Best Lara E Podcasts (2025)

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Hell Obsession in American Christianity - Caleb S. Davis 49:51

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4d ago49:51

49:51

Fear sells—but fear isn’t the gospel Jesus preached. Caleb S. Davis, founder of the Simply Love Jesus ministry, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the American Church’s fixation on hell. In this episode, Caleb shares the math he did while writing his first book that sparked a theological deep-dive: only 10% of …

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How Christians Misunderstand Sin and Miss the Gospel - Matt Van Winkle 40:34

11d ago40:34

40:34

Most Christians think they understand sin—but the way we preach, teach, and convert says otherwise. Matt Van Winkle, minister and scholar with a Doctor of Ministry from Northern Seminary, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to expose how flattening sin into nothing more than moral failure has distorted the gospel and resha…

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Miami is as Miami does 17:12

13d ago17:12

17:12

Rambling thoughts while I’m on the road solo traveling and trying to prevent Alzheimer’s

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Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Politically Neutral - Trey Ferguson 39:40

18d ago39:40

39:40

Centrism sounds safe—but it may be the most dangerous position of all. On this episode of Christianity Without Compromise, Trey Ferguson, minister and writer, joins Jake Doberenz to challenge the idea that Christians can or should stay neutral in a politically polarized world. Ferguson critiques the popular instinct to “reject both sides,” arguing …

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Airbnb & the economy of genocide 48:16

23d ago48:16

48:16

This week Lara and Michael sit down with Jenin, the Palestine representative of CODEPINK to discuss Francesca Albanese's report "From economy of occupation to economy of genocide." We talk about how Airbnb and other corporations profit from the forced displacement of Palestinians. The company has over 300 listings in illegal settlements in the West…

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Creating A Healthy Church - Ft. David Ruybalid, Traci Rhoades, Scot Loyd, and Christy Lynne Wood 1:04:43

25d ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Big budgets, charismatic leaders, and polished worship can hide deep dysfunction. In this roundtable episode, four past guests return to Christianity Without Compromise to ask what’s gone so wrong in today’s churches—and what true spiritual health might look like. Christy Lynne Wood, author and ex-Gothardite, shares how toxic religion led her to fi…

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Why Hate Won’t Stop Christian Nationalism - Caleb E. Campbell 39:09

1M ago39:09

39:09

Christians must love their enemies—even the ones that are political extremists. Caleb E. Campbell, pastor and author of Disarming Leviathan, joins Christianity Without Compromise hosted by Jake Doberenz to explore a more faithful way: loving those caught in Christian nationalism. Drawing on his own story of being discipled into and out of a white s…

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Faithfulness Won’t Always Save You From Suffering - Lara Silverman 38:09

1M ago38:09

38:09

Sometimes we play by the rules, follow God, and still lose everything we hold dear. Lara Silverman, lawyer-turned-comedian, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise to wrestle with the uncomfortable reality that doing all the “right” Christian things doesn’t guarantee a pain-free life. After developing a rare neurological illness…

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A Christian Response to Violence [BONUS]- Ft. Joash P. Thomas, Malcolm Foley, Natalie Drew, Nathan Perrin, and Joshua Schuettenhelm 1:06:58

1M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

In this BONUS episode, recorded live, five past guests of Christianity Without Compromise join host Jake Doberenz to talk about the Christian response to violent current events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, school shootings, ICE deportations, and attacks against marginalized communities. This raw, honest reflection includes Rev. Dr.…

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The Heart of Gaza with Jerusalem Coffee House 56:49

1M ago56:49

56:49

This week, Lara and Michael sit down with Abdulrahim Harara, owner of Jerusalem Coffee House in Oakland, California. They explore Abdulrahim’s family history in Palestine and his vision for the café as a space for community organizing and connection. The conversation reflects on the importance of building community in the face of state violence des…

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When Financial Security Hijacks Trust in God - Mick Wienholt 37:49

2M ago37:49

37:49

Financial peace, debt-free living, and mortgage freedom are common Christian goals—but they can quietly mask an idolatry of control. In this episode, When You Look podcast host Mick Weinholt joins Christianity Without Compromise to examine how our cultural obsession with “financial freedom” can become a substitute for trusting God. From tithing to …

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Justice and Jesus in a Colonized Church - Joash Thomas 43:27

2M ago43:27

43:27

Justice isn’t optional in the Christian faith—it’s central. But too often, the Western Church has treated justice as a distraction rather than a demand. Joash Thomas, public theologian and international speaker, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how colonization has shaped the theology and practice of the West…

