Best Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding Podcasts (2025)

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Courtney Anderson, Elementary Physical Education Teacher, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Friend 25:39

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1d ago25:39

25:39

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Eric Dowdle, Elementary Principal, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Classmate 43:12

8d ago43:12

43:12

In his third year as Elementary Principal at Northwest Christian School, Eric Dowdle has worked, throughout his entire educational career, to create school culture in which every student feels valued. Yet, it can be challenging! The elementary years are those in which socialization is forming and students are moving from being entire self-aware tow…

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Nathan Schlueter: The True Adventure Is In Marriage, Family, and Raising Men 52:46

14d ago52:46

52:46

Nathan Schlueter is a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Hillsdale College and teaches an extremely popular class called “Philosophy of Love, Sex and Marriage.” He spends some time with Jim Spiegel discussing the issues that plague our culture today. Areas of Discussion: -The glamorization of marriage, work, and infatuation leading to unrealis…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Jim James, MS Athletic Director and Dean of Students, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Teammate 38:56

16d ago38:56

38:56

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Katy Hubbard, Childrens Ministry Director, Sonoran Chapel: Ten Ways to Build a Great Attitude in our Kids' Hearts Towards God 26:41

23d ago26:41

26:41

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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At the Crossroads of Journalism and Faith - Sharlee DiMenichi 42:45

24d ago42:45

42:45

How do religious journalists navigate the intersection of faith values and public issues? Sharlee DiMenichi of Friends Journal discusses her reporting on a variety of contemporary issues, including Quaker responses to immigration policy, climate change, and economic justice. We explore how religious principles translate into political action and hu…

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Ted Kluck: Writing and Theology of Sports 57:59

28d ago57:59

57:59

In this episode, Jim sits down with his longtime friend Ted Kluck to talk about Ted’s favorite topic: sports. In an ever-increasing individualized society, sporting events are one of the lasting “monocultural” events—moments when everyone comes together live for the drama and connection (think: Tyson fights, the OJ chase, or a crucial Lions playoff…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Kate Lewis, Director of Human Resources, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to Be a Great Employee 42:55

30d ago42:55

42:55

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Ryan Maguire, a Crusader Father and Northwest Christian Alumni with Eleven Siblings, Speaks to "Ten Ways to Be a Great Family Member" 40:44

1M ago40:44

40:44

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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Anne Bradley: Free Market Capitalism, Income Inequality, and a Biblical Perspective of Work 49:35

1M ago49:35

49:35

What does Amazon Prime delivery say to us about the free market economy? Jim sits down with Professor and Economist Dr. Anne Bradley to discuss economics in a way we can all understand. From the early church’s practices of sharing in Acts and what companies like Amazon signal, Dr. Bradley examines income inequality, innovation, and the deeper meani…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Aaron Dailey, Director of Community Involvement, Grace Based Families: Redefining "Success" for You and Your Child 34:43

1M ago34:43

34:43

TODAY! Today, we kick off Summer 2025's "Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading" campaign with Pastor Aaron Dailey who serves as the Director of Community Involvement for Grace Based Families, a powerfully effective ministry established by Dr. Tim Kimmel, the author of this summer's book. For over twenty year, Aaron has worked in inner city Phoenix w…

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BONUS: Joshua Farris: The Nature of the Human Soul and the Problem with the Materialist View of Human Beings 1:02:16

2M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

In this bonus episode, Jim Spiegel sits down with Dr. Joshua Farris—Anglican priest, canon theologian, and prolific author—to dive deep into one of humanity’s most profound mysteries: the nature of the human soul. The conversation winds through the latest philosophical trends and scientific debates about consciousness, looks at evidence from near-d…

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Beth Easley, Northwest Christian Alumni: Reflections on High School Experiences that Shaped a Heart for Ministry and Missions 23:15

2M ago23:15

23:15

As this episode hits, it is the final Monday of the school year. And, well, I guess folks around the International Podcasting Headquarters of Kingdom Culture Conversations are feeling a bit reflective. So, G and Geoff invited in Beth Easley, as fine an alumni of Northwest Christian as one will find, to reflect on her experiences within the school. …

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Analytical Approaches to Pagan Worldviews - Eric Steinhart 57:50

2M ago57:50

57:50

On this episode of ReligionWise Philosophy Professor Eric Steinhart joins us to discuss how his work on contemporary paganism challenges traditional boundaries in the philosophy of religion. We consider the historical limitations of the field, the value of including minority traditions, and how his eclectic academic interests have shaped his approa…

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Cornelius Davis: Finding God in the World of Medicine as a Cardiac Surgeon 52:54

