Best Thom Walters Podcasts (2025)

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September 28, 2025: Our Shared Life - Cassie Adams 32:18

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4h ago32:18

32:18

Acts 2:42-47 describes the shared daily life of the early church community. The believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They live in unity, sharing possessions and meeting needs. Their communal life is marked by joy, generosity, and praise, and their numbers grow daily as others are drawn to…

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How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray (with Nat Dyer) 41:18

1d ago41:18

41:18

In the second episode of our Trade series, Nick and Goldy talk with author Nat Dyer about his book Ricardo’s Dream: How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray. Dyer reveals how David Ricardo’s famous theory of comparative advantage—long touted as proof that free trade is always a win-win—was built on unrealistic assumptions and a false …

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September 21, 2025: Repent and be Baptized - Hannah Thom 27:54

6d ago27:54

27:54

Acts 2:36-41 concludes Peter’s Pentecost sermon with a direct call to action, declaring that God has made Jesus—whom the people crucified—both Lord and Messiah. The crowd is cut to the heart and asks what to do; Peter tells them to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He assures them the…

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Trade Wars, Class Wars & Globalization: Unpacking The Truth About Trade (featuring David Autor & Marc Palen) 47:52

12d ago47:52

47:52

In this kickoff to our special series on trade, Nick and Goldy unpack why trade policy isn’t just about tariffs and treaties—it’s about people, power, and priorities. For decades, the prevailing narrative has been that trade benefits everyone by lowering prices. But the real question is: who does it help, and who does it hurt? From the false promis…

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ZC 2126: Tricycle Week - Winter Light: Old age Brings an Intensity of Experience by Douglas Penick 22:24

9d ago22:24

22:24

While I don’t know the exact demographic of Zen Commuter listeners, I have confidence in saying that many of you are my chronological peers. To that end, today’s article from Tricycle will resonate with you as well. Even though I don’t fully embrace all the sentiments of the article, it did resonate on the major points. What is the obfuscated topic…

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1767: The Selflessness of Self-Care: Why Caring for You Helps Everyone 6:39

9d ago6:39

6:39

One of the greatest challenges we face as a people is the misunderstanding that we must tend to the needs and suffering of those around us before we tend to our own. Often we are told to disregard our needs, to focus on others first, even exclusively. However, as I will talk about today, you are absolutely useless to anyone if you are not taking ca…

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September 14, 2025: Why Jesus Had to Die - Hannah Thom 30:37

10d ago30:37

30:37

This is the heart of Peter’s Pentecost sermon. He declares that Jesus’ death was part of God’s divine plan, but humans are still responsible for crucifying him. God raised Jesus from the dead, freeing him from death’s power—fulfilling David’s prophecy. Peter argues that David wasn’t speaking of himself, but of the Messiah, whom God would raise and …

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1766: Where Your Attention Goes, Your Reality Grows 6:52

15d ago6:52

6:52

Here’s something you might not know; your thoughts create your reality. Okay, if you’re here then you have listened to Zen Commuter and you know that already. But what does that have to do with calm? What we focus on grows, good or bad. if we think the world is horrible, our brains actively look for evidence to support that belief. Well, the same i…

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1765: The Peace in Knowing Nothing Stays the Same 7:49

15d ago7:49

7:49

Many times, mostly when we are sad or lonely, we think things will never change. We think that the sorrow will remain forever. However, whether you are going through a good time or a tough one, it is certain that it will not remain the same. In challenging times this gives us hope that brighter times are ahead. In joyous times it is recommended to …

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September 7, 2025: Acts 2:14-22 - Paula Williams 30:52

15d ago30:52

30:52

Peter explains that the outpouring of the Spirit fulfills Joel’s prophecy, signaling the last days. He begins proclaiming Jesus as the one sent by God, validated through miracles and divine power. Here, those called are likewise validated by the Spirit moving in and through them. Joel 2 which Peter quotes here, talks of a radical inclusion. The vis…

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Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers (with Mark Blyth) 39:02

15d ago39:02

39:02

Political economist Mark Blyth joins Nick and Goldy to unpack the myths and realities of rising prices, from pandemic supply shocks and corporate profiteering to central-bank missteps and decades of bad economic theory. Drawing from his new book Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers, Blyth explains why some narratives fall flat, why others reveal…

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ZC 2125: Tricycle Week: Blind Passions: Seeing What Holds Us Back 12:50