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What Church Practices Are REALLY Teaching - Jake Doberenz 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise, explains how every element of church life—from stage lighting to service structure—communicates theology, often more powerfully than sermons do. Drawing on insights from communication studies and the work of Christian philosopher James K.A. Smith, Jake challenges listeners to audit their own c…

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Left Out of the Family-Centered Church - Kate Boyd 41:40

2M ago41:40

41:40

Kate Boyd, author of An Untidy Faith, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how American churches have idolized the nuclear family. Kate notes the ways churches structure community around life stages, often excluding those who are single, childless, queer, widowed, or otherwise outside the cultural “norm.” Drawing…

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Religious Certainty and Being the Only Ones Saved - Scot Loyd 48:58

2M ago48:58

48:58

What if we’re not the only true Christians? Scot Loyd, pastor, evangelist, and college professor turned oral historian, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of religious certainty. Scot recounts growing up in the United Pentecostal Church, where strict behavioral codes and exclusivity shaped his understa…

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"Natural Causes" with Sammy Obeid 48:38

2M ago48:38

48:38

This week, Lara and Michael speak with Palestinian-American comedian Sammy Obeid. They discuss the ups and downs of working in comedy as a Palestinian in this current moment and critique how complicit media narratives distort reporting on those killed by Israel as part of the ongoing genocide, for example by making it seem like such individuals die…

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A Christian Veteran Challenges Militarism - Joshua Schuettenhelm 42:55

3M ago42:55

42:55

Why is the American church so obsessed with the military? Joshua Schuettenhelm, Iraq War veteran and author of Dogmatic Uncertainty, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to expose the idol of militarism in American Christianity. Joshua traces his journey from embracing Christian nationalism and military service to discoveri…

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Should Christians Do Politics? - SOLO Episode 23:37

3M ago23:37

23:37

Episode Summary:Jake Doberenz is back with a solo episode of Christianity Without Compromise to challenge the idol of politics. Jake lays out a theological case for stepping back from the political system altogether. This isn’t about left or right—it’s about loyalty to a kingdom that doesn’t rely on coercion, violence, or the next election cycle. J…

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Stage 5 Famine & Escalating Repression 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

This week Lara and Michael cover Israel's forced starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza, which has reached Stage 5 for many people in the besieged territory, the US sanctions levied against United Nations Special Rapporteur on the oPt, Francesca Albanese, and the odd resignation of all members of the Independent International Commission of In…

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Trying to Control God Undermines Real Faith - Constance Hastings 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

Constance Hastings, mental health counselor and author of The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to challenge the false expectation that Jesus exists to fix our problems. Drawing from her clinical background and her personal experience with suffering, Constance expl…

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Church Attendance Doesn't Replace Christian Living - Michael J. Clemens 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Michael J. Clemens, author of Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus?, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of “churchianity”—the tendency to substitute church participation for actual spiritual growth. Michael traces how his own journey from legalistic church life to a deeper relationship with Jesus reve…

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When Spiritual Formulas Distract Us from Jesus - Christy Lynne Wood 38:24

4M ago38:24

38:24

Christy Lynne Wood, author of Religious Rebels, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how an overemphasis on spiritual formulas distorts our understanding of discipleship. Christy reflects on her experience growing up in Bill Gothard’s ATI homeschool program, a formula-heavy system now widely recognized as cultic.…

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Sin Shouldn’t Define Christian Identity - James Early 41:36

4M ago41:36

41:36

James Early, prison minister and host of The Bible Speaks to You podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of sin-based identity in Christian theology. James challenges the widespread belief that humans are fundamentally wretched, depraved, or worthless, arguing instead for a biblical view rooted in …

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Why "Crotch Christianity" Misses the Gospel - SOLO Episode 21:05

4M ago21:05

21:05

Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise, addresses the cultural idol of overemphasizing sexual ethics in Christian identity. Challenging what Skye Jethani has dubbed "Crotch Christianity," he critiques the modern evangelical focus on LGBTQ+, abortion, and sex issues as the primary litmus test of faith. Drawing from personal experienc…

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LA Uprisings and Genocide Accountability Updates 41:43

4M ago41:43

41:43

This week Lara and Michael discuss the uprisings in LA and the solidarity seen at the protests. They also cover updates around the groundbreaking lawsuit brought by Palestine Pod alum Damia Taharraoui which seeks to hold Israeli/French citizens accountable for complicity in genocide and incitement to genocide before French courts.…

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No King but Christ and Rethinking the State - Craig Harguess 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

