That Makes Total Sense!: Recent Episodes
Alexis Busetti
Welcome to That Makes Total Sense! A podcast about exploring God’s generosity and justice. I’m Alexis Busetti - a Christian aiming to ask good questions and encourage you to do the same.
Every one of us is wired by God to live out generosity and justice, but sometimes the how eludes us. That Makes Total Sense! is a way for us to get together, posture ourselves as learners, and challenge one other to practice generosity and justice in a tangible way everyday.
Long time listeners of the podcast know that topics concerning religion and government come up quite a bit around here, so this episode is in good company! But this conversation with Wes Crawford doesn’t cover Christian Nationalism or politics, we primarily talk about civil religion and you’ll want to listen in because off all the … Continue reading Episode 365 – Wes Crawford
Rob Dixon has long been an ally to women in Christian spaces where patriarchy is often the default. In his recent book, Allies in Ministry, he has written specifically to other men who are exploring their role in supporting the women in their lives as they navigate these spaces that are not always hospitable to … Continue reading Episode 364 – Rob Dixon
It’s hard to describe this amazing conversation with David Dault or the book it was centered around, for that matter, The Accessorized Bible. One of the concepts David brings out, as a professor and someone who thinks about faith and the bible, a lot, is that we often make the bible into something it isn’t. … Continue reading Episode 363 – David Dault
The subject of trauma seems to be everywhere, and while this can be a good thing (it allows us to speak more freely and perhaps, feel more understood), it can also be challenging, especially in Christian communities where the subject has been misunderstood and often hidden (all the while potentially traumatizing events are happening with … Continue reading Episode 362 – Scot McKnight & Adrienne Gibson
There is something about Natalia Terfa‘s new book, It All Counts, that feels like coming home to me. It’s probably because, like many of us, for decades, I have been taught that being with God, experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, being a Christian must look a certain way. There’s a formula for how we go about … Continue reading Episode 361 – Natalia Terfa
This weekend, our nation turned 250 years old! For many, the celebration was not without complicated feelings. Yes, we are grateful, and we also grieve. So, we thought this would be the perfect time to re-release one of our favorite episodes that speaks to some of those complexities and how we can respond to them. … Continue reading Episode 360 – Andrew Whitehead (re-release!)
Scott Bessenecker has been in Christian ministry for decades which puts him in a unique position to bring a critical eye to the way our religion is practiced. For many, church hurt is recent. It is something we have experienced personally, and for which are seeking healing urgently. Scott reminds, though, that while the injuries … Continue reading Episode 359 – Scott Bessenecker
Producer’s pick! With a fun-filled (and restful) Father’s Day weekend, my husband and producer, Seth, picked one of his favorite episodes to share again! This one with journalist, Jon Ward, is still as relevant today as it was when it originally aired in 2023 (and was the top-listened episode of that year!). Seth mentioned that … Continue reading Episode 358 – Jon Ward (re-release!)
Oh my gosh! I had soooo much fun chatting with Varina for this episode! She wrote a book on prepositions and God, which is just so fabulous. Beneath and Between contains chapters featuring 15 different prepositions and how they can be used to describe our relationship to God. Highlights for me included flashbacks to the … Continue reading Episode 357 – Varina Willse
Talking with psychologist, Dr. Tiffany G. Townsend was truly a joy! One of the reasons I think I enjoyed it so much is because (by my own admission and maybe my husband’s observations, lol!) I can be a bit of a Debbie Downer sometimes. Meaning, when confronted with the realities of the world’s problems, it … Continue reading Episode 356 – Tiffany G. Townsend
MaryAnn McKibben Dana gave me words, in this conversation and her new book Better Than Normal, that I have been searching for. When questions arise like – What makes this the standard? or How can I fit in here (or is that even necessary)? we sometimes don’t realize that we are actually questioning what is … Continue reading Episode 354 – MaryAnn McKibben Dana
Editor of Sojourners magazine, Rose Marie Berger, sat down with me to talk about the magazine’s recent edited volume, Light for the Way (which is phenomenal, by the way!). This collection is compiled from essays published in the magazine over the decades and yet, it is amazing how many of them feel like they were … Continue reading Episode 354 – Rose Marie Berger
I’m already intrigued by anyone who has a skydiving story (that will never be me!), and Adriel Booker’s is (literally) one for the books! She opens her fabulous volume, Tethered to Hope with a story of jumping from a plane, secured to an instructor in her early twenties and the harrowing moments that followed. The … Continue reading Episode 353 – Adriel Booker
This conversation with Aimee Byrd was personal and powerful for me. Even though it has not been easy, I am so grateful to Aimee for sharing her story of the abuse she suffered in the church circles she was a part of. Her newest book, Saving Face, is a beautiful reflection not only on what has happened to … Continue reading Episode 352 – Aimee Byrd (re-release!)
Have you ever heard a phrase that sticks with you? So much so, that you find yourself turning it over again and again in your mind, discovering its relevance to new situations in your life? Sometimes those brief sentences can have massive impact on how we think and interact with the world. Well, from my … Continue reading Episode 315 – Amar Peterman
Author and scholar Jared Stacy joins me for this episode to talk about conspiracism and evangelicalism in the United States. Many of us have probably noticed that these two seem to walk hand in hand, but have we stopped to ask ourselves how they are connected and in what ways that connection might be true … Continue reading Episode 350 – Jared Stacy
Third time’s a charm with psychologist, Dr. Kelly Flanagan! (Though the first two recordings with Kelly were amazing as well!) His newest book, The Road Less Triggered, is phenomenal. We talked a lot about how to have the posture of an open heart, especially at moments when we’re so tempted to close it off. This … Continue reading Episode 349 – Kelly Flanagan
Growing up in Oklahoma (read 12 years of public school history classes), you’d think I would have taken in droves of information about our nation’s history with Indigenous peoples. After all, Oklahoma has one of the highest populations of Native Americans in the U.S. and, if you understand some of the basic history, you’ll know … Continue reading Episode 348 – L. Daniel Hawk
Happy Easter! I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend with you and yours. Since we took some time to rest and celebrate (new episode coming next week!), we thought we’d share this favorite again. Enjoy! To say I enjoyed this conversation and the book it was centered on is an understatement! Dr. Amy Peeler, … Continue reading Episode 347 – Amy Peeler (re-release!)
What a joy it is to welcome Sara Billups back to the podcast! We talked about a subject that is or has been near to each of us – anxiety. Sara has written a book that brings in her experiences with anxiety, as well as many of those of her family, and how they connect … Continue reading Episode 346 – Sara Billups
Kristen Lee‘s voice is such a gift! She an incredibly gifted author (and physician! – which we totally didn’t even touch on in this conversation), and I am so thrilled she has chosen to bring her experiences and research to us through her text, We Mend with Gold. She has written the book she wishes … Continue reading Episode 345 – Kristen Lee
Talking with Laura Baghdassarian Murray was truly a delight! Even though the subject of this episode is hospitality, which is a topic that’s super familiar to me, our conversation took us through some territory that was a bit unexpected for me (that happens often when I talk to a spiritual director!). In this episode we … Continue reading Episode 344 – Laura Baghdassarian Murray
This was one of my absolute favorite conversations! I am so thrilled to be able to share it – again! Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University. AJ is a Jewish scholar and has written extensively on the New Testament and on Jesus. Her most recent book is Jesus … Continue reading Episode 343 – Amy-Jill Levine (re-release!)
Jenn Suen Chen‘s story is so very different from mine and also holds many similarities. Her new book, Dim Sum and Faith, is one to slow down with, letting the words and ideas simmer like a wonderfully rich broth (one that can also bring some healing with its warmth). She shares about her experiences as … Continue reading Episode 342 – Jenn Suen Chen
Tatum Tricarico‘s book, Blessed is the Body, is an amazing devotional! I read it almost every morning (sipping my coffee with my beagle curled up beside me) preparing for this interview. Not only did I learn a ton, but I also connected with God in super meaningful and surprising ways. In this conversation, we talk … Continue reading Episode 341 – Tatum Tricarico
Oh my goodness! Chris and Danny were such a joy to read – and even more so to speak with! We covered super important topics like Chris’s drum circle debacle (supposedly available online somewhere), the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in Canada (and what we can learn from the process of our neighbors to the north), … Continue reading Episode 340 – Chris Hoklotubbe & Danny Zacharias
Sitting down with author and anthropology professor Christine Jeske was a joy! We talked about her newest book, Racial Justice for the Long Haul, which is all about why white Christians (the small number of them who do) participate in racial justice work and how they stay committed. For this work, Christine spent hours and … Continue reading Episode 339 – Christine Jeske
I am so thrilled to welcome back to the podcast, Dr. Terence Lester! (In case you missed his other appearances, they’re here, here, and here – with his daughter, and co-author, Zion!) During this conversation, we discuss race-based educational injustices in the U.S., along with Terence’s own story of experiencing the educational system as a … Continue reading Episode 338 – Terence Lester
For Christians, the topic of loving our neighbors is a familiar one. Many times, at least for me, the phrase is so familiar that it sometimes becomes difficult to effectively pause, reflect, and investigate what it actually requires from us in real life. Chanté Griffin brings her unique perspective to this vibrant and ongoing conversation, … Continue reading Ep. 337 – Chanté Griffin
Producer’s Pick! For MLK Jr. Day, I asked my husband and producer, Seth, to choose an episode he wanted to re-release and without hesitation, he said, “What about Malcolm’s most recent one?!” Done and done! Here ya go! That Makes Total Sense! regular, the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, is back on the podcast and I could … Continue reading Episode 336 – Malcolm Foley (re-release!)
I am truly grateful for the work of Dorothy Greco. Her most recent book, For the Love of Women tackles several areas where misogyny has, and continues to have, great impacts. Trained and having worked as both a journalist and a pastor, she brings a unique perspective to patriarchy and misogyny and how our whole … Continue reading Episode 335 – Dorothy Greco
I am embarrassed to admit how recently I started to realize the effects of empire on my life. It probably wasn’t until I entered seminary that vocabulary like empire or colonialism entered my everyday consciousness, and even when it did, reckoning with it is something that still evades me most days. It’s difficult to see … Continue reading Episode 334 – Kat Armas
Producer’s pick! We’re all still recovering from holiday fun this week, so I asked my sweet husband and producer to choose an episode he wanted to re-release and he picked this favorite with Zach Lambert. Enjoy! And happy week between Christmas and New Year’s! This conversation with fellow(?) Texan (I don’t exactly claim the label, … Continue reading Episode 333 – Zach Lambert (re-play!)
The birth of Jesus was, and is, disruptive to our lives. Though, with all the familiarity surrounding Christmas, sometimes it’s hard to remember how true that is. Listen along for a short, Christmas week reflection from That Makes Total Sense! host, Alexis Busetti, as she discusses how the Incarnation was and should continue to be … Continue reading Episode 332 – The Disruptive Birth
This one is becoming an annual favorite! Just this week, a friend texted asking for the name of this book – the one I gifted to about a dozen of my girlfriends the year it was released. Each year, Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with the ideas heard in … Continue reading Episode 331 – Scott Erickson (re-play!)
