Best Joy Thayer Podcasts (2026)

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Loving God More, Trusting Him with Money, and Recovering the Wonder We’ve Lost 1:10:47

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3d ago1:10:47

1:10:47

Brian From invites listeners to rethink resolutions—not around what we want to accomplish, but who we want to become—anchoring the year in Jesus’ call to love God more deeply and love others more faithfully. The episode also tackles financial anxiety in an uncertain economy, asking whether Christ is truly enough and how prayer and contentment resha…

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Finding Courage, Faith, and Clarity in a Noisy World 1:07:34

3h ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Brian From reflects on what we discover when connection is suddenly taken away, how our lack of control drives us to prayer, and why empathy should come before outrage in moments of public tragedy. The episode explores the courage found in true encouragement, the call to finish well with integrity, and the steady hope believers cling to when faith …

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Navigating Entertainment Choices in 2026 with Adam Holz 9:32

1d ago9:32

9:32

Adam Holz discusses the importance of actively engaging with entertainment and technology, especially as the new year begins. He emphasizes the need to shift from passive consumption to a more thoughtful approach, encouraging listeners to consider how their media choices affect their values and relationships. The discussion includes biblical refere…

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Seven Years of The Common Good: Running the Race, Renewing Our Minds, and Setting Ourselves Apart 1:00:41

5d ago1:00:41

1:00:41

On the seventh anniversary of The Common Good, Brian Fromm reflects on the heart of the show—encouraging believers to run the race faithfully, keep the faith, and grow deeper in their love for Christ. The episode weaves together personal stories of parenting, mission trips, and God’s long-game faithfulness with a powerful reminder that Jesus is not…

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Reviving Community Spirit: Greater New Life Church 12:30

2d ago12:30

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Brian From speaks with Pastor Darrell Moore of Greater New Life Church in Roseville. They discuss the church's mission, community outreach efforts, the challenges of starting a church, and the resilience shown after a devastating fire. Pastor Moore shares insights on the importance of church attendance and the excitement of being part of a communit…

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Pascal’s Wager, Parenting Joy, and the Church’s Unchanging Message 56:00

6d ago56:00

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Brian From reflects on the sobering honesty of Dilbert creator Scott Adams as he faces terminal cancer and wrestles publicly with faith, eternity, and the limits of Pascal’s Wager. The episode also pushes back on cultural narratives that portray parenthood as misery, arguing instead that children are a hard but profound gift that reshapes how we un…

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Flying the Nest, Failing Forward, and the Cost of Constant Hustle 1:08:59

7d ago1:08:59

1:08:59

Brian From reflects on a deeply personal parenting moment as his children head out on mission trips, exploring the bittersweet reality of releasing them into independence. Drawing lessons from sports heartbreak, he examines how public failure can feel defining—but why, in Christ, our worst moments do not get the final word. The episode closes with …

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Physician-Assisted Suicide in Illinois: Why Christians Are Raising the Alarm 9:01

10d ago9:01

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Brian From is joined by Zachary Mettler of Focus on the Family to discuss Illinois’ newly signed law legalizing physician-assisted suicide and why it raises serious moral, medical, and spiritual concerns. Mettler explains the arguments often used to support the practice—autonomy and compassion—and why they fall short in light of advances in hospice…

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Navigating the Holidays in Blended Families: Wisdom and Hope with Deana Thayer 9:29

10d ago9:29

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Brian From is joined by Deana Thayer of Focus on the Family to talk through why the holidays can be especially challenging for stepfamilies and blended families. Deana shares practical guidance on managing expectations, communicating clearly with kids and spouses, and creating new traditions without dismissing old ones. The conversation also offers…

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Adam Holz on Stranger Things, Knives Out, and Discernment 10:01

6d ago10:01

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Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In for a thoughtful conversation about how Christians can engage popular entertainment with wisdom and discernment. They discuss the latest episodes of Stranger Things, including its darker themes, spiritual parallels, and a major coming-out storyline that raises important questions about grace and truth…

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Free and Clear: Letting Go of 2025 and Walking into 2026 with Hope 39:56