Craig Harguess, host of the Bad Roman Podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss why Christians must reject the idol of the state and follow Jesus alone. Craig shares his personal journey from neoconservatism to a complete rejection of political allegiance. He outlines how Christians often outsource their mora…

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How Church Culture Can Turn Leaders Into Idols - David Ruybalid 40:09

5M ago40:09

40:09

David Ruybalid, trauma-informed pastor, writer, and co-founder of the Religious Trauma Network, is on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how American churches elevate leaders and impact to unhealthy levels. Ruybalid unpacks the historical roots of this mindset, describing the term “institutional Messiah” to note how …

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Were you silent or were you silenced? 46:13

5M ago46:13

46:13

Lara and Michael sit down separately this week. Lara reads from her submission on the political economy of the Gaza Genocide prepared as part of her work for the Gaza People's Tribunal's Sarajevo session and Michael talks about being digitally disappeared from Instagram by one of Meta's main executives who used to work for the Israeli government as…

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Why Church Size Doesn’t Measure Success - Justin Belt 34:39

5M ago34:39

34:39

In this conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise podcast, host Jake Doberenz interviews church planter Justin Belt about challenging the modern obsession with church size and attendance. Justin shares his personal journey of hearing God’s call to plant a church, only to find that obedience did not lead to instant success, large crowds, o…

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The Sermon on the Mount is Serious - Jake Doberenz 20:12

5M ago20:12

20:12

In this solo episode of the Smashing Idols podcast, host Jake Doberenz unpacks the cultural and theological habit of sidestepping Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Drawing on personal childhood stories of being a know-it-all, he critiques the tendency within Christian communities to reinterpret or downplay hard teachings with similar rhe…

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Faith is More than Belief - Kevin Sweeney 44:23

5M ago44:23

44:23

Kevin Sweeney, writer and former pastor, in on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly, the Smashing Idols podcast) with host Jake Doberenz to explore about moving beyond belief-based Christianity toward a faith rooted in experience, love, and justice. Kevin challenges the Western Christian tendency to prioritize cognitive belief over embodied sp…

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Israel is starving Gaza 35:49

5M ago35:49

35:49

This week Lara and Michael cover the Israeli continued forced starvation campaign against the Palestinian people for the last two months which serves as an escalation of its ongoing genocidal campaign.By Lara E. and Mikey B.

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Having a Voluntary Faith - Cody Cook 38:41

5M ago38:41

38:41

In this conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise podcast (formerly Smashing Idols), host Jake Doberenz interviews theologian and author Cody Cook about the historical entanglement of Christianity and state power, and how the Anabaptist tradition challenges this fusion. Cook critiques the idol of coercive faith and argues for voluntary al…

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Breaking Free from Complacency - Kate Battistelli 29:14

6M ago29:14

29:14

In this conversation on the Smashing Idols podcast, host Jake Doberenz interviews Kate Battistelli about confronting the idol of complacency and rediscovering identity in the empty nest stage of life. A former Broadway actress turned homeschooling mom, Kate shares how stepping out in faith led to an unexpected journey of authorship and ministry. Sh…

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Why I'm Not a Creationist Anymore - Jake Doberenz 21:29

6M ago21:29

21:29

In this solo conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise podcast (formerly Smashing Idols), host Jake Doberenz reflects on how his early passion for scripture evolved from a foundation in six-day creationism to a deeper, more contextually grounded love for the Bible. Jake shares how his faith journey shifted when he learned to ask the Bible…

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End of the Empire with Professor Maura Finkelstein 56:27

6M ago56:27

56:27

This week Lara and Michael sit down with Professor Maura Finkelstein, a formerly tenured professor who was one of the first people targeted in academics after the Al Aqsa Flood. Maura is one of the many Jewish antizionist voices that rejects normalization. We discuss academic repression, the disappearance of students for political affiliations, and…

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How a Monolingual Church Shuts People Out - Jonathan Downie 41:08

6M ago41:08

41:08

A church that only speaks English may unintentionally tell a third of its neighbors: you don’t belong here. Jonathan Downie, author of Multilingual Church and host of the Church Interpreting Podcast, joins Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) to expose how language choices shape who gets included in church—and who gets left out…

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He Made MILLIONS Selling Used T-Shirts – The Shocking Truth! 16:53

6M ago16:53

16:53

In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the unbelievable story of how one person became a multi-millionaire by selling used T-shirts. We reveal the secrets behind their success, how YOU can profit from reselling clothes and video games, and the lessons you can learn from this unconventional path to wealth. From giveaways to lucrative online pl…