16d ago12:50

12:50

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I read Mark Unno’s essay “Blind Passions,” a powerful reflection on how unseen desires shape our lives and our practice. Together, we’ll explore how passion can cloud our vision, but also how, when understood, it can become a doorway to deeper awareness and compassion. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the…

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Back to Basics Series: Homo Economicus Must Die (with Samuel Bowles) 32:34

22d ago32:34

32:34

What if the relentless drive to maximize personal gain isn't human nature, but just a flawed model we built? In this Back-to-Basics episode, behavioral economist Samuel Bowles helps us lay homo economicus—the myth of the perfectly rational, self-interested actor—six feet under. He shows how this caricature not only misrepresents human behavior, but…

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August 31, 2025: Acts 2:1-13 - Hannah Thom 28:45

25d ago28:45

28:45

This is the undoing of the Tower of Babel… if the story of babel is that of an ancient people invoking a ziggurat (a temple used to bring the gods to earth to serve man)…this story is God coming to man to prepare him for the service of God. The power the disciples had asked for in Acts 1--will instead be the power given by the Spirit in Acts 2, not…

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August 24, 2025: Acts 1:15-26 - Hannah Thom 29:13

1M ago29:13

29:13

Acts 1:15–26 recounts how, after Jesus’ ascension, Peter addresses about 120 believers and explains the need to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and died. Citing Scripture, Peter frames this as a fulfillment of prophecy. Two candidates—Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias—are proposed. After praying for God’s guidance, the group …

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Back to Basics Series: Is the American Dream a Lie? (with Christian Cooper and Khiara Bridges) 42:47

1M ago42:47

42:47

The promise of the American Dream—work hard, play by the rules, and you’ll get ahead—is unraveling before our eyes. In this Back-to-Basics episode, Christian H. Cooper and law professor Khiara Bridges join Nick and Goldy to posit whether economic mobility has ever truly existed, or if the system was rigged from the start. As wages stagnate, homeown…

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1764: Your Most Utterly Serene Moment - Do You Remember it? 10:40

1M ago10:40

10:40

There are always calm moments, but fewer absolutely transcendent moments of utter serenity. Can you remember one? If you can’t, then you have all the ingredients for making one. today I share with you one of mine, and encourage you to create yours. Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you see your day in a different light, consider sharing …

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ZC 2124: Tricycle Week, Autumn Edition - Non-Self Storage by Christopher Rivas 16:56

1M ago16:56

16:56

While the days have yet to capture that wonderfully crisp Autumn breeze, my mailbox tells me that it is indeed Fall. Well, at least it’s on its way; as evidenced by the latest edition of Tricycle Magazine. Without checking the author first, I selected the article that piqued my interest the most. What a wonderful surprise to know it was a familiar …

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Back to Basics Series: How Monopolies Feed Plutocracy (with Matt Stoller) 31:58

1M ago31:58

31:58

When a few giants dominate the economy, democracy is the first to go. In this back-to-basics episode, author and anti-monopoly expert Matt Stoller unpacks how concentrated corporate power doesn’t just warp markets—it tilts the political playing field toward plutocracy. Drawing from his book Goliath, Stoller shows how corporate giants from banks to …

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August 17, 2025: New Wine - Colby Martin 36:04

1M ago36:04

36:04

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppBy Denver Community Church

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Back to Basics Series: Does the Market Really Pay You What You’re Worth? (with Marshall Steinbaum and Saru Jayaraman) 50:51

2M ago50:51

50:51

We’ve all heard the story: In a fair market, workers are paid exactly what they’re worth. Economists even have a name for it—marginal productivity theory. It’s neat, simple…and completely wrong. In this Back-to-Basics episode, economist Marshall Steinbaum and labor leader Saru Jayaraman dismantle the myth that the market fairly rewards labor. Stein…

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August 10, 2025: Restoration - Hannah Thom 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

If Acts 1 holds the disciples’ question, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?,” as a longing for political or social power, Acts 2 answers not with domination but with Spirit-filled community, mutuality, and witness to the margins. Willie James Jennings says "The Book of Acts...[is] ... A call to Christians to be ope…

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ZC 2123: Easing a Cancer Journey with Steve Olsen 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Steve Olsen, a retired dentist who shares his powerful journey of healing and resilience. After facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Steve turned to meditation and the neuroacoustic app nuCalm as vital tools in his recovery. His story is a testament to the power of inner calm, mindset, and the body’s a…