10d ago39:56

39:56

As The Common Good returns for its first episode of 2026, Brian From reflects on a turbulent and formative year marked by loss, transition, growth, and God’s quiet faithfulness. He looks back on the stories that shaped the church in 2025, wrestles with bitterness, control, and perspective, and invites listeners to consider not what they want to acc…

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When Your Worst Moment Goes Viral: Integrity, Shame, and Finding Light Before Christmas 52:10

21d ago52:10

52:10

What would it be like if your most regrettable moment became a viral spectacle for the world to mock, judge, and never forget? In this episode, Brian From reflects on viral shame, public failure, and the crushing weight of life lived online—contrasting our culture’s lack of integrity with the hope found in confession, character, and grace. As Chris…

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Learning to Be a Team: Al and Autumn Ray on Coaching Strong, Christ-Centered Marriages 10:26

25d ago10:26

10:26

Brian From is joined by Al and Autumn Ray, co-founders of Marriage Team, to talk about their passion for helping struggling marriages find hope, healing, and practical skills for lasting connection. Drawing from their own marital challenges, the Rays explain how marriage coaching works, why communication is foundational, and how couples can build a…

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How Focus on the Family Is Strengthening Millions of Homes—And How You Can Help 9:18

25d ago9:18

9:18

Brian From is joined by Bob Stephens of Focus on the Family to discuss the organization’s end-of-year matching campaign and the wide-ranging impact of its work. Stephens shares how Focus supports marriages, parents, foster care families, and evangelism efforts reaching millions each year through radio, digital resources, and on-the-ground programs.…

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Walking Dante’s Path with the Inklings: Hell, Hope, and Heaven 10:29

25d ago10:29

10:29

Brian From sits down with Wheaton College professor Richard Hughes Gibson to discuss his new book The Way of Dante, which explores Dante’s Divine Comedy through the eyes of C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and Charles Williams. Together they unpack why themes of hell, purgatory, and heaven still matter, and how these writers used Dante to reflect on evi…

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The Earth Will Be Filled: Seeing God’s Glory in the Story of Scripture 9:58

25d ago9:58

9:58

Brian From sits down with author and theologian Donnie Berry to explore his new book The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God. Together, they unpack what the Bible means by God’s glory, how it unfolds across the whole story of Scripture, and why it’s both awe-inspiring and deeply personal—especially at Christmas. Donnie exp…

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Porch Pirates, Passion, and the Light That Overcomes the Darkness 32:30

21d ago32:30

32:30

Brian From moves from timely headlines about stolen packages, cash gifts, and aging bodies to deeper reflections on faith, passion, and purpose. Along the way, he contrasts the darkness of greed, cynicism, and exhaustion with the Advent promise that Christ is the light no darkness can overcome. As Christmas approaches, Brian invites listeners to as…

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Empathy, Awe, and the Wonder of Christmas 1:06:30

22d ago1:06:30

1:06:30

As Christmas draws near, Brian From explores why empathy is essential to the Christian life, especially in a polarized and often graceless public square. He reflects on how Jesus models true compassion—entering into the suffering of others rather than offering detached sympathy. The hour also turns toward rediscovering the wonder of Christmas, invi…

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Pets as Dependents, Christmas Darkness, and the Hard Work of Living Joyfully 1:09:30

28d ago1:09:30

1:09:30

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the tension between seasonal joy and a world marked by violence, loss, and uncertainty, reminding listeners why the message of “good news of great joy for all people” matters precisely when darkness feels overwhelming. The show takes a lighter—but revealing—turn with a discussion of a lawsuit asking w…

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Advocacy, Healing, and Hope with Jeff Bradford with The Human Coalition 10:59

28d ago10:59

10:59

Brian From is joined by Jeff Bradford, President and CEO of The Human Coalition, to discuss how the organization supports women who believe abortion is their only option and helps them choose life. Bradford explains Human Coalition’s dual focus on direct care for mothers and legislative advocacy, including how they respond to the rise of chemical a…

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Turning from Screens, Cultivating Character, and Finding Hope This Christmas 59:05