This advent book (and conversation!) is not just for the Christmas season. I promise you will be blessed by Kelley Nikondeha‘s words all year long (including in our recent conversation on Jubilee)! Her new book, The First Advent in Palestine tells of some of the forgotten stories surrounding Jesus’ birth. We know he was born in first century … Continue reading Episode 330 – Kelley Nikondeha (re-release!)
My friend, Collin Cornell, is back! And, I have been waiting for this conversation (okay, in some ways, I’ve been waiting, and in some ways, it’s been ongoing). Collin has finished his newest book, God Draws Near, and it is a game-changer; I’m so thrilled he’s here to talk with me about it! This incredibly … Continue reading Episode 329 – Collin Cornell
Lisa Colón DeLay and I had so much fun talking all about the desert elders! (I admit, there was a time when that sentence wouldn’t have made sense to me, but today, I am all about learning more from our fore parents in the faith.) Even though our world and our lives look very different, … Continue reading Episode 328 – Lisa Colón DeLay
To say I enjoyed this conversation and the book it was centered on is an understatement! Dr. Amy Peeler, professor, author, and pastor, shares insight from her years of research culminating in her incredible book, Women and the Gender of God. In this episode, we explore God as Father, but not gendered, Mary, the mother … Continue reading Episode 327 – Amy Peeler
As I type this, it almost feels like fall in the hill country of Texas (and I hear it’s gonna stay that way for about 48 hours, lol!). The cooler weather and the wind, as temporary as they may be, remind me of seasonal changes, and it makes me glad. The chill in the air … Continue reading Ep. 326 – Claude Atcho
One of my favorite podcast guests is back to talk about his new book! David Swanson’s Plundered is absolutely beautiful. In it, he explores the history of environmental and racial injustice in the U.S. and how they are intertwined. He also shares some of his own personal and communal journey, inviting us to imagine what living in ways more … Continue reading Episode 325 – David Swanson (re-release!)
The topic of jubilee is one that sometimes has me feeling a bit…skeptical. It’s not that I don’t like the concept, I do. It’s just that it’s a tough one to talk about it in a way that seems faithful to the biblical texts and practical for real life. Enter Kelley Nikondeha! She is a … Continue reading Episode 324 – Kelley Nikondeha
Every time I catch a news headline with something tragic happening in the world, or close to home, I have a sense of grief, many times accompanied by a sense of helplessness. What can I do? is the question that haunts me. I’m not a community organizer or a formal advocate and even in the … Continue reading Episode 323 – Charon Hribar
When I think of individuals and organizations who have their work cut out for them, always, but especially with our current times, I think of Matthew Soerens and World Relief. For those who may not be familiar, World Relief is a Christian humanitarian organization who serves people who are in crisis all over the world, … Continue reading Episode 322 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Matthew Soerens
Chats with Jenai always result in wisdom for me, so I am grateful for our conversations! (This one is no exception!) Jenai is an author and of an amazing book called Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized and is a cohort leader at Made for Pax. (Our first … Continue reading Episode 321 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Jenai Auman
For many Christians who have struggled with mental health challenges, either personally or accompanying loved ones, the church has often been a place of conflicting messages. Do we just need Jesus or can therapy help? Are we allowed to talk to God in that way or about those things? Am I weak or sinful? Questions … Continue reading Episode 320 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Bianca Hughes
Oh my goodness! I had a great time talking with Kristel Acevedo! We continue our series on conversations centered around the Made for Pax / InterVarsity Press bible studies with this one on Kristel’s contribution Liberated at the Cross: Peace and Reconciliation in God’s Kingdom, available in English and Spanish. We talked about cruciformity, peace, … Continue reading Ep. 319 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Kristel Acevedo
Any time I get to talk with Drew Jackson, it is a complete joy for me! And, as you may have guessed from that opening statement, Drew is no stranger to the podcast (I highly encourage you to catch our other conversations about his books of poetry on the coming of Christ and the Gospel … Continue reading Episode 318 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Drew Jackson
When I say this conversation was fun and meaningful, that is truly an understatement! Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, co-author of Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants joined me for this episode and we shared from our hearts what our hopes are for the study and how working on it impacted us. Each of us come from families … Continue reading Episode 317 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun & Alexis Busetti
It was so great to have Dorcas Cheng-Tozun back on the podcast! For this series, Dorcas will join me twice – once as author of Mental Health: Experiencing God’s Care for Our Mind, Body, and Spirit – A 6-Week Interactive Bible Study and another time as co-author of the study we worked on together on … Continue reading Ep. 316 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun
I am so excited to kick off this special series of the podcast with Tiffany Bluhm, executive director of an amazing organization called Made for Pax! She’s been on the podcast before and it was an incredible conversation. This time, we are setting up what will be an eight-part series where we will discuss each … Continue reading Ep. 315 – IVP/Made for Pax Series: Tiffany Bluhm
This conversation with fellow(?) Texan (I don’t exactly claim the label, but my guest has lived here all his life), Zach Lambert was super fun! And I don’t say that only because I’m a theology nerd, I say that because Zach has a way of presenting themes from the Bible in new and helpful ways … Continue reading Episode 314 – Zach Lambert
So many of us would count ourselves as leaders in one area of our lives or another. Many of us would also count ourselves among those who have experienced some kind of trauma, whether it was early in our lives or later. And, as you would suspect, those groups have significant overlap. That’s where Sheila … Continue reading Episode 313 – Sheila Wise Rowe & Nicholas Rowe
Content warning: This episode includes discussions of graphic violence and genocide. This interview is a unique one for the podcast. Professor and author, David Toole, has written a book on the life of his friend, Maggy Barankitse, who is an advocate, currently living in exile. Maggy is a Burundian survivor of one of the genocides … Continue reading Episode 312 – David Toole
Getting the chance to meet and talk with Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew was a time of pure light! She is as kind as she is wise and insightful and so much of her newest book, Front Porch Wisdom, will no doubt continue to impact how I view and navigate situations of leadership as a BIPOC woman. … Continue reading Episode 311 – Froswa’ Booker-Drew
Diving into Nicole Martin‘s newest book, Nailing It, was a complete joy! Nicole comes at the complicated subject of leadership with curiosity and humility, as a learner, sharing insights that draw both from biblical and experiential wisdom. This book is neither a how-to nor a how-not-to, but an exploration on some common aspects of leadership … Continue reading Episode 310 – Nicole Massie Martin
What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you do for a living? Where do you work? These questions are common from childhood to cocktail party, but how do they actually relate to our vocations? Our callings? Karen Swallow Prior wrote an exquisite book offering wisdom and clarification (not a step … Continue reading Episode 309 – Karen Swallow Prior
For weeks, it seemed that everywhere I looked, I was seeing something about Isaac Villegas’s new book, Migrant God. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, and I was not disappointed once I did! With everything happening in the U.S. right now surrounding immigration, this text and conversation are right on time. Don’t … Continue reading Episode 308 – Isaac Villegas
This conversation with Aimee Byrd was personal and powerful for me. Even though it has not been easy, I am so grateful to Aimee for sharing her story of the abuse she suffered in the church circles she was a part of. Her newest book, Saving Face, is a beautiful reflection not only on what … Continue reading Episode 307 – Aimee Byrd
Maybe because my life is currently in flux (and has been that way for a hot minute), I was honestly a bit hesitant to read my friend Michael O’Donnell‘s new book. I’m not exactly sure why I was nervous, but it did sit on my shelf for weeks (okay, maybe even months) before I finally … Continue reading Episode 306 – Michaela O’Donnell
“We are all chasing relief.” I hadn’t really thought about it in quite the same way until I read David Zahl’s The Big Relief, but then I couldn’t unsee it. Around the same time, a friend sent me an Instagram reel of a woman just breathing in and telling herself to release her shoulders. Whatever … Continue reading Episode 305 – David Zahl
Cristina Rathbone, an American Episcopal priest from a family with immigration journeys of their own, spent time at the border between the U.S. and Mexico to learn from and minister to those who were waiting to cross. A former journalist, Cristina shares about her experiences on the border as she met and interacted with individuals … Continue reading Episode 304 – Cristina Rathbone
Destiny Magnett is part of a wonderful team at one of my favorite organizations, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). Destiny has travelled extensively to the Middle East and has been personally impacted by her education and experiences with people living in the land as they are impacted by the conflict, policies, wars, and politics. … Continue reading Episode 303 – Destiny Magnett
Hosting a return guest is one of my favorite things to do (maybe especially when that guest is seated next to his piano…)! Mark Glanville is a pastor in what he names as a post-Christian context. And even though this conversation is based on his book about writing sermons, it is truly for anyone who … Continue reading Episode 302 – Mark Glanville
Welcome, Cara Meredith, back to the podcast! Cara was so kind to join me waaay back in the early months of the podcast and now she’s been brave enough to do it again! The topic in this conversation is one that is near and dear (and complicated) to both of our hearts, and maybe yours … Continue reading Episode 301 – Cara Meredith
Eek! THIS MARKS 300 EPISODES!!! First of all, THANK YOU for listening to That Makes Total Sense! It really is one of the most fun things I get to do and I am thrilled to share it with each of you! Second, for this conversation, I got to interview my best friend, husband, editor, and … Continue reading Episode 300 – Alexis & Seth
We’ve got something a little different (and super fun!) with this episode. Philip Marinello of The Substance invited me back on his podcast and we had a blast catching up and talking about all things faith, politics, and of course generosity and justice! Philip loves chatting about many of the same topics as me and … Continue reading Episode 299 – Philip Marinello
My kids tell me I’m a Hufflepuff. I don’t exactly deny it and encounters like the one Angela and I had might just add evidence to their label, lol! One minute we found ourselves sitting at dinner together, each invited by friends to a table where we didn’t know most of the diners, and the … Continue reading Episode 298 – Angela Williams Gorrell
A short reflection on the day after Easter…and doubt. Mentioned in this episode: Matthew 28 You might also enjoy: Ep. 191 with Alexis Busetti Ep. 150 with Jason Porterfield Ep. 140 with Alexis Busetti
A note from the producer: “I normally try to get the podcasts done over the weekend so they can release Sunday night or Monday morning. This weekend however, I was off climbing on rocks and doing professional work – noting my usual day job is not a producer. Anyways, I hope listeners don’t mind that … Continue reading Episode 296 – Young-Sam Won (replay!)
