Welcome to "Charleston's Retirement Coach," hosted by Brandon Bowen, seasoned financial advisor and founder of Bowen Wealth, LLC. Each week, join Brandon as he unpacks the complexities of planning for retirement with straightforward, actionable insights tailored specifically to help you achieve financial peace of mind. In Charleston and beyond, retirement planning can seem daunting. Brandon brings over two decades of experience directly to you, covering everything from investment strategies ...
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The Two Cities is a podcast dedicated to Theology, Culture, and Discipleship. Originally beginning as a blog back in 2011 (thetwocities.com), we have extended our eclectic array of theological integration to the world of podcasting. Co-hosts and contributors include: Dr. Amber Bowen, Dr. Josh Carroll, Dr. John Anthony Dunne, Dr. Grace Emmett, Jennifer Guo, Dr. Brandon Hurlbert, Stephanie Kate Judd, Dr. Grace Sangalang Ng, Stanley Ng, Rev. Dr. Chris Porter, Rev. Daniel Parham, Dr. Madison Pie ...
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Fans matter, and everybody is a fan of SOMETHING. Kristian Bush, one-half of the Grammy-winning duo Sugarland, talks to people from all walks of life about what they’re geeking out, and shares his own musical obsessions along the way.
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Driven Minds Podcast Co-hosts, Franz Bowen and Travis Weekes, explore the narratives of success of individuals across various industries with one specific question: “What drives you?” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/drivensocietypodcast/support
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Welcome to the Simons Says Podcast, where we explore a range of fascinating topics that impact our lives, hosted by David Simons. From the latest current events and thought-provoking personal stories to tips for health and wellbeing, we cover it all.
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Episode #279 - Saving Face with Aimee Byrd
53:39
53:39
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53:39In this episode we’re joined by Aimee Byrd, who is the author of eight books, including the new one that we discuss in this episode, Saving Face: Finding My Self, God, and One Another Outside a Defaced Church (published by Zondervan). Over the course of our conversation we talk about the rich value of faces, the metaphorical nuances to “saving face…
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Managing Emotions During Market Volatility
23:11
23:11
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23:11This week on Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses his motivation for helping others navigate retirement planning, the importance of managing emotions during market volatility, the future of Social Security, and how to uncover waste in investment portfolios. He emphasizes the need for strategic planning and the value of having a fi…
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Episode #278 - The Anti-Greed Gospel with Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley
1:08:09
1:08:09
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1:08:09In this episode we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, Pastor at Mosaic Waco, Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement at Baylor University, and the author of The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward (published by Baker). Over the course of our conve…
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Navigating Summer Vacations with Financial Planning
22:28
22:28
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22:28In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of financial planning, especially during the summer vacation season. He shares personal anecdotes about family vacations and emphasizes the need for proper financial preparation for spontaneous trips. The conversation shifts to the differences between captive a…
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Episode #277 - Boy Jesus with Professor Joan Taylor
48:20
48:20
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48:20In this episode we’re joined by Professor Joan Taylor, who is Professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King’s College, London, and the author of Boy Jesus: Growing Up Judean in Turbulent Times (Zondervan Academic). Over the course of our conversation we talk about what our sources are for accessing Jesus’s childhood, what we thin…
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This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the critical aspects of retirement planning, particularly focusing on the 'retirement danger zone' and the importance of creating a solid income plan. He emphasizes the need for diversification in investment strategies to mitigate risks associated with market volatility as individuals approach retirement. The conv…
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Episode #276 - Writing and Rewriting the Gospels with Dr. James Barker
1:15:18
1:15:18
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1:15:18In this episode we’re joined by Dr. James Barker, who is Associate Professor in the Department of History at Western Kentucky University and the author of Writing and Rewriting the Gospels: John and the Synoptics (published by Eerdmans). In this episode we discuss Dr. Barker’s theory of Gospel development, which entails the idea that each of our ca…
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In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of financial planning, especially in volatile markets. He shares his personal motivation for helping clients navigate retirement, emphasizing the need for a solid income plan and the challenges surrounding Social Security. The conversation also highlights the s…
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Episode #275 - A History of Sex and Christianity with Prof. Diarmaid MacCulloch
1:02:49
1:02:49
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1:02:49Over the course of our conversation, Prof. MacCulloch explains the impetus behind his book as unsettling many “settled facts” about the Christian history of sexuality. We talk about differing views on sex before the Fall, sex in the eschaton, modern approaches to sexuality like purity culture, when weddings began to be held in churches, and some of…
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Hidden Fees: The Silent Retirement Killer
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25:16This week on Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of understanding hidden fees in financial portfolios, the value of transparency in financial advising, and the mindset needed for a fulfilling retirement. He emphasizes the need for a customized retirement blueprint to ensure financial independence and confidence in …