1M ago59:05

59:05

Brian From reflects on the dangers of political cynicism and power while calling Christians to lives marked by character, integrity, and Christlike distinctiveness. As Christmas approaches, he explores the spiritual cost of screen addiction, the importance of turning toward one another, and how practices like communal singing and gracious speech sh…

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Can Men and Women Be Friends in Marriage? Dr. Greg Smalley on Boundaries, Wisdom, and Healthy Relationships 9:19

1M ago9:19

9:19

Brian From talks with Dr. Greg Smalley, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Marriage, about the nuanced and often sensitive question of opposite-sex friendships within marriage. Smalley distinguishes healthy, casual friendships from emotionally intimate ones, offering practical guidance, guardrails, and real-life examples for maintaining trust …

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Christmas Joy, Sports Heartache, and the Destructiveness of Sin 57:46

1M ago57:46

57:46

Brian From reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of sports fandom, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, and why dark chocolate might help you live longer—even if he refuses to eat it. He explores the deeper spiritual challenge of Christmas: not consumerism or secularism, but our own boredom with the most astonishing story ever told. The episode cl…

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Finding Light in the Pit: Nate Pickowicz on Battling Spiritual Depression 9:17

1M ago9:17

9:17

Brian From welcomes pastor and author Nate Pickowicz to discuss his new book, Overcoming the Darkness: Biblical Help for Spiritual Depression, a deeply personal exploration of anxiety, discouragement, and the struggle to rediscover joy in Christ. Pickowicz shares his own battle with spiritual depression, outlines practical steps for healing—includi…

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Christmas at the Movies: Adam Holz on Knives Out, Family Viewing, and Holiday Classics 9:43

1M ago9:43

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Brian From welcomes Plugged In’s Adam Holz for a deep dive into the biggest films arriving just in time for Christmas—including the new Knives Out mystery and what families should know before watching. Holz shares thoughtful guidance on choosing age-appropriate holiday entertainment, recommends a few under-the-radar Christmas gems, and confesses wh…

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Inside “Behold”: How Gospel Life Church Is Bringing an Interactive Christmas Experience to the Western Suburbs 8:33

1M ago8:33

8:33

Brian From sits down with Isaiah Nichols, Creative Director at Gospel Life Church, to explore Behold—a free, immersive Christmas experience blending original music, Hamilton-inspired storytelling, live animals, and a bustling Bethlehem marketplace. Nichols describes the vision behind the production and why Christmas is a uniquely open season for sh…

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Ian Simkins: Laughter, Ministry, and Memories 18:44

29d ago18:44

18:44

Brian From welcomes back former cohost and longtime friend Ian Simkins for a lively, heartfelt conversation spanning ministry, fatherhood, spiritual formation, and the early days of The Common Good. Together they reflect on Ian’s work at The Bridge in Tennessee, the power of “table” community, and the encouraging spiritual hunger they see in the ne…

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Alistair Begg: Finding Meaning in Ecclesiastes 13:13

1M ago13:13

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Alistair Begg discusses his transition into retirement, the relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes in today's society, and the search for meaning in life. He emphasizes the importance of placing hope in God and offers practical advice for those struggling to find joy, especially during the Christmas season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

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Winter, Faith, and the Christmas Journey 56:03

1M ago56:03

56:03

Brian From moves from heartwarming viral stories and frigid-weather musings to deeper reflections on habits, comparison, and the spiritual “ice” that keeps us from seeing clearly. He wrestles with cultural debates—from extravagant church Christmas productions to surprising zoo controversies—while continually inviting listeners back to the hope, cla…

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Standing in the Gap: Jeff Bradford on Human Coalition’s Mission to Help Women Choose Life 8:58

1M ago8:58

8:58

Brian From speaks with Jeff Bradford, CEO and President of Human Coalition, about the organization’s frontline work reaching women who believe abortion is their only option and providing them with compassionate, practical support. Bradford explains how Human Coalition combines medical care, social services, technology, and church partnerships to re…