The current job situation in the U.S. right now is hard to navigate, to say the least. Whether it’s layoffs for federal employees, toxic bosses and cultures, or burnout, our work lives involve so much more than just the actual work. Thankfully, people like Meryl Herr are paying attention. Her new book, When Work Hurts … Continue reading Episode 295 – Meryl Herr
Drs. Lisa Stephenson and Ruthie Wienk are professors of systematic theology and sociology, respectively, and they have teamed up to write a wonderful, textual guide on service in the Christian community. Historically, and even now, the evangelical community in the U.S. has gone through different phases and stances on service or what some may call … Continue reading Episode 294 – Lisa Stephenson & Ruthie Wienk
Lately, the psychology section on my bookshelf has increased by a few titles, and while I have zero background in the field (except seeing a therapist, hallelujah!), it is increasingly more fascinating to me. This conversation with Todd Hall, professor of psychology, was a great addition to my novice study (though it would also be … Continue reading Episode 293 – Todd Hall
This conversation with Dr. Erin Devers was so much fun! We discussed some of the concepts from her new book, The Unbiased Self, and I found it to be fascinating. As a psychology professor, Erin brings so much insight into the world of bias, how we all operate with it, and what we can do … Continue reading Episode 292 – Erin Devers
Producer’s pick in honor of Women’s History Month! Reading Caryn Reeder‘s new book had me feeling mad, relieved, curious, and hopeful. She explores one of my all-time favorite stories in the Gospels – The Samaritan Woman in John 4. Caryn reminds readers and listeners of the classic interpretation of the story, which has remained much the same throughout … Continue reading Episode 291 – Caryn Reeder (re-release!)
I experienced so many emotions reading Andrew Bauman‘s new book, Safe Church. Among them, was the feeling of being seen. In his research, Andrew, who is a professional counselor, surveyed and interviewed women who have spent various amounts of time in evangelical churches and ministry environments in the U.S. These women reported experiences of sexism … Continue reading Episode 290 – Andrew Bauman
As you can see from the search below, Christian nationalism has been a common topic on the podcast. Professor Michael W. Austin has written a short book called simply, American Christian Nationalism, and our conversation on that text is one I am happy to have as an addition to the list. Mike gives us a … Continue reading Episode 289 – Mike Austin
As you’ll hear throughout this conversation, concepts within the field of disability theology are ones that I have struggled and wrestled with for years (even before I knew how to label them). This book, Disabling Leadership, by Andrew Draper and his co-authors is unique in that it covers, not only aspects of disability theology, but … Continue reading Episode 288 – Andrew Draper
Joel Edward Goza joined me on the podcast to talk about his newest book, Rebirth of a Nation: Reparations and Remaking America. You might recognize in the title, a take on another title, The Birth of a Nation, an incredibly harmful and racist film shown at the White House in 1915 by president Woodrow Wilson. … Continue reading Episode 287 – Joel Edward Goza
When I first started reading Heather Matthews’ new book, Confronting Sexism in the Church, I was struck (yet again) by how familiar her story is. Over and over again, I have come to realize that I’m not the only one. So many other women have been told they are less than, that they couldn’t have … Continue reading Episode 286 – Heather Matthews
The wise and hilarious Erin Hicks Moon joined me for this episode and I am thrilled to share it with you! She has written a book on deconstruction called, I’ve Got Questions, and reading it felt like collecting little pieces of home over a cup of coffee with a friend who understood right where I … Continue reading Episode 285 – Erin Hicks Moon
That Makes Total Sense! regular, the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, is back on the podcast and I could not be more psyched! His new book, The Anti-Greed Gospel releases next month and I cannot wait for it to hit the shelves. If you’re as intrigued as I was, even by the title and sub-title alone, … Continue reading Episode 284 – Malcolm Foley
What a joy to host Liz Charlotte Grant (and read her book)! One of the things I have enjoyed so much in studying the bible is taking in different interpretive perspectives. Liz is a creative writer and someone who became curious about biblical interpretations from theologians she had not read or studied early in her … Continue reading Episode 283 – Liz Charlotte Grant
Phew! Hold on to your hats! We’ve got an incredible discussion for you today with Dr. Andrew Rillera, New Testament scholar. His newest book, Lamb of the Free, tackles not only the sacrifice of Jesus, but does so as part of the whole sacrificial system we see in the Bible. We start by naming a … Continue reading Episode 282 – Andrew Rillera
When Jennifer McNutt’s newest book arrived in the mail, I instantly started flipping through it (and immediately texted a friend)! What I held in my hands, was a beautiful, thoughtful, and thorough look at the person and character of Mary Magdelene and as a female theologian, it felt like a real gift. The Mary We … Continue reading Episode 281 – Jennifer McNutt
This was a wonderful conversation on church, health, justice, and community with Pricelis! Her unique perspective as someone with a background in social work and someone who has worked on staff in church settings brings something insightful and beautiful to this larger discussion around church life. For more on this topic, be sure to check … Continue reading Episode 279 – Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez
This conversation with Lore was recorded barely a week after the presidential election. Truthfully, I was still pretty raw coming into our talk and that morning was a particularly rough one in my grieving process. What Lore’s beautiful book and our interview reminded me of in the midst of my feelings of sadness, disbelief, and … Continue reading Episode 278 – Lore Ferguson Wilbert
Dr. Chris Blumhofer is a professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. From personal experience, I can tell you his classes are wonderful! They are insightful, thought-provoking, and challenging. One of the mindsets, and now habits, I have taken away from my instructional time with Chris is permission to wrestle with our sacred texts … Continue reading Episode 277 – Chris Blumhofer
Producer’s choice! Here’s a note from my producer (and husband) Seth Busetti about this week’s re-release. Enjoy! I thought this episode with Kaitlyn Schiess might be helpful to our listeners. When this was first recorded the political landscape was still very uncertain and Kaitlyn’s wisdom regarding how Christians can faithfully engage in civil discourse and … Continue reading Episode 276 – Kaitlyn Schiess (re-release!)
This new devotional by Tiffany Bluhm (along with some other fantastic contributors!) is one I see myself coming back to again and again. In The Women We’ve Been Waiting For, Tiffany and several women authors, bring us the stories of biblical, historical, and contemporary female figures who have resisted the status quo for the sake … Continue reading Episode 275 – Tiffany Bluhm
I know I should give some sort of explanation here. I should say all the things this episode is about, but, I’m tired. This has been a week, and instead of explaining all of the things, I am just going to say – go and listen to this conversation with Robert! He is sharing his … Continue reading Episode 274 – Robert G. Callahan, II
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University. AJ is a Jewish scholar and has written extensively on the New Testament and on Jesus. Her most recent book is Jesus for Everyone and it is fantastic! Part of what she seeks to do in this text (and how … Continue reading Episode 273 – Amy-Jill Levine
My friend, Dr. Collin Cornell is back on the podcast! The topic we discuss is one I have always wrestled with, so it was good to pick an Old Testament scholar’s brain on it – God’s aggression. You’ll see below that Collin has recently published on the topic, but we didn’t stick to the text … Continue reading Episode 272 – Collin Cornell
One of my favorite podcast guests is back to talk about his new book! David Swanson’s Plundered is absolutely beautiful. In it, he explores the history of environmental and racial injustice in the U.S. and how they are intertwined. He also shares some of his own personal and communal journey, inviting us to imagine what … Continue reading Episode 271 – David Swanson
In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, we’re re-playing my conversation with Terry Wildman! Terry Wildman is the lead translator and project manager of the First Nations Version of the New Testament. In this conversation, Terry talks about the intersection of being Christian and Native and what that has meant for him as he has explored the two, … Continue reading Episode 270 – Terry Wildman (re-release!)
Confession time – I’m not a big history buff. As critical as I know it is, it’s never really been my thing, but…when I came across this title by Elesha Coffman, I knew I had to get it in my hands and read it! And I’m so glad I did! Turning Points in American Church … Continue reading Episode 269 – Elesha Coffman
A few years ago, offline, a guest mentioned a term that represented a concept that put a metaphorical pebble in my shoe – “philanthropic redlining.” I knew a bit of the history of redlining from real estate practices in the U.S., and of course I also knew, generally, what philanthropy was, but to hear them … Continue reading Episode 268 – Erin Weber-Johnson
This conversation is (checks notes) the first where I talked with a husband and wife together, in this case, co-authors! Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon joined me to celebrate the release of their illustrated children’s book, Penny Preaches, which chronicles a fictional little girl (representative of so many women who feel called to preaching ministry, … Continue reading Episode 267 – Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon
This week I was joined by theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Her newest book (she’s published so many!) is When God Became White. If you’re intrigued by the title already, you’re not alone. Grace writes, not only as a scholar and theologian, but also from her perspective as a Korean immigrant who grew up in Canada … Continue reading Episode 261 – Grace Ji-Sun Kim
I am so thrilled to host Jim Wallis again on the podcast! (It’s a special bonus for me because the date of this release marks 5 YEARS THE PODCAST!) Jim and I first met in Washington D.C. at the inaugural Summer Academy at the Center on Faith & Justice at Georgetown University, though his work … Continue reading Episode 265 – Jim Wallis
Andrew Krinks has been on the podcast before and both times, he has managed to take a topic I have thought about often and deeply and add depth and breadth that I hadn’t yet considered. (His wife, Lindsey did the same thing for me with this conversation on homelessness.) The first time, Andrew and I … Continue reading Episode 264 – Andrew Krinks
This conversation is over a year in the making. When I first heard about this project last spring, I was intrigued and completely unprepared to read this book, much less do an interview. What Sarah Stankorb has done in Disobedient Women is extraordinary. For fans of Kristen Kobes Du Mez’s Jesus and John Wayne, you’ll … Continue reading Episode 263 – Sarah Stankorb
Reading through Sarah Westfall’s book, The Way of Belonging, felt like making an instant friend! It felt like making a friend who also struggles with new friendships, what it means to belong, and who is also a huge fan of Henri Nouwan (more on that in the episode!). Sarah is asking questions I think many … Continue reading Episode 262 – Sarah Westfall
Welcome back to the podcast, to my friend, Jasmine Bellamy! Jasmine has been up to a lot since the last time we chatted, including beginning a doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a business leader and joyful disrupter, as we’ll chat about, and she is concerned with how we can be more loving … Continue reading Episode 261 – Jasmine Bellamy
This is a vacay replay! Our fam was out on one last getaway of the summer, so we picked one of our favorites (also happens to be a fan favorite!) to replay this week. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! It’s hard to describe how I felt reading Norman Wirzba‘s book, This Sacred … Continue reading Episode 260 – Norman Wirzba (re-play!)
As a therapist and pastor, working with and ministering to women from all over the globe for years, Dieula Previlon understands trauma and the effects it can have on women and their communities. She also understands how when women begin to heal from trauma, it has a huge impact on the people around them as … Continue reading Episode 259 – Dieula Previlon
One of my absolute favorite things about studying in seminary has been the exposure to new and different theological perspectives! As members of the Body of Christ, we are truly all built in unique ways, having had different personal experiences that teach us about God, God’s world, and our place in it. Khristi Adams brings … Continue reading Episode 258 – Khristi Lauren Adams
Producer’s Pick! As some of you may know, the Houston area was hit hard this past week by a hurricane. The category 1 storm, Beryl, wreaked havoc on the infrastructure here, leaving more than 2 million homes and places of business without power. We were among those affected, having lost power for almost 6 days … Continue reading Episode 257 – Michael Wear (re-release!)
This is the very first time in the history of That Makes Total Sense! where a guest has played live music as a part of the conversation and I am here for it! Dr. Mark Glanville, pastor, author, and scholar, is also a professional jazz pianist and he can’t help but see how an exploration … Continue reading Episode 256 – Mark Glanville
With the 4th of July coming up this week, I wanted to share this conversation with you again. It is good to celebrate our country and it is also good to critique it. In this episode, Jemar and I spoke with each other literally less than a week after the insurrection on the Capitol on … Continue reading Episode 255 – Jemar Tisby (re-release!)