2M ago52:54

52:54

Dr. Cornelius Davis is a part of a small “club” of believers in the field of medicine. In this episode, Dr. Davis and Jim talk about the intricate relationship between faith, science, and the practice of medicine. They discuss the reality of miracles, the prevalence of the “God complex” among physicians, and how Dr. Davis’ faith both grounds his pe…

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Scott Hord, Statewide Training Manager, Christian Family Care: Strengthen Your Home Through the Family Care Learning Library of Online Parenting Courses 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

NorthwestChristianParentUniversity.com If you’re a busy parent or caregiver that is looking for high-quality, research-based instruction designed to meet pressing needs within your home, Christian Family Care's Family Care Learning library of online, video-based courses is designed to make an immediate impact in your home. These courses are all fac…

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Karl Payne: Spiritual Warfare & Practical Discipleship 57:18

2M ago57:18

57:18

Today, Jim sits down with author and pastor, Karl Payne, to discuss the often misunderstood topic of spiritual warfare within the Christian community. Dr. Payne brings decades of pastoral experience and wisdom, sharing the Biblical references to and insights on the realities of demonization—not just in occult or addiction settings, but through comm…

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Ellen Millard and Alana Heater, Northwest Christian High School teachers: Why YOU Should Pursue a Colson Fellowship THIS YEAR 22:07

2M ago22:07

22:07

Colson Fellows is having a definitive impact on the campus of Northwest Christian School. School superintendent completed the program three years ago. Two years ago, three teachers went through it, and collectively, their rave reviews have inspired even more teachers to participate. This year, that number is close to twenty! Colson Fellows is a mas…

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Jennie Dalcour, Clinical Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Understanding the Current Trends within Risky Behaviors and Youth 21:09

3M ago21:09

21:09

As we continue to espouse the benefits of the Family Care Learning library of online parenting courses and resources, today we sit down for a Kingdom Culture Conversation with Jennie Dalcour, a clinical supervisor for Christian Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. In today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, Jennie considers major points and trends from th…

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Kerri Pomarolli: The Art of Observational Humor as a Clean Comedian 29:28

3M ago29:28

29:28

We are delighted to feature stand-up comedian, Kerri Pomarolli. She shares how her faith journey has influenced her career choices, steering her toward stand-up comedy as a means to share her perspectives authentically. She talks about her path to being clean and her faith-filled purpose in this career, to provide laughter to people who may be goin…

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Tradition and Adaptation in Ugandan Judaism - Gershom Sizomu 41:21

3M ago41:21

41:21

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of the Abayudaya, Uganda's Jewish community, with Chief Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the first native-born ordained rabbi in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rabbi Sizomu shares the history of his community, from its founding through persecution under Idi Amin's regime to its contemporary revival. Our conversation exami…

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Jennie Dalcour, Clinical Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Staying Ahead of the Anxiety and Trauma that Students are Destined to Encounter 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

As we continue to espouse the benefits of the Family Care Learning library on online parenting courses and resources, today we sit down for a Kingdom Culture Conversation with Jennie Dalcour, a clinical supervisor for Christian Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. In the first of a two-part conversation, Jennie speaks to the benefits of EMDR, the growi…

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about the book of Jonah? Did it really happen? 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

Wait...isn't it Friday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Friday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrating …

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? 20:32

3M ago20:32

20:32

Wait...isn't it Thursday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Thursday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrat…

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about "Destroying Calvinism in 3 Minutes"? 33:01

3M ago33:01

33:01

We are enjoying an entire week of "What about? Wednesday"! Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrating and congratulating Robb…

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about Allah? Is the Allah of Islam the same as the Jehovah of Judaism or the God of Christianity? 25:08

3M ago25:08

25:08

Wait...isn't it Tuesday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Tuesday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebratin…

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[Best of "What About? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about Luke 2:52? Is there an evolving Christology in the Gospels? 29:31

3M ago29:31

29:31

Wait...isn't it Monday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Monday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrating …

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Robert Woodson, Sr: Empowering People to Transform Lives, Restore Families, and Revitalize Their Communities 43:47

3M ago43:47

43:47

We are proud to share this inspiring conversation with Robert Woodson Sr., a trailblazer in community development and the founder of the Woodson Center, an organization that promotes a grassroots approach to urban renewal and revitalizing impoverished communities. Robert believes in the power of self-reliance and local community enterprise to tackl…

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Tim Reed, Arizona Christian University: The GOAT Considers Key Strategies within Contemporary Youth Ministry 40:51

3M ago40:51

40:51

Tim Reed has had an impact. With over forty years of personal and professional investment in youth ministry and youth minister’s Reed’s influence in the state and beyond is considerable. Today, Tim and Geoff work through a recent article which critiques both the strengths and weaknesses in contemporary ministry. Does the GOAT agree? "Kingdom Cultur…

