmas time?"

Craig and Alex address the somewhat daunting question of "how's your prayer life?"

Craig and Alex sit down with Vincent Dioguardi to hear his "God Story." From near death experiences, to overcoming addiction and homelessness, Vincent attributes his miraculous life to the one who loved him when nobody else would.

Craig poses the question: What if the reward or payoff of something is scary, or isn't something we actually want? Surface Tension is brought to you by https://www.goministryinternational.org

Craig and Alex, upon returning from a weekend men's retreat, discuss seeing God, themselves, and others through a new lens. The challenge for us is not only recognizing God's reality, but how to consistently walk in it. Finding our true purpose and living it out is contingent on having an accurate view of God, knowing how he sees us, and knowing ho…

Craig and Alex discuss the 20 "hidden idols of the heart" as outlined by Tim Keller. The 20 idols are as follows: “Life only has meaning/I only have worth if… 1. I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry) 2. I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry) 3. I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of lif…

Craig and Alex sit down with Jenna Nelson to hear about what it looks like to create emotional safety with God. In a world that doesn’t feel particularly easy to navigate as a young person, Jenna shares her God story, giving both hope and insight for followers of Jesus, young and old, alike.

Craig and Alex sit down with Dan Roberts, a faith giant, to discuss his God story. Dan, a proud father of four and great nephew of Oral Roberts, has worked in both ministry and industry. In addition to owning technology, background screening, and insurance companies, he founded a staffing agency, Premier Staffing, which was later re-branded as “Hir…

Craig and Alex discuss the directionality of spiritual fruit.

Craig and Alex discuss Peter's denial and restoration.

Craig and Alex discuss the question: "What if the next play Jesus called for us was a timeout?"

Craig and Alex discuss what it looks like when we aim our "cannons" at ourselves, at others, or even straight up in the air.

After a brief summer break, Craig and Alex reunite to discuss asking better questions and zooming out to find the "God Story" being authored that supersedes our personal realities.

Alex and guest-host Quin Weissenberger sit down to discuss what it looks like to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus, through the lens of scuba diving.

Craig starts the episode with the profound question: "What are the questions that love asks?"

Craig and Alex discuss how our thoughts and behavior can help reveal our innermost beliefs, and what to do if those beliefs don't feel entirely aligned with our stated purpose.

Craig and Alex discuss spiritual/mental/emotional patterns about how to identify and break them.

Craig and Alex discuss what happens when we turn our attention to eternity.

Craig and Alex discuss what it means to be "scarily close" to God.

Craig and Alex take a deep dive into Mark 9 to discuss healing a variety of ailments, be they physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, or relational.

Craig and Alex sit down with Quin Weisenberger, an up-and-coming spiritual leader, to hear his God story.

Craig and Alex conclude their "Kingdom Monopoly" series by discussing the spiritual metaphors within the Free Parking square.

Craig and Alex continue their discussion about the spiritual metaphors embedded in the classic board game Monopoly. This week, the duo examine the significance of Jail.

Craig and Alex continue their series about the parallels between Monopoly and a faith journey. This week, the duo discuss the GO square and piece selection.

Craig and Alex discuss parallels between the board game Monopoly and a life of faith.

Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual and relational implications of AI

Craig and Alex discuss the importance of knowing that oftentimes, our first thought/reaction isn't our best one.

Craig and Alex discuss what true fulfillment looks like, and whether the pursuit of "fulfillment" gets us where we need to be in the first place.

Craig and Alex discuss what it looks like to hit "compassion burn-out," and what it looks like to move through it.

Craig and Alex explore ways to lean into Easter.

Craig and Alex discuss what it means to get out of a place of misery.

Craig and Alex sit down with Jonathan Duncan to discuss how to "ask better God questions."

Craig and Alex sit down with Jonathan Duncan and ask him about his God story.

Craig and Alex discuss what it looks like to extend out of one's comfort zone in order to experience soul growth.

Craig poses the question: "How do we maintain hope and optimism when not only the world, but we ourselves feel broken?"

Craig and Alex Examine John 13: 1-17, where Jesus washes the disciples feet.

Although it's well past the Christmas season, Craig and Alex discuss a heart that's 3 sizes too small.