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Episode #274 – The Last Temptation of Christ with Dr. David Bennett
52:56
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52:56In this episode we’re joined by Dr. David Bennett is a post-doctoral research fellow in theology and ethics at the University of Oxford and he’s the author of A War of Loves: The Unexpected Story of a Gay Activist Discovering Jesus (published by Zondervan). In our conversation we review and discuss the portrayal of Jesus’s sexuality and desire for …
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In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen shares his personal journey from a humble upbringing on a chicken farm in South Carolina to becoming a successful financial advisor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of helping clients navigate their retirement plans, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in finan…
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Episode #273 - The Marriage You Want with Sheila Wray Gregoire
56:31
56:31
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56:31In this episode we’re joined by Sheila Wray Gregoire, who is a speaker, author of several books, and manager of the podcast and website, BareMarriage.com. She’s also the author (along with her husband, Keith) of the book that we’re discussing on this episode: The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, Ne…
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Navigating Life Changes: Financial Guidance for Widows
25:20
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25:20In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the challenges faced by widows and divorcees in financial planning, the impact of market volatility on retirement savings, and the emotional responses that can arise during uncertain times. He emphasizes the importance of having a solid income-focused retirement plan and enco…
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Episode #272 - Paul and Judaism at the End of History with Professor Matthew Novenson
59:06
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59:06In this episode we’re joined by Professor Matthew Novenson, who is the Helen H. P. Manson Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and the author of Paul and Judaism at the End of History (published by Cambridge University Press). In this conversation we talk about how eschatology and Paul’s belief that he was living at the end …
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Navigating Market Volatility: Strategies for Retirement
21:42
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21:42This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the current market volatility and its implications for retirement planning. He emphasizes the importance of asset allocation, emotional decision-making, and having a solid retirement game plan. The conversation also covers strategies for navigating down markets and the concept of managing investments through three…
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Episode #271 - Judaism: A Guide for Christians with Professor Tzvi Novick
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1:04:01
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1:04:01In this episode we’re joined by Professor Tzvi Novick, who is Abrams Jewish Thought and Culture Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, and the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode, Judaism: A Guide for Christians (published by Eerdmans). Over the course of our conversation we talk about why Professor Novick wrote…
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The Importance of Personalized Financial Planning
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24:03In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of personalized financial planning, particularly in retirement. He critiques popular financial gurus for their broad advice and emphasizes the need for tailored income planning that addresses longevity, tax risks, and market volatility. Through client success s…
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Episode #270 - Climate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place with Dr. Jerusha Neal
55:45
55:45
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55:45In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Jerusha Neal, who is Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School and the author of Holy Ground: Climate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place (published by Baylor University Press). In this conversation we talk about climate-informed homiletics and specifically what Dr. Neal gleaned from in…
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Getting to Know Charleston's Retirement Coach
19:32
19:32
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19:32This week, Brandon Bowen shares his personal journey from a humble upbringing on a farm in South Carolina to becoming a successful financial advisor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of helping clients navigate their retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of clarity and trust in the advisor-client relationship. Brandon also reflects…
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Episode #269 - The Prophet's Anthem with Dr. Michelle Knight
56:40
56:40
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56:40In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Michelle Knight, who is Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode, The Prophet’s Anthem : The Song of Deborah and Barak in the Narrative of Judges (published by Baylor University Press). In thi…
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In this conversation, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of understanding market volatility and risk tolerance in retirement planning. He emphasizes the need for a secure income plan and the use of MarketGuard portfolios to manage risk effectively. The discussion also highlights the significance of thorough portfolio analysis and the disconnect…
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Episode #268 - The Mary We Forgot with Professor Jennifer Powell McNutt
1:03:55
1:03:55
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1:03:55In this episode we’re joined by Professor Jennifer Powell McNutt, who is the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies and Professor of Theology and History of Christianity at Wheaton College and the author of the book that we discuss in this episode, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today …