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From Self-Checkout Confessions to Christmas Hope 49:37

1M ago49:37

49:37

Brian From navigates a wide range of stories—from surprising statistics about self-checkout theft to personal reflections on aging, snowy weekends, and the rhythms of the holiday season—before turning to deeper spiritual truths. Drawing from Scripture, he highlights how God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes and reminds li…

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Ray Comfort on Lessons from Biblical Blunders 13:30

1M ago13:30

13:30

Brian From talks with evangelist and author Ray Comfort about his two new books—Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible and Jesus Amplified—and the surprising ways biblical missteps teach us about God’s patience, human nature, and spiritual wisdom. Comfort reflects on decades of daily Scripture immersion, the richness of the Amplified Bible, and why…

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Barry Meguiar on Sharing Jesus with Boldness 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

Brian From welcomes Barry Meguiar—entrepreneur, TV host, and founder of Ignite America—to discuss why every Christian can confidently share their faith and why the world is more spiritually open than we think. Meguiar’s contagious passion challenges believers to love people boldly, trust the Holy Spirit’s leading, and live each day with eternity in…

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When the Holidays Hurt: Rob Jackson on Grief, Mental Health, and Finding Hope 9:53

1M ago9:53

9:53

Brian From sits down with longtime Focus on the Family counselor Rob Jackson to talk about why the Christmas season can intensify grief, loneliness, and emotional struggle for so many. Jackson offers practical wisdom on healthy coping, supporting loved ones, and dismantling unhelpful Christian stigmas around sadness, counseling, and mental health. …

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Bringing Hope to Forgotten Families: Brian From Talks Angel Tree with Betsy Wright 9:49

1M ago9:49

9:49

Brian From sits down with Betsy Wright, Senior Director of Angel Tree at Prison Fellowship, to explore how this Christ-centered program supports children with incarcerated parents during the Christmas season. Wright explains how Angel Tree strengthens family bonds, breaks cycles of trauma, and connects hurting families with local churches for ongoi…

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Finding Peace in a “Nobody’s Market” 31:02

1M ago31:02

31:02

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the whirlwind of the season, the pressures of time, and the importance of being fully present in the moments God has given us. He addresses the sobering economic realities many listeners are facing—rising layoffs, a frozen housing market, financial strain—and reminds us why the good news of Christ’s a…

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Making the Case for Christmas: Brian From Talks Faith, Evidence, and Chicago Memories with Lee Strobel 17:05

1M ago17:05

17:05

Brian From welcomes bestselling author and former Chicago journalist Lee Strobel to discuss his new book The Case for Christmas and why he believes the story of Jesus’ birth is historically trustworthy. Strobel reflects on his own journey from atheism to faith, the role of evidence in belief, and why Christmas is a uniquely powerful moment for spir…

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Finding Meaning in a Material World with Isaac Serrano 9:27

1M ago9:27

9:27

Brian From sits down with pastor and author Isaac Serrano to discuss his new book When Life Feels Empty, which explores why so many people today—especially younger generations—struggle to find purpose despite material comfort. Serrano unpacks the cultural pull toward materialism, the spiritual hunger it leaves unresolved, and seven ancient Christia…

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When the Internet Shows Its Heart: A Veteran’s Story, Hard Choices, and the Hope of Christmas 39:53

1M ago39:53

39:53

Brian Fromm opens the show with a remarkable story of online generosity, as strangers raise over $1.4 million to help an 88-year-old Army veteran finally retire with dignity. He then reflects on why choosing the “hard way” in life—spiritually, relationally, and personally—often becomes the path to lasting peace. The episode closes with insights on …

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Forming Faith and Excellence: Inside Lutheran Education with Lois Stewart 9:26

1M ago9:26

9:26

Brian From welcomes Lois Stewart, Education Executive for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS, to discuss the mission and impact of more than 70 Lutheran schools across Chicagoland. Stewart shares how these schools keep Christ at the center while delivering rigorous academics, accredited programs, and safe, nurturing environments for student…

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A Phillips, Craig & Dean Christmas: Dan Dean on Faith, Music, and Three Decades of Ministry 9:24