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Back to Basics Series: The Velocity of Money (with Ann Pettifor) 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

If you’ve ever wondered why the economy feels stuck, even when it seems like there's a lot more money in the system, this episode will blow your mind. Political economist Ann Pettifor joins Nick and Goldy to explain why money isn't flowing like it used to, and why that matters. Over the last century, the velocity of money (how quickly a dollar circ…

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August 3, 2025: Becoming a People: Covenant Renewal in the Wilderness - Walter Wilson 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

After wandering in the wilderness, Israel is on the cusp of a new beginning. Deuteronomy retells their story- not to rehash the past, but to remind a new generation of who they are. It’s a call to choose life, to love God and neighbor, and to remember the long road that brought them here. Deuteronomy was likely compiled or finalized during or just …

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Back to Basics Series: Is Economics Moral? (with Heather McGhee) 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

For decades, orthodox economics has treated morality as irrelevant—as if economic decisions happen in a vacuum, separate from our values and social bonds. But that approach has failed spectacularly, giving cover to policies that divide and exploit us. In this episode, Heather McGhee joins Nick and Paul to argue that morality must be central to how …

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July 27, 2025: Set Free to Remember: Exodus, Identity, and Liberation - Paula Williams 34:53

2M ago34:53

34:53

Exodus is the defining story of freedom in the Hebrew Bible. God hears the cries of the oppressed, confronts empire, and invites a people into a new way of living. But freedom isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of becoming a people shaped by justice, generosity, and divine presence. In remembering, we are transformed. This text was central to Israel…

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Back to Basics Series: Where does economic growth really come from? (with W. Brian Arthur and Cesar Hidalgo) 46:51

2M ago46:51

46:51

Is economic growth just about money, trade, and GDP? Or is something deeper at play? In this episode, economist W. Brian Arthur and physicist Cesar Hidalgo join Nick and Goldy to reveal the real drivers of rising prosperity: human knowledge, know‑how, and innovation. They challenge the old assumptions of growth and argue that innovation isn't a byp…

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July 20, 2025: A People with a Promise: Journeying Toward an Unknown Future - Adam Brown 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

In Genesis 12-22, God calls Abram and Sarai to leave everything familiar and walk into an unknown future—one where their story will bless the world. It’s a story of deep faith, devastating detours, and divine promise. For a people emerging from exile or navigating change, this was more than history—it was a script for what it means to trust, wander…

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1763: The Power of Unfinished Moments 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

Not every moment in life ties up neatly. Some conversations trail off. Some endings never come. And yet, calm is still possible—even in the face of loose ends. In today’s episode, I explore how we can find peace not by forcing closure, but by learning to rest in the unknown. Whether it’s a lingering question, an unresolved relationship, or a dream …

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ZC 2122: Under Open Skies: How to Meditate Outside 16:26

2M ago16:26

16:26

In today’s episode of Zen Commuter, we take our practice beyond four walls and into the wide embrace of nature. Meditating outside offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—not just with the present moment, but with the world around us. Whether it’s a quiet park bench, a forest trail, or your own backyard, outdoor meditation invites you to soften yo…

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Back to Basics Series: Is Econ 101 a Lie? (with Eric Beinhocker and James Kwak) 39:29

3M ago39:29

39:29

Trickle-downers love to pretend that "Econ 101" is a convincing argument against policies like the minimum wage that invest in working Americans. But the truth is that mainstream economists are terrible at predicting how the economy will behave in the future…Is Econ 101 broken? In this key foundational episode for the podcast, we dismantle the myth…

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July 13, 2025: When the World Breaks: Flood, Tower, and the God Who Remembers - Michelle Cazas 37:51

3M ago37:51

37:51

Floods. Towers. Scattered languages. These stories are not meant to be read as history, but as theological reflection. They echo the fears and hopes of people living in empire—longing for justice, worried about human pride, and desperate for a God who remembers them. In a world still marked by violence and power-hunger, these stories invite us to i…

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1762: From Me to We: Slowing Down to Connect 12:15

3M ago12:15

12:15

In today’s episode of Calmer in 5, we explore something deceptively simple, but deeply powerful—the act of slowing down to truly connect with others. It’s easy to get swept up in the current of our own to-do lists, inner chatter, and distractions. But when we pause—even for a moment—we open the door to meaningful human connection. When we release o…