Growing up inside American evangelicalism, I can see now that there was definitely a taste of Christian nationalism thrown into the cultural mix (though I certainly couldn’t name it at the time). If you grew up culturally Chrisitan in the U.S., the same is probably true for you, too. What Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood … Continue reading Episode 254 – Brian Kaylor
There is a lot of talk these days about the hurts and abuses taking place inside of churches. Unfortunately, that is true because such instances are not uncommon. Not only does it seem like every week a new story breaks of pastor or other Christian leader failing in his (usually these awful stories feature men) … Continue reading Episode 253 – Jenai Auman
As soon as I saw Bekah McNeel had a new book coming out, I was lining up to talk with her (and I didn’t even know the subject, lol!). When I learned it was about suffering and our response to it, I was certain this was a conversation I’d want to have (that’s mostly because, … Continue reading Episode 252 – Bekah McNeel
Anna Broadway is an author who has literally traveled around the world to bring her newest book to us! And, oh yeah, she’s a single Christian. In Solo Planet, which was the basis for this conversation, Anna explores what it’s like to be single in Christian communities all over the globe. In addition to sharing … Continue reading Ep. 251 with Anna Broadway
Any time I get to talk with Dr. Brenda, I consider it to be a good day (and this recording day was a good day!). We chatted about her newest book, Empowered to Repair, which takes its themes from the story surrounding Ezra and Nehemiah (don’t worry if it’s been a minute since you’ve read … Continue reading Ep. 250 – Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil
The subject matter of Scott Coley’s new book might be familiar to many of us, but the way in which he presents it was new for me! Scott is a philosopher and professor, so he comes at many of the questions (and problems) we see within the religious right, especially in the United States, from … Continue reading Episode 249 – Scott Coley
Talking with Courtney Ellis about, of all things, grief and birds was so wonderfully rich! Before I read her newest book, Looking Up, I had no idea how beautiful vultures could be, for example, and how God’s plans for creation, life and death included, could reveal so much about God’s character and our relationships to … Continue reading Episode 248 – Courtney Ellis
It is an absolute joy to share space with Ashlee Eiland! She was brave enough to come on the podcast during my first year and gracious enough to join me again. This time our conversation centered around her newest book, Say Good. We all know we’re navigating (often, whether we like it or not) difficult … Continue reading Episode 247 – Ashlee Eiland
April marks genocide awareness month, bringing attention to all the atrocities the world has witnessed in the past and offering a collective never again to any present or future threats. This April also marks 30 years since the Rwandan genocide, which began in April of 1994 where one million Tutsi people lost their lives at … Continue reading Episode 246 – Henriette Mutegwaraba
What a pleasure to have the chance to talk with Jenny McGee, the founder of Starfish Project! A few pieces from the jewelry collection at Starfish Project have found their way into my personal collection over the years (okay, I specifically picked them out and asked for them for Christmases, birthdays, etc.) and ever since … Continue reading Episode 245 – Jenny McGee
This conversation with Pastor Trey Ferguson easily and quickly became one of my favorites. Not did our time together feel life-giving, akin to having a cup (or many cups) of coffee with a dear friend, but his theological explorations were encouraging and, in some instances, challenging. Trey’s new book, Theologizin’ Bigger is not your typical … Continue reading Episode 244 – Trey Ferguson
It’s not very often that I ask my kids to preview a book I receive for the podcast, but it’s also not very often that I am preparing to interview the authors of a children’s book (including a teenage co-author)! Zion Learns to See by Zion Lester and her father Terence covers the difficult topic … Continue reading Episode 243 – Zion Lester & Terence Lester
A short reflection on the day after Easter…and doubt. Mentioned in this episode: Matthew 28 You might also enjoy: Ep. 191 with Alexis Busetti Ep. 150 with Jason Porterfield Ep. 140 with Alexis Busetti
Dr. Dwight Radcliff is the academic dean for the William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies at Fuller Seminary (and one of my favorite professors!). In the spring of 2022, I took his class on the Theology of Hip Hop Culture and it was life-altering (I don’t say that lightly!). As Christians, not just those … Continue reading Episode 241 – Dwight Radcliff (re-release!)
Okay. I hope you have half as much fun listening to this episode as Malcolm and I had recording it! We went in with no notes, no background reading material, and (almost) no filters. Malcolm first came on the podcast in 2020 and we talked about his dissertation work on the history of lynching in … Continue reading Episode 240 – Malcolm Foley
Michael Wear is one of the voices I’ve been listening to, regarding politics and the Christian faith, for years now. I first heard him on a podcast (linked below) where he and his friend, Justin Giboney, were speaking about politics in ways that A. resonated deeply with me and B. I hadn’t heard many, if … Continue reading Episode 239 – Michael Wear
When you think about your community or the neighborhoods around you, how many church buildings do you think you pass by on a daily basis? What takes place in those buildings, both on Sundays and throughout the week? And how do those spaces serve the people in close proximity? These are questions that Mark Elsdon … Continue reading Ep. 238 – Mark Elsdon
It’s hard to describe how I felt reading Norman Wirzba‘s book, This Sacred Life. He offers a thick theological insight on how we live in the world and some opportunities for growing into how we could not only shape the world around us, but be shaped by it. As people, sometimes it’s easy to believe … Continue reading Ep. 237 – Norman Wirzba
David Fitch is a professor at Northern Seminary and the author of several books, the latest of which is on a topic I dare say most Christians have pondered, especially in the last few years…power. In Reckoning with Power David presents a brief history of how we have come to view power, especially in the … Continue reading Ep. 236 – David Fitch
This conversation with Adam Gustine (and his book!) had me thinking about all kinds of things related to justice and to church. As believers in Jesus and part of the community called the Church, many of us are convinced that means embodying aspects of justice in some way, shape, or form, but what does that … Continue reading Ep. 235 – Adam Gustine
Dr. Lamar Hardwick is back on the podcast! If you happened to miss our first conversation, I highly recommend you go back and listen. Lamar’s book, Disability and the Church, was the topic and it challenged my theology (in all kinds of good ways!). This time around we talked about his most recent book, How Ableism … Continue reading Ep. 234 – Lamar Hardwick
And the most played episode of 2023 was…my conversation with Jon Ward! Jon Ward is a journalist who has spent the last twenty years covering American politics. He’s also a Christian. And, like so many of us, he was raised in the evangelical culture that is continuing to supply ample obstacles in the terrain as we … Continue reading Ep. 233 – Jon Ward (Top Episodes of 2023: #1)
The countdown continues with the #2 episode of 2023 – Dr. Phuc Luu! In the West, the Christian tradition we have inherited involves certain views of the God of the Bible and violence. It’s something many, if not most, of us have taken for granted in our discipleship. But what about the rich heritage of … Continue reading Ep. 232 – Phuc Luu (Top Episodes of 2023: #2)
I am pumped to continue the top five countdown from 2023 with this amazing conversation with Karen Swallow Prior! Even though the student in me was initially a bit nervous (she is an English professor after all!), I had an absolute blast talking with Karen Swallow Prior for this episode! Her newest book, and our conversation, explore the … Continue reading Episode 231 – Karen Swallow Prior (Top Episodes of 2023: #3)
We’re continuing the release of the top 5 episodes of 2023! Up this week, my conversation with Dr. Collin Cornell about his (newly published!) article on God and fellowship. Dr. Collin Cornell is a professor of Bible and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. Our conversation for this episode is based on a forthcoming article by Collin … Continue reading Ep. 230 – Collin Cornell (Top Episodes of 2023: #4)
To start off 2024, I am pleased to re-release the top 5, most listened to episodes of 2023! I just know you’ll enjoy this first installment with Dr. Jen Rosner of Fuller Theological Seminary! It is always a joy to welcome one of my professors to the podcast! This conversation with Jen Rosner was a true gem. … Continue reading Ep. 229 – Jen Rosner (Top Episodes of 2023: #5)
Merry Christmas from our home to yours! How can Mary’s example, help us work toward God’s kingdom when, as Mary, what we speak doesn’t line up with what we see? Luke 1, the commonly read Christmas morning text, contains Mary’s song, her Magnificat. The prophetess sang of the promise of God’s coming kingdom. That the … Continue reading Episode 228 – The Magnificat
This one is becoming an annual favorite! Just this week, a friend texted asking for the name of this book – the one I gifted to about a dozen of my girlfriends the year it was released. Each year, Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with the ideas heard in … Continue reading Episode 227 – Scott Erickson (re-release!)
It is such a joy for me every time I get to chat with Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards! (Here are our first two conversations for the podcast.) When I saw the title of his newest book, I knew A.) I had to read it! and B.) that I had to ask him back on the … Continue reading Episode 226 – Dennis Edwards
This advent book (and conversation!) is not just for the Christmas season. I promise, Kelley Nikondeha‘s words will minister to you all year long! Her book, The First Advent in Palestine tells of some of the forgotten stories surrounding Jesus’ birth. We know he was born in first century occupied Palestine, but what was the political climate … Continue reading Episode 225 – Kelly Nikondeha (re-release!)
Woohoo! Dr. Matthew Kaemingk is back on the podcast! And this time, he is talking about the incredibly important subjects of work and worship. Conversations concerning work and worship have abounded in my house for decades. How do we view work? What’s in a calling? What about ministry as a vocation? Where do we see … Continue reading Ep. 224 – Matthew Kaemingk
Professor Dr. Greg Garrett of Baylor University has written a wonderful book on the prophet James Baldwin. For those who may not be familiar, James Baldwin was an author and civil rights leader who was born in New York and lived out his middle years and final days in Europe. While his life ended, his … Continue reading Episode 223 – Greg Garrett
It was a wonderful privilege to chat with Dr. Jennifer Holberg. If you listened to my conversation with (the Notorious) Karen Swallow Prior, you’ll remember that I get a little nervous talking with English professors, haha!, but, like KSP, Jennifer was a delight! Jennifer teaches at Calvin University where she is the chair of the … Continue reading Episode 222 – Jennifer Holberg
Robert P. Jones is the president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of several books, including his most recent The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, which is the topic of this conversation. In it, Robert connects the founding of the U.S., specifically the genocide and removal of Native peoples, with … Continue reading Episode 221 – Robert P. Jones
I did not know this book (and this conversation!) with Dr. Chanequa was exactly what I needed right now. Dr. Chanequa, as a psychologist, professor, and preacher, encourages and challenges that self-care ought not be an afterthought in our daily lives. Also being true, self-care doesn’t only consist of the things we’ve been socialized to … Continue reading Episode 220 – Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes
This conversation with Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon was originally released in December of 2021. In it, Mae gives a brief, but rich, balanced, and incredibly well-informed explanation of the history of the Israel/Palestinian conflict. Mae is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), a coalition working to promote sound U.S. policy as … Continue reading Episode 219 – Mae Elise Cannon (re-release!)