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In this week's episode of Charleston' Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen interviews actor and musician Chip Esten, discussing his career, personal experiences, and the importance of family and legacy. Esten shares insights on his roles in popular shows, the impact of his family on his music, and the challenges of parenting. The conversation emphasizes…
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Building a Legacy Through Music and Finance
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24:07
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24:07This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the intersection of music, legacy, and financial planning. The conversation begins with insights from the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and the impact of social media on the music industry. Brandon emphasizes the importance of building a legacy, both in music and personal finance, drawing lessons from artists like O…
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Episode #267 - Becoming the Pastor's Wife with Professor Beth Allison Barr
58:08
58:08
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58:08In this episode we’re joined by Professor Beth Allison Barr, who is the James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University and the author of Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry (published by Brazos). Over the course of our conversation we talk about how the common notion in certain Christ…
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In this conversation, Brandon Bowen discusses the evolving landscape of retirement planning, emphasizing the need to rethink traditional retirement ages and the importance of balancing spending and saving. He highlights the significance of creating a comprehensive income plan that allows retirees to enjoy their savings while also preparing for long…
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Episode #266 - Religion, Theology, and Stranger Things with Dr. Andy Byers, Dr. Adam Powell, Dr. Siobhán Jolley, Dr. Brandon Grafius, and Dr. Jana Riess
1:04:27
1:04:27
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1:04:27In this episode we’re talking about the new volume on Religion, Theology, and Stranger Things: Studies from the Upside Down on Evil, Ethics, Horror, and Hope (Rowman & Littlefield). We’re joined by the editors Dr. Andy Byers (lecturer in New Testament at Ridley Hall in the Cambridge Theological Federation) and Dr. Adam Powell (lecturer in medical h…
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Uncovering Hidden Fees in Retirement Plans
24:37
24:37
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24:37This week on Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the often-overlooked hidden fees in retirement plans, particularly focusing on expense ratios and their impact on retirement savings. He emphasizes the importance of self-managing retirement funds to avoid unnecessary costs and highlights common mistakes people make when planning f…
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Episode #265 - The LOST Documentary with Leslie Garcia
54:49
54:49
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54:49In this episode we debrief and review the new documentary about the hit TV show from the mid and late 2000s—LOST. The documentary (Getting LOST) is a nostalgic treat for fans made by fans 20 years after the airing of the pilot in 2004 with loads of creative and acting representation (available on Amazon Prime). Joining us for this conversation is L…
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Navigating Retirement: Strategies for Financial Security
24:52
24:52
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24:52This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of planning for retirement, particularly focusing on social security risks and strategies to mitigate them. He emphasizes the need for a diversified income stream and shares a client case study to illustrate how to effectively manage retirement income. The conversation also covers common mistakes ma…
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Episode #264 - Acts of the Apostles with Professor Steve Walton
54:24
54:24
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54:24In this episode we’re joined by Professor Steve Walton, Senior Research Fellow in New Testament at Trinity College, Bristol, and the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode, Acts 1–9:42 in the Word Biblical Commentary series (published by Zondervan Academic). In our conversation, Prof. Walton shares with us how he got to be involve…
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This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the critical importance of tax planning in retirement. He emphasizes understanding tax brackets, the benefits of Roth IRAs, and the necessity of customizing investment portfolios to maximize returns and minimize tax liabilities. The conversation also highlights the creation of a personalized retirement blueprint t…
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Episode #263 - Divine Judgment in the Gospel of Mark with Dr. M. John-Patrick O'Connor
49:26
49:26
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49:26In this episode we’re joined by Dr. M. John-Patrick O’Connor, who is Associate Professor of New Testament at Northwest University, and the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode, The Last Will Be First: Divine Judgment in the Gospel of Mark (published by Baylor University Press). In our conversation we discuss the “grammar of judg…
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In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the importance of understanding personal expenses in retirement planning, the need for effective investment strategies, and the significance of having a well-structured retirement game plan. He emphasizes the balance between growth and protection in investments, the impact of…
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Episode #262 - John of History, Baptist of Faith with Professor James McGrath
57:09
57:09
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57:09In this episode we’re joined by Professor James McGrath, who is Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University, and the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode: John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer (published by Eerdmans). In our conversation we talk about…
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This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the critical aspects of retirement planning, highlighting the common regrets of not saving adequately, the importance of having a personalized retirement plan, and the fears associated with running out of money. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to income generation in retirement, the imp…