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[Worldview Contrasts] Stuart Delony of Snarky Faith: Ex-Pastor Addresses Perceived Inconsistencies within Evangelical Christianity 34:01

3M ago34:01

34:01

Stuart Delony is unabashedly snarky. In fact, you could call it his trademark. He's unapologetic. He's direct. He uses profanity. And, he is calling out the inconsistencies within Evangelical Christianity and the American church, distinctions between what Jesus called His church to do and what we actually do. He's also a former pastor from within E…

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Eunice Lenk, Bible X Games: Preparing to Launch the First Legit Bible-Based Video Game 29:07

3M ago29:07

29:07

Video games are huge. Approximately 3.26 billion people worldwide play video games. 89.5% of video game sales happen in the digital world. In 2022, gamers in the US spent $55.5 billion on games. But, prior to the advent of Bible X, it's been a domain largely avoided by Christendom. Why? But now, through one of the most successful video game develop…

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Scott MacIntyre, American Idol Contestant: What do the Blind See when they Dream? 33:02

4M ago33:02

33:02

Talk about awkward moments! Scott MacIntyre is formerly an American Idol hero contest - his amazing story of persisting through blindness to compete on one of the world's biggest stages is beyond inspiring! So, he's performing in chapel and as his performance ends, he opens the floor for questions. Could there have been a more awkward first questio…

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Margrita Mooney Clayton - Art and Creativity in Today’s Culture: Experiencing Beauty for a More Meaningful Life 55:27

4M ago55:27

55:27

In this episode, we welcome Margarita Mooney Clayton to share with us her perspective on the profound relationship between art, beauty, and virtue. Her stance on how co-creation with God through art not only elevates the human spirit but also furthers divine governance, challenging the notion that art is merely self-expression. Margarita believes i…

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Joy Watson and Henrietta Jordan, Expatriate Education International: Experiencing the Impact of Christian Education within Inhospitable Nations Around the World 36:48

4M ago36:48

36:48

Don't even ask. Because we won't be able to tell you. Joy Watson and Henrietta Jordan are literally on the frontlines of Christian ed, in countries so inhospitable to Christianity they cannot be mentioned on the podcast. But, although we won't be able to assuage your curiosity, we can tell you that they stories they relay regarding the transformati…

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The Neuroscience of Religious Experience - Jeremy Teissere 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode we explore the fascinating world of neuroscience with Dr. Jeremy Teissere, Stanley Road Professor of Neuroscience at Muhlenberg College, who introduces us to the discipline's key questions and recent developments. Then, we turn to the enduring legacy of William James, the early 20th century thinker at the intersection of psychology,…

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John Spooner, Youth Pastor, Pure Heart Church: Counting Down the Top Ministry Trends within 2025 through the Lens of Youth Ministry (Part Two) 35:30

4M ago35:30

35:30

Lifeway Research, the marketing and data arm of Lifeway Publishers, has just published what they have identified as the top trends - both good and bad - in ministry within 2025. The list is very interesting but it becomes even more interesting when we consider it through the eyes of one of the valley's most dominant youth pastors, John Spooner from…

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Jeremy Dys - The Importance of Defending Religious Freedom for All Americans 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

Why is it important for us to fight for religious freedom? Aren’t we already free to worship how we want? Jeremy Dys is a passionate advocate for true religious freedom that applies to all, regardless of religious beliefs. His work with the non-profit organization First Liberty Institute has seen many successes in landmark cases that have solidifie…

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John Spooner, Youth Pastor, Pure Heart Church: Counting Down the Top Ministry Trends within 2025 through the Lens of Youth Ministry (Part One) 40:07

4M ago40:07

40:07

Lifeway Research, the marketing and data arm of Lifeway Publishers, has just published what they have identified as the top trends - both good and bad - in ministry within 2025. The list is very interesting but it becomes even more interesting when we consider it through the eyes of one of the valley's most dominant youth pastors, John Spooner from…

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Johnathon Tews, Youth Pastor, Open Door Fellowship: Have You Taken the Steps to Insure that You Are Ready for the Hard Season? 27:25

4M ago27:25

27:25

Today, G has the chance to get real with Johnathon Tews, the youth pastor from his own church, Open Door Fellowship. As you listen, you'll hear how the conversation gets very real, very fast - the product of two men who know each other and are in the same work of ministering to students, invested in the same community of believers. This Kingdom Cul…

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Anne Hendershott - Grappling with Envy in Politics, Academia, Social Media, and the Marketplace 54:57