It was a pleasure to host Alicia Akins again on the podcast! If you missed her the first time around, I encourage you to go back and take a listen. This time, we chatted about her new book, The Gift of the Outsider. As someone who identifies as an outsider in many ways and in … Continue reading Episode 218 – Alicia Akins
I’ll take any excuse I can get to talk with Shannan Martin! This time we chatted about her most recent book release, Start With Hello, about being neighbors. (Last time we chatted about her first book, Falling Free, which celebrated its book birthday the day we recorded this interview!) On the surface, it seems simple … Continue reading Episode 217 – Shannan Martin
In the West, the Christian tradition we have inherited involves certain views of the God of the Bible and violence. It’s something many, if not most, of us have taken for granted in our discipleship. But what about the rich heritage of Christians in Eastern traditions? How do they teach and learn and experience God … Continue reading Episode 216 – Phuc Luu
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove’s 2019 release, Revolution of Values, is just as pertinent and applicable as it was when he was writing it. He had me from page 1! Jonathan presents that over the last several decades, white conservative Christians have framed certain issues as the main ones that warrant our concern to the neglect of others. … Continue reading Episode 215 – Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Dr. Collin Cornell is a professor of Bible and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. Our conversation for this episode is based on a forthcoming article by Collin that puts some question marks over the grand biblical narrative many of us have come to take for granted. For me, the topic of fellowship as it relates … Continue reading Episode 214 – Collin Cornell
Scot McKnight is on the podcast! His new release Revelation for the Rest of Us hit home for me. Turns out, Scot and I grew up in church communities that were teaching similar things about this mysterious book. The “literal” interpretations of Revelation often led to great (and scary!) speculations about what the end of … Continue reading Episode 213 – Scot McKnight
Dr. Dennis Edwards is back! If you missed our first conversation, be sure to go back and listen – you’ll be glad you did! This time we chatted about a book that was just released, edited by Dennis and Lisa Bowens called Do Black Lives Matter? In this conversation, we talk about a few of … Continue reading Episode 212 – Dennis Edwards
Talking with professors is just about one of my favorite things to do (both on and off the podcast) and this conversation with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes definitely reinforced that joy for me! We chatted about her most recent book release, Being God’s Image. Literally, from Genesis to Revelation, Carmen writes on what it means … Continue reading Episode 211 – Carmen Joy Imes
Andrew Whitehead has researched and written extensively on Christian nationalism. His most recent book, American Idolatry, defines Christian nationalism and explains why it is so problematic. While he does have other academic resources on the topic, this text is directed toward us – the lay Christian in America (don’t worry – there are still plenty … Continue reading Episode 210 – Andrew Whitehead
Caroline Sumlin’s new book, We’ll All Be Free exposes how white supremacy affects everyone in its wake (by the way, that means all of us). White supremacy is interwoven into our society at a systemic level, but have you ever thought about how that translates to feelings of personal worth and well being? This conversation … Continue reading Episode 209 – Caroline Sumlin
The contemplative life is not one solely reserved for vocational clergy or people from religious traditions that may feel largely unfamiliar. As Adam Bucko amazingly writes, practices, and encourages, contemplation is for each of us. With each page turned in his newest book, Let Heartbreak Be Your Guide, I felt my spiritual and theological imagination … Continue reading Episode 208 – Adam Bucko
To say that the world (and us in it) are busy isn’t news. For centuries, some religious communities have found solace in the instruction to rest in the midst of busyness. Filmmaker, Martin Doblmeier, has captured some of these traditions in his newest film by Journey Films, Sabbath. In this project, Jewish and Christian scholars … Continue reading Episode 207 – Martin Doblmeier
I am so stoked to have Kate Boyd on the podcast! For anyone who is curious about the word “deconstruction,” is going through it, or knows someone who is – this conversation is for you! While Kate’s story of faith and mine have some overlap (primarily in the Bible Belt experiences), hers also includes interacting … Continue reading Episode 206 – Kate Boyd
Even though the student in me was initially a bit nervous (she is an English professor after all!), I had an absolute blast talking with Karen Swallow Prior for this episode! Her newest book, and our conversation, explore the question of what is biblical/Christian versus what is just Victorian, specifically in the evangelical context. Who … Continue reading Episode 205 – Karen Swallow Prior
I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Kaitlyn Schiess BACK on the podcast! (She was here for on Ep. 063 discussing her first book.) Her latest book, The Ballot and the Bible highlights how the Bible has been utilized in politics, for better or worse, over the course of our nation’s history. … Continue reading Episode 204 – Kaitlyn Schiess
My guest this week is no stranger to the mic – Ally Henny is on the podcast! Ally’s book, I Won’t Shut Up, is incredible and I am so grateful for her generosity to share her story. Written with Black women in mind, Ally recounts her experiences and what she has learned about the world, … Continue reading Ep. 203 – Ally Henny
CNN journalist John Blake is on the podcast! His newest book, More Than I Imagined, tells his personal story. John is bi-racial, the son of a Black father and a White mother he grew up not knowing anything about. For a man who has been reporting on race for decades (and by his own admission … Continue reading Episode 202 – John Blake
I am so thrilled to have the newly declared Dr. Terence Lester back on the podcast (if you missed his first episode, we’ve got you covered!). Terence has written a beautiful book on racial solidarity through the lens of his own experience as someone who was unhoused for a season and his work for over … Continue reading Episode 201 – Terence Lester
Rev. Dr. Jack Sara is the President of Bethlehem Bible College. I met Jack on what was my 8th (?) trip to the Holy Land, but only my first trip to Palestine. If you think about it (and we mention it a bit in the episode), that fact alone is pretty remarkable. That someone could … Continue reading Episode 200 – Jack Sara
You know that feeling when you’ve been able to sense something for a while and then someone gives you language for that thing? This is exactly what happened to me when I read Dorcas Cheng-Tozun’s new book! In Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul, Dorcas helps those of us who might be Highly Sensitive People … Continue reading Episode 199 – Dorcas Cheng-Tozun
It is always a joy to welcome one of my professors to the podcast! This conversation with Jen Rosner was a true gem. Jen is a Messianic Jewish believer, which means she is Jewish and follows Jesus as her Messiah. Her unique perspective gives her a rich lens with which to view her faith and … Continue reading Episode 198 – Jen Rosner
Just a short little sermon on the center part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus gives us quite a few “do not” statements on giving, praying, and fasting. Thankfully, he doesn’t leave the discussion there though. Because he’s a good teacher, he also gives us some “how to” examples. There’s also talk of … Continue reading Episode 197 – Alexis Busetti
Jon Ward is a journalist who has spent the last twenty years covering American politics. He’s also a Christian. And, like so many of us, he was raised in the evangelical culture that is continuing to supply ample obstacles in the terrain as we seek to navigate questions of faith and life. Jon writes about … Continue reading Episode 196 – Jon Ward
I had a fabulous time talking with Tasha Jun! She has written an incredible memoir called Tell Me the Dream Again. Tasha’s experiences as a biracial woman often made a challenge, including in Christian spaces. As you’ll hear in our conversation, as a mixed Hispanic woman, I can totally relate to much of what Tasha … Continue reading Episode 195 – Tasha Jun
It was such a joy to speak with Dr. David Taylor! Every time I get to speak with him (he’s a professor at Fuller, btw), I come away feeling encouraged in the Lord and ready to explore some new way of interacting with my own faith. This conversation was no different! We talked about his … Continue reading Episode 194 – David Taylor
Robert Chao Romero is back! (In case you missed him the first time around, you’ll wanna catch up on that one!) This time Robert and I talk about the new book just released with his co-author, Jeff Liou, Christianity and Critical Race Theory. As referenced in our conversation (like when Robert read a not-so-nice Twitter … Continue reading Episode 193 – Robert Chao Romero
Dr. David Lamb is a biblical scholar and professor at Missio Seminary. His most recent book, The Emotions of God, is the topic of our discussion for this episode. As noted in the brief intro to our conversation, there are places where David and I don’t see eye to eye and that’s okay. The subjects … Continue reading Episode 192 – David Lamb
Happy Resurrection Day! Thanks for joining me as I offer a short homily on Luke 24:1-12. This is one of the gospel passages that describes the women and the other disciples’ discovery that the tomb where they expected to find Jesus was empty on Sunday morning! If you’ve ever been left like them, wondering what … Continue reading Episode 191 – Alexis Busetti
One of the areas I have found myself exploring more in the past few years is the theology of disability. What does it mean to be embodied? What does it look like when we come to terms with the fact that most of us will face disability in our lifetimes? How do we experience God … Continue reading Episode 190 – Lyndsey Medford
This conversation had me feeling both excited and a bit nervous. Nijay Gupta, who is gracious in every way, has written a new book on the ministry of women in the early church and historically, this subject has been a sensitive one for me. Maybe like you, I was discipled in a tradition that held … Continue reading Episode 189 – Nijay Gupta
In 2021, my amazing friend, Jasmine Bellamy, was named in Sports Illustrated’s series Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports! She works with Reebok as the lead for the U.S. Direct to Consumer department and as the Head of Change Management for Reebok’s United Against Racism. In that role, Jasmine has initiated Courageous Conversations as a … Continue reading Episode 188 – Jasmine Bellamy (re-release!)
Natalia Kohn Rivera is a pastor with InterVarsity’s LeFe ministry and co-author of Hermanas. This beautiful book takes the journeys of 12 biblical women and explores them through the lenses of Latina women. In this conversation, Natalia and I discuss the importance of our ethnic identities and our faith as well as what it means to see … Continue reading Episode 187 – Natalia Kohn Rivera (re-release!)
Reading Caryn Reeder‘s new book had me feeling mad, relieved, curious, and hopeful. She explores one of my all-time favorite stories in the Gospels – The Samaritan Woman in John 4. Caryn reminds readers and listeners of the classic interpretation of the story, which has remained much the same throughout history, and examines how it … Continue reading Episode 186 – Caryn Reeder
A conversation on climate change straight from Texas! I am so grateful to Kyle Meyaard-Schaap for joining me on the podcast and for writing his awesome new book, Following Jesus in a Warming World. Like Kyle, I grew up inside a cultural context that largely did not encourage Christians to care about the environment. But … Continue reading Episode 185 – Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
I am so stoked to welcome Drew Jackson back to the podcast! His first book, and this volume two are some of my favorite books of poetry. What Drew has done by putting the Gospel of Luke in conversation with his own context is theological art at its finest. The problem is, this kind of … Continue reading Episode 184 – Drew Jackson
Bekah and I had a fabulous conversation (she’s hilarious, btw!) about her book Bringing Up Kids When the Church Lets You Down. But trust me, if you’re not a parent….don’t flip to the next episode in your queue just yet! This conversation is for anyone whose life and faith have been impacted by the church, … Continue reading Episode 183 – Bekah McNeel
This conversation with Jenny Booth Potter was so rich and full! Jenny’s story is particular to her own experiences and circumstances and familiar to many of us at the same time, especially if we grew up inside white, American evangelicalism. She brings to light the reality that racism, as Beverly Tatum states, is a moving … Continue reading Episode 182 – Jenny Booth Potter
Craig Greenfield joins me on the podcast to talk about something I’ve been processing lately – missions. Specifically, Craig has written a book called Subversive Mission on how to serve well as outsiders. In the history of Christianity, Western missionary work has often equaled colonialism, and we need to be aware of how we still … Continue reading Episode 181 – Craig Greenfield
The story Sara Billups shares in Orphaned Believers is her own and in a way, it’s mine too. It might also be yours if you were a child of the 1980’s and 1990’s growing up anywhere near white American evangelicalism. She writes (and we chat) about how she was shaped by teachings on the end … Continue reading Episode 180 – Sara Billups
This episode originally aired on July 20, 2020, and trust me when I say it is just as timely and relevant today, in January of 2023, as it was then. Pastor and author Ashlee Eiland and her husband, Delwin, are both on staff at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI where Delwin leads worship and … Continue reading Episode 179 – Ashlee Eiland (re-release!)