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Isolation and the Search for Authentic Community - Nic Flores 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

Nic Flores, former ministry leader and current content creator, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to explore the pull toward isolation and the life found in authentic community. Drawing from personal experiences in ministry, shame, and eventual reconnection, Nic challenges the idol of self-suffi…

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Does God Want Me to be Happy? - Jon Adams 40:40

7M ago40:40

40:40

In this conversation on the Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) podcast, host Jake Doberenz interviews pastor Jon Adams about the cultural tendency to treat our feelings as sacred. Jon, a writer, pastor, and YouTuber who focuses on Christian mysticism, explores how emotions can become idols when we let them dictate our identit…

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Eid Massacres and State Disappearances 43:09

7M ago43:09

43:09

This week Lara and Michael discuss the unilateral breakdown of the ceasefire by the zionist entity. We cover the Israeli massacres on the Palestinian people during Eid, and how it's all connected to the state-sponsored disappearances of students protesting the genocide in Turtle Island.By Lara E. and Mikey B.

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The Bible Is Not Just an Information Book - Joseph Dea 43:52

7M ago43:52

43:52

Many Christians say the Bible isn’t a textbook—but still treat it like one. Joseph Dea, pastor, podcaster, and founder of Buddy Walk with Jesus, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to explore why the Bible isn’t meant to simply give answers but to form us spiritually. They unpack how shame, church…

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Can the Bible be an Idol? - Andrew Fouts 46:47

7M ago46:47

46:47

Christians love the Bible—but have we started worshiping it instead of the God it points to? Andrew Fouts, host of Ministry Misfits and longtime sports ministry leader, joins Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with Jake Doberenz to explore how Scripture has been elevated beyond its purpose. They trace how the Bible is used as…

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Mark Romero | S:1, E:5 | Mystic Radio with Robin Alexis and Elizabeth Diane 34:07

7M ago34:07

34:07

Mark Romero is a renowned Vibrational Healer and Sound Healing Guitarist who empowers people to break free from energetic barriers and tap into their full potential. A former top NASA consultant validated the healing frequencies in his music, leading Mark to develop his transformative Vibrational Success sound technology. Through live experiences, …

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Youth Ministry Needs the Rest of the Church Family - Luke Dockery 42:27

7M ago42:27

42:27

Young people are leaving the Church—and it’s not just a trend, it’s a systemic failure. Luke Dockery, youth and family minister at Cloverdale Church of Christ and adjunct professor at Harding University, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how youth ministry often operates in isolation,…

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Return is inevitable with Dr. Salman Abu Sitta 56:53

7M ago56:53

56:53

This week Lara and Michael sit down with the acclaimed Palestinian researcher, Dr. Salman Abu Sitta, a Nakba survivor who has dedicated his life to the Palestinian liberation struggle. Dr. Salman Abu Sitta is the founder and President of the Palestine Land Society in London, dedicated to the documentation of Palestine’s land and people. He is the a…

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Dr Lara Romero | S:1, E:4 | Mystic Radio with Robin Alexis and Elizabeth Diane 30:00

7M ago30:00

30:00

Dr. Lara is a dynamic speaker, author, artist, angelic healer, and intuitive life coach. She empowers individuals to transform their lives, connect with their innate talents and abilities, and align with their soul’s authentic path. Through her work, she helps dissolve mental and emotional traumas at a cellular level, transmute limiting beliefs, an…

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When the Church Embraced Nonviolence - Jason Porterfield 43:31

8M ago43:31

43:31

The early Church didn’t just believe nonviolence was an occasional good idea—they practiced it, all the time, even when it cost them everything. Jason Porterfield, author and peacemaking advocate, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) to discuss how violence is challenged by Christ’s model for peace. …

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Netanyahu tapes and a fake ceasefire 48:20

8M ago48:20

48:20

This week, we discuss the bizarre declaration by Milekowsky (aka Netanyahu) that he is proudly committing war crimes by imposing a total siege on the Gaza Strip cutting of all food, medication, fuel, and other aid from entering the besieged territory. We also refer to a number of the Israeli violations of Phase 1 of the ceasefire and cover the onsl…

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The Dangers of Christian Nationalism & Tribalism - Larry Lin 46:50

8M ago46:50

46:50

Larry Lin, pastor and writer, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Smashing Idols) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss the idol of Christian nationalism and how it distorts the church’s witness. Larry unpacks the historical and theological problems with merging national identity and Christian faith, clarifies what Christian nationalism ac…