Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast. Gretchen’s cohost and guinea pig is her younger sister, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in Los Angeles, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her happiness bully. Sales and Distribution by Le ...
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What S Good About Grief Podcast
What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this award-winning podcast, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar explores how we experience change and strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval. Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change. Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are an ...
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The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations ...
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Hello All, We are Feel It and Fix It, a married couple with two new-to-adulthood children who have been traversing through life together for almost 27 years and counting. In that time, we had to learn how to navigate many of life’s surprises, many of which were unwelcome and unwanted but had to be experienced, nonetheless. They have included the tragic deaths of several close loved ones, caregiving for Feel It’s late father, Feel It’s chronic illnesses and pain, surgeries (again, Feel It’s), ...
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✨I have been keeping something very special under wraps 😅✨ But now I am so excited to share with you All 🙏🙏💛I have been waiting for this day to come 😅🙏🙏**Please do kindly read right to the bottom 🙏🙏🥰 to find out All the details.... because you May be interested 💛🙏💛 "I am launching my Very own Podcasts"...... 🎙️ ✨Tracy's Inspirational Warriors "If you only knew my story" ✨Coming to you right now! 🙏 This is not about me wanting a pat on the back.... Far from it 🙏 It's about myself and others t ...
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Alistair Begg: Finding Meaning in Ecclesiastes
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13:13Alistair 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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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
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8:58Brian 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
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49:37Brian 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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A Little Happier: Have You Ever Felt Like an Employee of Your Former Self?
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4:11Do You Feel Like an Employee of Your Former Self? Renowned novelist Ian McEwan makes a funny observation about book tours that’s applicable to many familiar situations. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happ…
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Episode 80 - Watch Who You Are Reading
1:10:24
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1:10:24We've spoken about mentors, and anti-mentors, but many turn to the self help section of their local book store or library. Some of them can be a great resource, but may prove to be less so. We discuss why care is needed and how one should judge if a book is worth your time. We hope you enjoy and get something out of our discussion.…
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More Happier: Your Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Hosting [Revisited]
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26:01Make entertaining easier. These simple hacks take the stress out of hosting and help you focus on what really matters: enjoying the people you’re with. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Col…
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Ray Comfort on Lessons from Biblical Blunders
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13:30Brian 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
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10:02Brian 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
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9:53Brian 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
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9:49Brian 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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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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Finding Meaning in a Material World with Isaac Serrano
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9:27Brian 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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Making the Case for Christmas: Brian From Talks Faith, Evidence, and Chicago Memories with Lee Strobel
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17:05Brian 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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When the Internet Shows Its Heart: A Veteran’s Story, Hard Choices, and the Hope of Christmas
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39:53Brian 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
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9:26
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9:26Brian 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
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9:24Brian 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
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9:46Brian 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
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10:57In 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
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10:13Author 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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Ep. 563: Need a One-Word Theme for Next Year? We Review and Reveal Our Words
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38:35We talk about why choosing a one-word theme for the year can be such a creative, constructive, and satisfying exercise. We review our words for 2025 and reveal our words for 2026. Plus we share an original and fun reason to have a party. Resources & links related to this episode: Amazing scene in Mad Men Work through my new Gift Idea Generator work…
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Aniela Chis Talks Giving Tuesday and the Work of Human Coalition
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10:46
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10:46On 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
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49:38On 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
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10:34Brian 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
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47:30Brian 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
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10:43Brian 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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A Little Happier: Do You Suffer from “Paris Syndrome?”
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5:00The gap between expectations and reality determines whether we feel happy or disappointed. From empty-nest parents hoping for daily texts to tourists experiencing "Paris syndrome," our expectations shape our emotions. Sometimes adjusting expectations—rather than changing reality—is the key to happiness. Resources & links related to this episode: Ge…
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Why It’s Never Too Late To Bet On Yourself
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37:45After a turbulent adolescence and decades of reinvention, Zarna Garg found her voice somewhere she never expected: stand-up comedy. On today’s episode, she tells Maya why she believes courage is a skill you can learn, and how failure has been a key to her success on stage and off. Register for Maya’s virtual book event with Brene Brown at changewit…
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Bonus: Hacks to Make the Holidays Happier [Revisited]
29:52
29:52
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29:52We revisit our long list of hacks to make the holidays a happier time. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode…
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We have talked about being and finding role models in life, but I think there is sometimes a need for an inverse role model. Someone that can show you the way don't want to go, who you don't want to be, and act the way you don't want to act. A role model can guide and and inverse role model can show the paths to avoid.…
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More Happier: Do You Specifically Recollect Yourself at Different Ages?