It’s not every day that so much wisdom and experience is found in one place, but today is that day! Beth Birmingham and Eeva Sallinen Simard have decades of combined experience in working in and with faith-based organizations. It is because of their commitment in these spaces that they are doing everything they can to … Continue reading Episode 178 – Beth Birmingham & Eeva Sallinen Simard
We’re back with a brand-new episode to begin the new year! Michelle Ferrigno Warren has been involved in justice work for decades and her wisdom is priceless. In her newest book, Join the Resistance, she speaks to those of us who are interested in becoming more involved, but may not know exactly where to start. … Continue reading Episode 177 – Michelle Ferrigno Warren
On this day after Christmas, I am so excited to bring you this re-release from December 20, 2021. This beautiful conversation with Sarah Quezada reminds us of the many ways we live in the tension of the now and not yet as citizens of God’s kingdom. Sarah Quezada, author of Love Undocumented joins me on … Continue reading Episode 176 – Sarah Quezada (re-release!)
This episode originally aired on October 19, 2020. (This statement is as true in 2022 as it was in 2020!) Advent couldn’t come soon enough for me this year; and I don’t think I’m alone! Scott Erickson (known to many of us as Scott the Painter) helps bring the season a little closer to home … Continue reading Episode 175 – Scott Erickson (re-release!)
This advent book (and conversation!) is not just for the Christmas season. I promise you will be blessed by Kelley Nikondeha‘s words all year long! Her new book, The First Advent in Palestine tells of some of the forgotten stories surrounding Jesus’ birth. We know he was born in first century occupied Palestine, but what … Continue reading Episode 174 – Kelley Nikondeha
Generally speaking, I am not a novel-reading, fiction-loving kind of girl, but….I loved Kelly Flanagan’s new release The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell! And, I am so thrilled to welcome Kelly back to the podcast. He first came on to speak about his book, True Companions which was a game-changer for me as well. Kelly is … Continue reading Episode 173 – Kelly Flanagan
Three words at the top of Marlena Grave‘s website sum it up: Jesus. Formation. Justice. These are the foci of what she does as a writer, professor, thinker, mother, wife, community activist, advocate, speaker, and so much more. She and her husband, Shawn, have co-edited a book along those lines called The Gospel of Peace … Continue reading Episode 172 – Marlena Graves
Josh Buck is back on the podcast! The last time Josh joined me, he shared about his dissertation research into the Charleston Massacre. He also let us know he had a book set to release and now it’s here! When I began reading Everyday Activism, I surprised myself at how many dog-eared pages and underlined … Continue reading Episode 171 – Josh Buck
Blaine Hogan writes, acts, directs, and was formerly on staff at a megachurch. He has also honored us in writing a book holding his deepest, darkest secrets and allowing us to learn from his experiences and reflections. In this conversation, we talk about the hard work of healing, recovery, and ministry in the midst of … Continue reading Episode 170 – Blaine Hogan
Soong-Chan Rah is a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary (I took a course with him and it was a total blast!). He has also served in ministry as a pastor and studied American Evangelicalism. One of the topics Soong-Chan is known for is the church and social justice. In Return to Justice, he explores the … Continue reading Episode 169 – Soong-Chan Rah
If you’ve read anything from the Religion News Service, chances are you’ve already been introduced to Bob Smietana. Bob is a journalist and author of the book Reorganized Religion. Politics, demographics, and lifestyle are all affecting our churches and how they look and feel in America. In this episode, we talk about organized religion, American … Continue reading Episode 168 – Bob Smietana
The one and only Jim Wallis is on the podcast! Most recently Jim came on as the director of the Center on Faith + Justice at Georgetown University. He and I met over the summer when the Center hosted its inaugural summer academy and I was blessed enough to attend. For those who may not … Continue reading Episode 167 – Jim Wallis
It was only a few years ago that I was introduced to breath prayers. In the beginning of the pandemic, Osheta Moore, spiritual director and pastor, hosted morning times of Scripture-reading and breath prayers and these practices were so much of what kept me during those times. Now, we have another resource to encourage us … Continue reading Episode 166 – Jennifer Tucker
Jasmin Shupper is the founder and president of Greenline Housing Foundation. Educated in business and a licensed realtor, Jasmin has always been fascinated by and drawn to homes. She is aware though, that due to our country’s intentional legislation and policies, people of color have consistently and systemically been denied the opportunity to participate in … Continue reading Episode 165 – Jasmin Shupper
Don Shoendorfer is a biomedical engineer with a PhD from MIT and the founder of Free Wheelchair Mission. Part of what I love about Don’s story is that he utilized the skills God had already given him to help people with a profound problem – immobility caused by disability. As you’ll hear, Don didn’t set … Continue reading Episode 164 – Don Schoendorfer
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are re-playing this amazing episode with Kat Armas. Enjoy! Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. … Continue reading Episode 163 – Kat Armas
I am so delighted to welcome Karen González back on the podcast! Her new book, Beyond Welcome, is a beautiful combination of biblical investigation, personal narrative, and the edification we need, especially in the United States, today. We hit the current news right away, with talk of Florida and Texas governors flying and bussing immigrants … Continue reading Episode 162 – Karen González
My friend Phil is back! Phil Allen has written a second book and it is incredible! The Prophetic Lens takes us back in history to the infamous racist film shown at the White House all the way through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s to Darnell Frazier’s courageous capturing and posting of George Floyd’s … Continue reading Episode 161 – Phil Allen, Jr.
Scott Sunquist and I just missed crossing each other’s paths at Fuller Theological Seminary. Shortly before I registered as a student, Scott wrapped up his time as the Dean of Intercultural Studies at Fuller where he also was a professor of church history. Now, Scott serves as president of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he … Continue reading Episode 160 – Scott Sunquist
Steven Harris has a resume that could fill this screen, including positions at prestigious institutions you may recognize like Harvard and Georgetown, but I was first introduced to him as the guy who helped my friends and I carry our luggage after a late-night flight to D.C. As the Senior Director of Academic Programs at … Continue reading Episode 159 – Steven Harris
My guest for this incredible episode is none other than Dr. Christina Edmonson of the Truth’s Table podcast! Some of my all-time favorite interviews come from conversations with podcasters, but this one just may take the cake! Christina joined me to talk about the new book she co-wrote with researcher Chad Brennan, Faithful Anti-Racism. What … Continue reading Episode 158 with Christina Edmonson
What a joy to speak with Sabrina Chan and Linson Daniel about Learning Our Names! This new book was written along with their co-authors E. David de Leon and La Thao all about Asian American Christian identity. As we discussed in the podcast, the title is a double meaning – while the work was written … Continue reading Episode 157 – Sabrina Chan & Linson Daniel
Amy Sherman, Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute, has written an exquisite book called Agents of Flourishing. Looking at the biblical mandate for believers to seek the flourishing of our communities, Amy delves into half a dozen endowments, think areas or spheres, where we can focus our energies to contribute to that happening. Each section … Continue reading Episode 156 – Amy Sherman
What a joy to speak with Sandra Van Opstal again for the podcast! This time we talked about her timeless book that’s getting a new release, The Next Worship. Originally published in 2016, this message is as relevant for the church today as it was when it first appeared in bookstores (in some ways, maybe … Continue reading Episode 155 – Sandra Maria Van Opstal
Dr. Dwight Radcliff is the academic dean for the William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies at Fuller Seminary (and one of my favorite professors!). Last term, I took his class on the Theology of Hip Hop Culture and it was life-altering (I don’t say that lightly!). As Christians, not just those of training … Continue reading Episode 154 – Dr. Dwight Radcliff
This is a re-release of an incredible conversation I had with pastor Lamar Hardwick in February of 2021. In honor of Disability Pride Month, I wanted to share this episode again because Lamar’s work in this space challenged me in my theology like nothing else had until that point. Lamar Hardwick, aka The Autism Pastor, is … Continue reading Episode 153 – Lamar Hardwick
To say I am moved by this conversation and project by Phil Allen, Jr. would be an understatement. Phil Allen, Jr. is an author, speaker, filmmaker, PhD candidate, friend, and incredibly generous advocate. When, as an adult, he first heard the truth about his grandfather’s tragic death that took place in 1953, he knew the … Continue reading Episode 152 – Phil Allen, Jr.