1M ago9:24

9:24

Brian From talks with Dan Dean of the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean as they prepare for their upcoming Christmas concert in Tinley Park. Dan reflects on the group’s unexpected rise in the early ’90s, the moments that shaped their ministry, and why Christmas music continues to be such a joy to perform. He also teases some of the stories and …

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Finding Rest in a Restless World: Brian Fromm with Author Ryan Tinnetti 9:46

1M ago9:46

9:46

Brian From talks with pastor and professor Ryan Tinnetti about his new book, The Quiet Ambition, which explores Scripture’s invitation to step out of the frantic pace of modern life and into a life shaped by the gospel. Ryan unpacks what it means to “live quietly,” build holy habits of stillness, and resist the pressures of constant striving and co…

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Stranger Things, Screens, and the Upside Down: Adam Holz on What Families Should Know 10:57

1M ago10:57

10:57

In their weekly conversation, Brian From and Plugged In’s Adam Holz break down the cultural phenomenon of Stranger Things as the series enters its final season. Adam explains the show’s blend of nostalgia, horror, and heroic storytelling—along with the content concerns parents should weigh before letting kids watch. They also explore why the series…

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Finding God in the Chaos: Hillary Phillips on Faith, Humor, and Her New Book My Brain While Reading the Bible 10:13

1M ago10:13

10:13

Author and creator Hillary Phillips joins Brian From to talk about her new book, My Brain While Reading the Bible, a witty and heartfelt look at encountering Scripture with honesty, humor, and curiosity. Hillary shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood and spiritual confusion to discovering a deeply personal faith shaped by authenticity and G…

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Aniela Chis Talks Giving Tuesday and the Work of Human Coalition 10:46

1M ago10:46

10:46

On this Giving Tuesday, Brian From is joined by Aniela Chis of Human Coalition for a candid and compassionate conversation about supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies. Aniela shares how Human Coalition reaches abortion-minded women online, provides practical and emotional support, and helps them choose life by changing the circumstances tha…

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Giving Tuesday, Public Schools, and the Battle Against Distraction 49:38

1M ago49:38

49:38

On this episode of The Common Good, Brian From reflects on Giving Tuesday, the meaning of generosity, and why our response to God’s grace shapes how we give. He then tackles a growing debate in Christian circles—whether sending kids to public school is sinful—and offers a pastoral perspective rooted in freedom, wisdom, and family discernment. Final…

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A Meaningful Year in Scripture with Author and Pastor Tim Wildsmith 10:34

1M ago10:34

10:34

Brian From talks with pastor and YouTuber Tim Wildsmith about his new book, The Daily Scripture Guidebook, designed to help readers engage the entire Bible in 52 weeks with clarity and confidence. Wildsmith explains how context, structure, and community can turn a daunting reading plan into a transformative daily rhythm. He also shares insights fro…

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Snowstorms, Rest, and a Better Way to Live 47:30

1M ago47:30

47:30

Brian From returns after a snowy Thanksgiving weekend to reflect on control, contentment, and the rhythms that shape our lives heading into Christmas. From chaotic holiday travel to Cyber Monday pressures, he challenges listeners to rediscover rest, generosity, and trust in God amid a culture of busyness and consumerism. The episode weaves together…

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What the Bible Is Revealing About America: Insights from Researcher John Plake 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

Brian From welcomes John Plake from the American Bible Society to unpack the latest State of the Bible survey and what it shows about faith, flourishing, and identity across generations. Plake explains why Bible-engaged people report dramatically higher well-being, how church community strengthens personal identity—especially for Gen Z—and why youn…

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Navigating Thanksgiving Movie Season with Plugged In’s Adam Holz 9:20

2M ago9:20

9:20

Brian From talks with Adam Holz from Plugged In about the biggest films arriving over Thanksgiving weekend and how families can think critically about the worldviews behind them. Holz breaks down the buzz around Wicked: For Good, previews Zootopia 2, and offers guidance on helping kids engage entertainment thoughtfully rather than passively. He als…