5M ago54:57

54:57

The sin of envy is something that sociologist Anne Hendershott has studied closely. She sat down with us to explore what it is and the many ways it is manifested in contemporary society in both secular and Christian contexts. Some topics we discuss: Socialism and the politics of envy Liberation theology’s roots in envy Envy in higher education Soci…

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Cast Members from I Witness, Season 2, "Silent Night": Reflecting on the Viral Podcast-based Audio Drama, I Witness, and a Look Forward to Season 3 26:16

5M ago26:16

26:16

Viral. Really? Yes, really. This past Christmas season, I Witness, the podcast-based audio drama featuring the voices of Northwest Christian students and staff, entered the Apple Podcasts charts in the top 200 for all podcasts and broke into the top 50 "Arts" podcast charts. Today, we have the chance to sit with both I Witness newbies and returning…

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Religion, Health, and Community - Ulysses Burley 46:57

5M ago46:57

46:57

In this episode of ReligionWise we sit down with Ulysses Burley, founder of UBtheCure, a consulting company that describes itself as being at the "intersection of Faith, Health, and Human Rights." A trained physician turned social activist, Dr. Burley is interested in the role and responsibility of communities to play a part in public health and ou…

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Sean Donnelly and Theresa Anderson, St. Vincent de Paul: St.VdP Leaders Reflect on their Journeys and the Intersection with Homelessness 31:15

5M ago31:15

31:15

"Community engagement" might be bit of an understatement. Sean and Theresa lead the charge at St. Vincent de Paul - one of the nation's premiere ministries working to minister to the poor and homeless - in terms of pulling volunteers and donors into the mission. Their job titles each involve the words "community engagement". But, those simple and b…

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Michael Zigarelli - Exploring Near Death Experiences and Their Implications for Christian Theology 52:53

5M ago52:53

52:53

Near-death experiences are remarkably common across cultures and belief systems. Research estimates that between 4-9% of the population has experienced a NDE, highlighting its potential significance in understanding life beyond death. Jim Spiegel sits down with Michael Zigarelli, author and professor at Messiah University, to hear about his researc…

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Dawna Underwood and Teri Beckner: A First-Hand Account of the Transformational Power of Christian Education in Rwanda (Part Two) 39:41

5M ago39:41

39:41

The City of Joy Christian School in Rwanda is an anomaly. Set in rural Africa, within a country ravaged by genocide, and serving students with little or no resources, you would not expect what is, in fact, happening. Students are thriving, learning, and growing. Scores on national tests are not just exceeding the average, they are running in the to…

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Dawna Underwood and Teri Beckner: A First-Hand Account of the Transformational Power of Christian Education in Rwanda (Part One) 27:02

5M ago27:02

27:02

The City of Joy Christian School in Rwanda is an anomaly. Set in rural Africa, within a country ravaged by genocide, and serving students with little or no resources, you would not expect what is, in fact, happening. Students are thriving, learning, and growing. Scores on national tests are not just exceeding the average, they are running in the to…

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Eric Johnson- A Conversation about Christian Psychology, Parenting, and Soul Care 59:11

6M ago59:11

59:11

Christian Psychology Institute co-founder Eric Johnson helps us to consider the rich resources we have as Christians as we do counseling and soul care. He discusses the history of modern psychology and how we’ve been trained not to factor our faith into it. He also cautions against neglecting the many rich insights available to us from the world of…

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Dondi Rodriguez, Pastor of Local and Global Outreach at Pure Heart Church: "Jesus was not a Man for others. He was a Man with others." 37:01

6M ago37:01

37:01

I'm nearly certain that today's Kingdom Culture Conversation is the first conversation we have published that includes the word "sexiness". Uh-oh? Woops? Did we miss an edit? No. In today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, Pure Heart's Dondi Rodriguez has an epic mic drop moment in which he powerfully and memorably illustrates a Christian's call to re…

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Religion, Interfaith, and Public Policy - Frederick Davie (Re-Release) 48:31

6M ago48:31

48:31

This episode features Reverend Frederick Davie, who among other roles, serves as the Senior Advisor on Racial Equity for Interfaith America. In this far ranging discussion, we talk about the role of interfaith dialogue in wider public discourse, the shifting understanding of religious freedom, and the relationship between governmental policy and th…

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Chris Zimmerman, Red Five Media: A Passion for Media Production Becomes the Basis for Life-Transforming Opportunities (Part Two) 16:26

6M ago16:26

16:26

Well, it happened. The second season of Northwest Christian's student-led, podcast-based audio drama "I Witness" went viral. Again. The first season ("The Lazarus Project") was published in April 2024 and was a viral sensation in its own right. But the second season ("Silent Night"), released over four consecutive weeks in December 2024, went glori…

Institute For Religious And Cultural Understanding Podcasts