Paul D. Miller is a scholar and professor at Georgetown University. He is a veteran and also served on the National Security Council. As a Christian, and deeply patriotic, Paul’s is a valuable voice on the topic of Christian nationalism. His most recent book, The Religion of American Greatness is the topic of our conversation … Continue reading Episode 151 – Paul D. Miller
What a pleasure to read Jason Porterfield‘s book and to have him on the podcast! Jason, who has written Fight Like Jesus, describes himself as an aspiring peacemaker which is exactly how I know many of us would love to be identified! In this conversation, we talked about the concept that Jesus’ last week on … Continue reading Episode 150 – Jason Porterfield
I always love it when I get to interview someone associated with Fuller Seminary and this conversation with Andre Henry is definitely no exception! Andre is a musician, artist, activist, and author of All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but some of the highlights for … Continue reading Episode 149 – Andre Henry
Eric Costanzo is a pastor in my home state of Oklahoma! Together with previous guest, Matt Soerens, and Daniel Yang, he has written a fantastic book called Inalienable about how imperative it is for the American church to engage and learn from the global church, especially from voices we have historically sought to marginalize. We … Continue reading Episode 148 – Eric Costanzo
Amy Kenny is a disabled scholar and author of the new book, My Body Is Not a Prayer Request. I am incredibly thankful for Amy and her voice on disability, diversity, and justice in the church. From “prayerful perpetrators,” to ableism, to designing spaces for disabled people actually being the more inclusive way, we covered … Continue reading Episode 147 – Amy Kenny
Pastor and author Claude Atcho joined me for this podcast episode to discuss his debut book, Reading Black Books. On this journey into novels and poetry from Black authors, Claude brings voices from Black literature and theology together to explore Black American experiences and the result is rich! What Claude does through his work in … Continue reading Episode 146 – Claude Atcho
I’m so thrilled to welcome Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes back to the podcast! Michelle is the vice president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and co-author of new book The Race-Wise Family with Helen Lee. In this incredibly thoughtful and practical text, Michelle and Helen offer us a “road map” of sorts toward loving our … Continue reading Episode 145 – Michelle Ami Reyes
Gail Song Bantum, lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle, WA and Brian Bantum, Theologian in Residence, joined me in a conversation on their newest book, Choosing Us. Having been married 25 years and in vocational ministry almost as long, they have learned a thing or two about navigating their relationship in this “world of … Continue reading Episode 144 – Gail Song Bantum & Brian Bantum
J.W. (Josh) Buck is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Pax, a Christian organization designed to inspire and equip the next generation through slow, beautiful, Jesus-centered content created by people of color. While his first book is available for pre-order now (!), in this interview, we focused on his dissertation work on the … Continue reading Episode 143 – J.W. Buck
Idelette McVicker is a native of South Africa, currently living in Canada with her family, and ministering to Christians like me (in America and globally) on how to fight against white supremacy in our societies. She is the author of Recovering Racists, the founder of She Loves Media Society, and the Dangerous Women community. In … Continue reading Episode 142 – Idelette McVicker
For the past couple of months, I have been reading my way through an incredible book in my morning prayer time, On Love & Mercy: A Social Justice Devotional. In this beautiful work, Stephen Mattson takes the time to define social justice for Christians and touches on dozens of areas where our attention is needed. … Continue reading Episode 141 – Stephen Mattson
Part of the story of the resurrection has bothered me as I looked back on the text this week. Why does Jesus tell Mary not to cling to him after he calls out to her outside his empty tomb? You’d think he would welcome her embrace, hold on to her with all his might and … Continue reading Episode 140 – Don’t Cling
Ines Franklin is a speaker, pastor, ministry leader, and graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary. All of these roles are ones her abuelita would have hoped and dreamed for Ines, but in her early adult life, they seemed unlikely. It wasn’t until she had turned 40, with failed marriages behind her, that she found herself back … Continue reading Episode 139 – Ines Franklin
On March 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the “Emmett Till Antilynching Act.” While this is historic, it is also over 100 years and 200 failed votes in the making. There are mixed emotions following the bill’s unanimous passing in the Senate and in light of the moment, I’m taking this opportunity to re-air … Continue reading Episode 138 – Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley
Writer, author, and speaker Amy Julia Becker is on the podcast this week talking about healing. Her new book, To Be Made Well is a beautiful reflection on the nature of, barriers to, and how we can participate with God in healing, both our own and that of the people around us. Threading through her … Continue reading Episode 137 – Amy Julia Becker
Shane Blackshear is the host of Seminary Dropout podcast and the author of a new book full of wisdom from the life of civil rights leader and co-author John Perkins. Go and Do is a wonderful mingling of stories from the lives of John and Shane as well as practical, solid content to help us … Continue reading Episode 136 – Shane Blackshear
Alicia Akins has written a beautiful book called Invitations to Abundance and came on the podcast to talk about it! Alicia serves as a deaconess at her church, is a biblical studies graduate student at Reformed Theological Seminary, and works in international education in Washington D.C. Her gorgeous book narrates the feasts of the Bible … Continue reading Episode 135 – Alicia Akins
Paul Zach is a music minister who loves writing music for the church to sing. And I, for one, love singing his music! Full time, Paul serves at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He also collaborates with other artists, musicians, and song writers for projects like those released by The Porter’s Gate. In this … Continue reading Episode 134 – Paul Zach
Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom is the Dean of Faculty and a professor of theology and ethics at North Park Seminary. She is also the Director of the School of Restorative Arts, which is the primary topic in this episode. The School of Restorative Arts is located inside Stateville Correctional Center outside of Chicago and offers a master’s … Continue reading Episode 133 – Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom
Dr. Dennis Edwards, professor of New Testament at North Park Seminary in Chicago, is on the podcast! His book, Might From the Margins, specifically addresses and encourages Christians who have found themselves marginalized within American Evangelicalism, including Christians of color and women. One of the things I appreciate most about this text and conversation is … Continue reading Episode 132 – Dennis Edwards
Dr. Young-Sam Won is the Associate Director of Ministry Formation and an Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary. He’s also a hoot to follow on Twitter! Sam loves to explore the topics of justice and ethnicity from a biblical (specifically Old Testament) perspective and I am here for it. In this conversation, … Continue reading Episode 131 – Young-Sam Won
David Swanson is back on the podcast! David is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Chicago, the author of Rediscipling the White Church, and regularly speaks and writes on matters of racial justice and reconciliation. The last time David and I recorded was in October of 2020 and as you know a lot … Continue reading Episode 130 – David Swanson
Natalia Kohn Rivera is a pastor with InterVarsity’s LeFe ministry and co-author of Hermanas. This beautiful book takes the journeys of 12 biblical women and explores them through the lenses of Latina women. In this conversation, Natalia and I discuss the importance of our ethnic identities and our faith as well as what it means … Continue reading Episode 129 – Natalia Kohn Rivera
Ashley Hales is the author of A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits. When I read this book, I felt myself give a big exhale. You mean we’re not meant to do it all? Limits are God’s design for goodness for our lives? Yes! If you have found yourself overwhelmed … Continue reading Episode 128 – Ashley Hales
You do not have to be an Enneagram 8 (or even know what the Enneagram is) to enjoy this episode! Sandra Maria Van Opstal has written an incredible devotional as part of a series published by InterVarsity Press called Forty Days on Being an Eight. The point of our conversation in this episode was not … Continue reading Episode 127 – Sandra Maria Van Opstal
April Fiet is a pastor and author of The Sacred Pulse: Holy Rhythms for Overwhelmed Souls. In this conversation we explore the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of life. God has given us this sacred pulse in his generosity, both modeled in creation and, in order to help us sustain this abundant life. From the … Continue reading Episode 126 – April Fiet
As the new year rolls in, I’m as tempted as the next person to spend a brief time celebrating and then lean into the expectations. Expectations of myself, people close to me, circumstances…a new year means a new beginning, right? So it’s time to turn over a new leaf as they say and hit the … Continue reading Episode 125 – New Year, New Growth
Dan Stringer is a pastor in Hawai’i and the author of Struggling with Evangelicalism. Like many of us who grew up in American evangelicalism, Dan recognizes the problems. But he doesn’t stop there; he challenges us to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly and encourages us to locate ourselves in relationship with … Continue reading Episode 124 – Dan Stringer
Sarah Quezada, author of Love Undocumented joins me on the podcast this week! With Christmas coming, what better way to begin our week than with a story from the beautiful tradition of Las Posadas? If you’re not familiar, it is a Latin American Christmas tradition where friends, family, and neighbors reenact Mary and Joseph looking … Continue reading Episode 123 – Sarah Quezada
Robert Chao Romero is a professor, pastor, and attorney. At heart, he is an evangelist. He is also the author of Brown Church (a book that had me teary-eyed in the introduction). In this conversation, Robert and I discuss the birth and history of what he calls the Brown Church as well as the origins … Continue reading Episode 122 – Robert Chao Romero
Welcome back to the podcast, Mae Cannon! Mae and I last spoke when her most recent book, Beyond Hashtag Activism, released and I knew then I wanted to have her back. This time she talks peace and politics in the Middle East. As far as knowledge and activism are concerned, Mae and the organization she … Continue reading Episode 121 – Mae Elise Cannon
My guest this week is fellow Houstonian, Cindy Wu, Program Manager with Houston Welcomes Refugees. Cindy studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has written an incredible workbook for believers looking to expand their practical theology on the topic of refugees called A Better Country. Cindy’s passion for serving refugees was birthed in her at a … Continue reading Episode 120 – Cindy Wu
Alan Noble joins me to talk about his latest book, You Are Not Your Own. The concept is simple, but as we know simple does not usually mean easy to live out. As believers we understand that we belong to Christ and to each other, not to ourselves, but culture tells us something very different. … Continue reading Episode 119 – Alan Noble
Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table joins me today on the podcast to talk about immigration from a biblical perspective. Welcoming the Stranger, one of the books Matt co-authored on the subject, was recently released in a revised and updated edition in order to stay current with the laws and policies … Continue reading Episode 118 – Matthew Soerens
Oh how the tables have turned! Philip, Vince, and Trevor over at The Substance podcast asked me to come on their show. This host ended up on the other side of the interview and…it was so much fun! These three friends and theology buffs have produced dozens of episodes aiming at being biblical, thoughtful, and … Continue reading Episode 117 – The Substance Podcast
Jasmine Bellamy, was just named in Sports Illustrated’s series Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports! She works with Reebok as the lead for the U.S. Direct to Consumer department and most recently as the Head of Change Management for Reebok’s United Against Racism. In that role, Jasmine has initiated Courageous Conversations as a way … Continue reading Episode 116 – Jasmine Bellamy
Karen González joins me on the podcast to talk about immigration and the Bible. Karen’s experiences as an immigrant and her seminary education bring unique perspectives I hope we will all take the time and space to consider. As a child, Karen immigrated to the U.S. with her family from Guatemala. In her book, The … Continue reading Episode 115 – Karen González
This week on the podcast, I offer a little reflection on feelings. Sometimes it’s hard to comprehend that God actually cares about our emotions. We may have been discipled into a tradition or church culture where we learned God expects us to be happy all the time or he only cares about our circumstances not … Continue reading Episode 114 – A Word on Feelings
Michaela O’Donnell is the Executive Director of the Max De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. She also works with her husband, Daniel, in their company Long Winter Media. On the podcast today, we talked about her new book Make Work Matter and more generally about vocational formation. Michaela’s work and research the … Continue reading Episode 113 – Michaela O’Donnell
Terry Wildman is the lead translator and project manager of the First Nations Version of the New Testament. In this conversation, Terry talks about the intersection of being Christian and Native and what that has meant for him as he has explored the two, personally and in community. Cultural context in worship has received pushback … Continue reading Episode 112 – Terry Wildman
This conversation with Danté Stewart was almost a year in the making, but it was well worth the wait! Danté’s first book, a memoir, comes out on October 12 and it is a gift! Shoutin’ in the Fire: An American Epistle tells the story of a faith journey that has become all too familiar in … Continue reading Episode 111 – Danté Stewart
Drew Jackson is a pastor in NYC, the president of Pax, and author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming. This book is a beautiful journey through the first eight chapters of the Gospel of Luke in poetic form. Drew captures the humanity of Jesus in these pages: his marginalization, his incarnation, … Continue reading Episode 110 – Drew Jackson