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Episode #261 - Engaging Jesus with Our Senses with Dr. Jeannine Hanger
40:50
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40:50In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jeannine Hanger, who is Associate Professor of New Testament at BIOLA University and Talbot School of Theology, and she’s the author of the book that we’re discussing in this episode, Engaging Jesus with Our Senses: An Embodied Approach to the Gospels (published by Baker). In our conversation we talk about the i…
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This week, Brandon Bowen discusses the concept of 'lazy money' in retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of identifying and reallocating funds that are not actively working for individuals. He highlights the significance of having a second opinion on financial strategies and how to prioritize retirement goals to ensure a fulfilling retirem…
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Episode #260 - One Spirit with Dr. Kris Song
57:03
57:03
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57:03In this episode we’re joined by one of our very own co-hosts here at The Two Cities podcast, Dr. Kris Song, who is an instructor in New Testament at Bethel Seminary and the author of One Spirit: Pneumatology and Unity in the Corinthian Letters (published by Baylor University Press). In our conversation we talk about Paul’s pneumatology in the Corin…
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Resolutions: Why We Fail and How to Succeed
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25:09
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25:09In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the significance of National Quitters Day, the challenges of sticking to New Year's resolutions, and the implications of early retirement decisions. Like what you hear? Get a second opinion today 👉 https://bit.ly/3WoNJZT Also on Facebook and YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listen…
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In this episode we discuss the second season of the hit Netflix show, Squid Game. We chat about what we appreciated most about season 2 relative to season 1, how this season builds upon previous questions that the show raises about capitalism and makes the stakes more jarring as we think about its effects on younger generations and democracy itself…
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Episode #258 - Religion for Realists with Professor Sam Perry
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1:00:13In this episode we’re joined by Professor Sam Perry, who is Sam K. Viersen Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma is the Department of Sociology, and the author of several books, including, most recently, Religion for Realists: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of Religion (with Oxford University Press). In our conversation we talk…
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This week on Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen reflects on the past year, sharing personal and professional milestones, and discusses the importance of planning for a successful 2025. He emphasizes the need for sustainable goal setting over traditional resolutions, the significance of prioritizing health, and how financial planning can a…
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Episode #257 - Hope in the Time of Crisis with Professor Norman Wirzba
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56:51
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56:51In this episode we're joined by Professor Norman, who is Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian Theology & Senior Fellow at the Kenan Institute of Ethics at Duke University and the author of Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis (published by Yale University Press). In our conversation we talk about how hope is an active embo…
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Navigating Retirement: The Importance of Personal Touch
24:37
24:37
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24:37In this episode of Charleston's Retirement Coach, Brandon Bowen discusses the intricacies of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding fees associated with financial services, the value of personal relationships in financial advisory, and the emotional aspects of financial planning. He also touches on the significance of sett…
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Episode #256 - How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible with Professor Gary Edward Schnittjer and Dr. Matthew Harmon
1:15:36
1:15:36
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1:15:36In this episode we’re joined by Professor Gary Edward Schnittjer, who is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament in the School of Divinity at Cairn University in Pennsylvania, and Dr. Matthew Harmon, who is Professor of New Testament Studies at Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana. Together they are the authors of How to Study the Bible’s Use of …
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In this episode we talk about the presentations we gave at the 2024 SBL & AAR conferences in San Diego and reflect on some of our highlights. We also took the mic around the book stalls for short interviews with various people, including: Prof. Steve Walton, Dr. Andy Judd, Dr. Holly Beers, Dr. Joshua Mobley, Dr. Jonathan Lett, Hakeem Bradley, Dr. M…
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Navigating Social Security: A Comprehensive Guide
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22:41In this conversation, Brandon Bowen discusses the intricacies of Social Security benefits, emphasizing the importance of timing and strategy in claiming these benefits. He outlines key ages for claiming Social Security, the impact of cumulative earnings, and the complexities involved in navigating the system. The discussion also touches on the curr…
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Episode #254 - The Genre Studies Gap with Professor Jeannine Brown and Dr. Andy Judd
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1:05:08This episode is a Live recording with audience of a discussion about genre with Professor Jeannine Brown and Dr. Andy Judd. The event was sponsored by Bethel Seminary, Ridley College (Melbourne), and The Two Cities podcast. Following up on our episodes on genre with each of them, we answer audience questions and dig deeper into the topic. Professor…
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