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25:06We discuss a know-yourself-better question related to how we conceive of ourselves at different ages. Plus we talk about a way to find excellent book recommendations. Resources & links related to this episode: Join the The Happiness Project: Revisited course Since You Asked advice podcast Shop the biggest journal sale of the year! Substack Live wit…
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Navigating Thanksgiving Movie Season with Plugged In’s Adam Holz
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9:20Brian 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…
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Ep. 562: Do You Hesitate to Raise Your Hand to Make Something Happen? Plus a Medication Hack
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29:22We talk about why it’s such a happiness-booster to raise your hand to organize an event or undertaking—to realize that if you don’t do it, no one will. We also share a hack for making it easier to take medication, and why it’s a good idea to “suffer fools gladly.” Resources & links related to this episode: Shop the Black Friday Sale in the Happines…
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Rescue on the River: Mark Palm on Samaritan Aviation’s Life-Saving Mission in Papua New Guinea
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10:26Brian From speaks with Samaritan Aviation founder Mark Palm about the organization’s extraordinary work flying medical rescue missions into some of the most remote regions of Papua New Guinea. Palm shares how seaplanes have become a lifeline for villages days away from the nearest hospital—and an unexpected doorway for sharing hope and the gospel. …
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A Campus Awakening: Tony Dentman on the Surprising Movement of Faith at UIC
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10:00Brian From talks with campus outreach leader Tony Dentman about an unexpected surge of spiritual openness and commitment among students at the University of Illinois Chicago and beyond. Dentman describes a season unlike any he’s seen in eight years—marked by foundational questions, newfound hunger for Scripture, and students boldly sharing their fa…
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Reuniting Families Through Compassion: A Conversation with Safe Families Founder Dave Anderson
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10:29
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10:29Brian From speaks with Dave Anderson, child psychologist and founder of Safe Families, about the organization’s mission to support isolated parents before crises escalate. Anderson explains how Safe Families mobilizes volunteers to temporarily host children, mentor parents, and provide relational support that keeps families together. With the holid…
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Here's an Interesting Theory About Why Kids' Test Results Have Fallen to Their Lowest Point in Two Decades Michael Youssef to step down as pastor, will dedicate more time to other ministry Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith | Tim Challies Patient Urgency: The Pace of the Fruitful Life | Desiring God J.D. Greear on X: "No evil should be associated w…
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Common Good
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Finding Thankfulness When We Don't Feel Like It
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49:38See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Common Good
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A Little Happier: A True Story of Redeeming a Loss Through Sacrifice
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3:01The awe-inspiring true story of “Mountain Man” Dashrath Manjhi is an example of how we can transform pain into action that can help others. After his wife died for lack of medical care, Dashrath Manjhi spent more than twenty years single-handedly carving out a path to make his remote village more accessible. Get in touch: [email protected] …
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The holidays are often a time of elevated emotions. We feel loss and lack more acutely. One type of absence is from closing the doors on people in our lives. People cut out for our own health, safety, and mental stability. We talk, in a rambling sort of way, about when to and not to cut people out, and how it can affect you. It's not a fun conversa…
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Bonus Episode: Who Am I Without Kids at Home? (Gretchen Rubin on “Laugh Lines”)
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44:18
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44:18I joined Kim and Penn Holderness on their podcast "Laugh Lines" for a funny, thoughtful talk about parenting after the kids move out—a great listen as families come back together for the holidays. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project C…
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More Happier: Do Holidays Leave You Exhausted, Not Restored? Priya Parker, Francis Lam & Kate Bowler on Celebration
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36:38It’s easy to get swept up in a cycle of holidays that feels more like a relentless to-do list than a source of joy. In this Celebration Roundtable, we talk about how to embrace the holidays as opportunities for intentional connection and meaning. Resources & links related to this episode: Francis Lam Priya Parker Kate Bowler The Happiness Project b…
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David Washington talks about his new book "Don't Despise Our Youth"
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10:57See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Common Good
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Sarah Zylstra with The Gospel Coalition talks about the revival in Gen Z
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10:07See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Common Good
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First edition 'Superman' comic found in attic sells for $9 million, breaking record Utah Flocks to Crusade Event at Campus Where Charlie Kirk Was Killed - Christianity Today Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials pick better passwords than Gen Z – but they're all still bad | TechSpot Rich Villodas on X: "Some ideas to grow in prayer: 1) befriend silence 2…
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Jeff Bradford with Human Coalition talks about how you can help women choose life
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11:08See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Common Good
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Adam Holz with Plugged In talks movies and TV
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9:00See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Common Good
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Ep. 561: Need Some Fresh Ideas for Gift-Giving? Here Are Many Great Suggestions
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32:25It can be a real challenge to find new, useful ideas for gifts. We suggest many of our own recommendations, plus we include dozens of ideas from listeners. Resources & links related to this episode: Request bookplates now to get them in time for the holidays! Sign up for The Happiness Project Revisited and get 40% off enrollment Florist Wire Electr…
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Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry on X: "We live in a totalitarian society" / X Owen Strachan on X: "Nearly two months later, I can barely believe that John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, and Charlie Kirk are gone. Still grieving the deaths of these faithful men. But in my fog, I see this with crystal clarity: Jesus is ALIVE. Jesus is ruling. Jesus is good. Jesus …
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