Get ready for round 2 with Dominique Gilliard! You might remember, Dominique was on the podcast just a couple of months ago talking about his first book, Rethinking Incarceration. That award-winning title came out in 2018 and now he brings us his newest project, Subversive Witness: Scripture’s Call to Leverage Privilege. This book is all … Continue reading Episode 109 – Dominique Gilliard
Dr. Vince Bantu is an associate professor at Fuller Seminary (whoop!) and the director at Meachum School of Haymanot. Vince’s areas of missiological interest and academic research focus on Christianity as a global religion. Not in the sense, as some scholars proclaim, that Christianity is becoming a global religion, but rooted in the fact that … Continue reading Episode 108 – Vince Bantu
These last few weeks have been hard in the world. Catching up on international and local news reveals heartache at almost every turn. I’m praying as Jesus taught his disciples, asking for his kingdom to come and reign on this earth, but it’s hard to miss that things are not as they should be. So … Continue reading Episode 107 – A Word on Lament
Mandy Smith is a pastor, speaker, and author and her latest book, Unfettered, nearly wrecked me (in the best possible way!). In the book and our conversation, Mandy unpacks the baggage of Western culture and how it is impacting our faith. Mandy’s journey in this season began with a sabbatical, observing a flock of geese, … Continue reading Episode 106 – Mandy Smith
Casey Church is the pastor of Good Medicine Way in Albuquerque, NM. He has been in ministry for three decades as a Native American encouraging a contextualized way of worship. In his personal history, he has had painful experiences of being reprimanded and shunned for expressing his love for God in ways familiar to his … Continue reading Episode 105 – Casey Church
Mark Scandrette is an author, pastor, theologian, and gifted teacher. During this conversation, we talk about his newest book, The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes. When we read the “blessed are the….” in the Beatitudes it can sometimes feel overwhelming. We ask ourselves how we can do or be all of … Continue reading Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette
Dr. Kelly Flanagan, author, psychologist, speaker, and consultant, joined me for this episode of the podcast. The subject of our conversation is companionship in the context of philia, the kind of love that walks alongside others through the good and the gritty parts of life. His new book, True Companions, highlights this journey in ways … Continue reading Episode 103 – Dr. Kelly Flanagan
Dr. Elsie Tshimunyi McKee, retired professor of Reformed Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, joins me on the podcast today. She has co-written a lovely book with her friend Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna, whom you’ll hear us refer to as Maman Monique during the course of our conversation. Both ladies grew up in the Democratic Republic … Continue reading Episode 102 – Elsie Tshimunyi McKee
“We are a nation that has become addicted to incarceration.” Dominique Gilliard is an author, speaker, teacher, and the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Love Mercy Do Justice initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church. His first book, Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores was the topic of our conversation today. The … Continue reading Episode 101 – Dominique Dubois Gilliard
Sho Baraka is the guest for episode 100 of the podcast! If, by chance, you don’t know Sho I can’t wait for you to meet him in this conversation! Sho is a recording artist, writer, activist, and educator. In his new book, He Saw That It Was Good, he challenges each of us to do … Continue reading Episode 100 – Sho Baraka
Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. In her book, Kat introduces us to her grandmother and other women … Continue reading Episode 099 – Kat Armas
Taylor Schumann is a survivor of gun violence and author of the book When Thoughts and Prayers Aren’t Enough: A Shooting Survivor’s Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence. Like many of us in the United States, Taylor grew up seeing gun ownership as an un-problematic part of American culture. In the church, some celebrate … Continue reading Episode 098 – Taylor Schumann
As Christians, what responsibility do we have if we know a crime has been committed? Specifically, what about a theft? Authors and pastors Duke Kwon and Gregory Thompson address those questions in their new book, Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair. Pastor Kwon joined me for this episode of the podcast to talk … Continue reading Episode 097 – Duke Kwon
Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes is an author, church-planter, and the co-founder and Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. Her new book, Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures is a rich, beautiful resource for Christians navigating multi-cultural spaces and relationships (which is all of us!). Follow along and … Continue reading Episode 096 – Michelle Reyes
Kitti Murray is the founder and CEO of Refuge Coffee Co. in Clarkston, GA, which has been dubbed the most diverse square mile in America. With more than 50% of the population in this suburb of Atlanta being foreign born, Kitti and her husband found themselves intentionally among people who were very different from themselves … Continue reading Episode 095 – Kitti Murray
Raymond Chang is the co-founder and president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC). Following the shootings in Atlanta, GA in the spring of 2021 and in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the AACC issued statements regarding racism targeted towards Asian Americans. Each of the statements received thousands of signatures of support … Continue reading Episode 094 – Raymond Chang
Osheta Moore is a pastor and peacemaker bent on demolishing the hold white supremacy has had on God’s children. Her brand new book Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism With Grit and Grace is the book I would hand to so many of my White friends contemplating how they can move forward in their journeys of … Continue reading Episode 093 – Osheta Moore
For this episode, I had the chance to interview my professor, Dr. Matthew Kaemingk. Matt teaches classes on faith and public life, including the areas of politics and the workplace. A few years ago, Matt wrote an article on Christian political hospitality viewed through the lens of Holy Week. At the heart of the issue … Continue reading Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk
Andrew Krinks has a particular academic interest in topics surrounding the intersection of race, religion, and criminalization. Since completing his PhD at Vanderbilt, he is teaching and working on a project concerning how Covid-19 has effected individuals imprisoned in New Jersey. The essay we drew from for today’s conversation is one Andrew wrote for a … Continue reading Episode 091 – Andrew Krinks
Terence Lester is the founder of Love Beyond Walls, a non-profit based in Atlanta serving people experiencing homelessness. At the beginning of the coronavirus spread early in 2020, the work Terence and his organization had been doing pivoted to meet the changing needs of the people they served. Since handwashing was high on the list … Continue reading Episode 090 – Terence Lester
Lynda MacGibbon traded her small town farm house and community for a high-rise on the other side of the continent and with the move took on a challenge. What would it look like for her to intentionally live out the commandment of Jesus to love her neighbors? Not just the people she came into contact … Continue reading Episode 089 – Lynda MacGibbon
When I think of social media, peacemaking isn’t the first thing that comes to my mind. But as Christians, we need to remember our witness matters, even and maybe especially, online. Dr. Douglas Bursch has written a thoughtful new book on social media and how it’s forming us. Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us … Continue reading Episode 088 – Douglas Bursch
Phil Armstrong is the Program Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. As a native Oklahoman I was shocked when, in my mid-30’s, I first heard about the events in the Greenwood District of Tulsa for the first time. In this last year in our country race relations have been brought to the … Continue reading Episode 087 – Phil Armstrong
Jeff Bilbro is an English professor and author of the book Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News releasing in May 2021. We all want to be better consumers of the news, but as Jeff puts it, “belonging well precedes thinking well.” Reading and responding to the news are communal acts, … Continue reading Episode 086 – Jeffrey Bilbro
Bethany Dearborn Hiser is a social worker who knows a little about feeling burned out. She, like many people in helping professions, was so consumed caring for others she neglected to care for herself. Her wake up call came in a session with a client and that began a transforming journey. Bethany captured much of … Continue reading Episode 085 – Bethany Dearborn Hiser
Lindsey Krinks is the Co-Founder and Director of Education and Advocacy at Open Table Nashville. Her new book, Praying With Our Feet: Pursuing Justice and Healing On the Streets, recounts her journey from college student to interfaith street chaplain. In her journey, Lindsey has not shied away from asking the tough questions about faith, homelessness, … Continue reading Episode 084 – Lindsey Krinks
Tish Harrison Warren is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. Her most recent book, Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep, I recently finished literally in the dark, mostly by candle and flashlight, in the midst of the Texas blackout and freeze. Tish tackles the theological concept … Continue reading Episode 083 – Tish Harrison Warren
The Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk is an attorney, teacher, pastor, speaker, and the Executive Director of The Witness Foundation. In this conversation we tackle the topic of philanthropic redlining. Similar to the real estate phenomenon that bars people of color from purchasing homes in certain neighborhoods, charitable giving has also been effected by the practice … Continue reading Episode 082 – Shannon Polk
A.D. “Lumkile” Thomason has a vast resume. He is a husband, father, holds a doctorate, studied fashion, spoken word artist, filmmaker, former pastor and basketball player. His new book is out called Permission to Be Black: My Journey with Jay-Z and Jesus and it is deep. Throughout his life, A.D. never really processed the trauma … Continue reading Episode 081 – A.D. Thomason
Lamar Hardwick, aka The Autism Pastor, is the lead pastor of a congregation in the Atlanta, GA area. At the age of 36, after years of struggling with symptoms, Lamar was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His new book, Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion, is a call to the church … Continue reading Episode 080 – Lamar Hardwick
Dan Kimball is one of the founders of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He is also the author of his newest book, How (Not) to Read the Bible: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Violence, Pro-Slavery & Other Crazy-Sounding Parts of Scripture. Even the subtitle covers a lot, but the birth of the … Continue reading Episode 079 – Dan Kimball
Tara Beth Leach is a pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook in the Chicago area. She and her family recently moved back home following a time of her pastoring in Pasadena, CA at First Church of the Nazarene, a.k.a. PazNaz. As a pastor in white evangelical spaces, Tara Beth has been able to capture … Continue reading Episode 078 – Tara Beth Leach
Lisa Sharon Harper is an author, speaker, activist, and founder of Freedom Road. She has written a beautiful book called The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right which was the basis of our conversation in this episode. We talk about the importance of relationship and narrative and having a “thick” understanding … Continue reading Episode 077 – Lisa Sharon Harper
Jemar Tisby, the New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise, is back on the podcast with an incredible conversation about his new book, How To Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. We recorded this episode on January 12, 2021, less than one week after the insurrection at the … Continue reading Episode 076 – Jemar Tisby
This episode was recorded in late December 2020, before the attacks on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Here’s my confession, I was just trying to keep up with my guest Rasool Berry on this episode (this is going to be a double-listen for me)! At the time of this recording, Rasool had just come … Continue reading Episode 075 – Rasool Berry
This episode was recorded January 8, 2021. Rondell Treviño is the founder and director of an incredible organization called The Immigration Coalition. Rondell and his team provide clean drinking water to communities along the Mexico-U.S. border as well as educational resources for churches and pastors about immigration in America. Listen to the end of the … Continue reading Episode 074 – Rondell Treviño
Chandra Crane is the author of a book that was very personal read for me, Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity, published by InterVarsity Press with an incredible foreword by Jemar Tisby. Chandra, who is on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, is ethnically mixed. She is white American and Thai and was … Continue reading Episode 073 – Chandra Crane
This episode with Amy Crouch and her dad, Andy Crouch, is truly one for the whole family. We talked about their new book My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices and how our relationship with technology is reflective of so many other parts of our lives. Our conversation hit … Continue reading Episode 072 – Amy Crouch & Andy Crouch
As I reflect on Christmas, especially in 2020, I’m reminded that we live in a time of now and not yet. When John the Baptist came crying as a voice in the wilderness announcing the Kingdom of Heaven is here, he also had to live in the reality that the Kingdom of Heaven is not … Continue reading Episode 071 – Alexis Busetti
Holly Christine Hayes is the founder and CEO of Sanctuary Project. The jewelry her company makes and sells is beautiful and so is its mission and Holly’s story. It is all about redemption and rescue, healing and hope! Holly once lived a life of addiction where she suffered violence and was trafficked. Then, in the … Continue reading Episode 070 – Holly Christine Hayes
Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Her most recent book Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a must-read for anyone who wants to pursue justice, but is having a hard time figuring out where to start. In our conversation we touched on … Continue reading Episode 069 – Mae Elise Cannon
Scott Sauls is the senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. His latest book, A Gentle Answer: Our “Secret Weapon” in an Age of Us Against Them, released this summer and it is an answer to prayer! We all realize 2020 has turned out to be more than we bargained for, but the … Continue reading Episode 068 – Scott Sauls
Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil has been working in the space of biblical reconciliation for over three decades and the wisdom and grace she brings is invaluable! Thirty years into pursuing racial justice and speaking the truth, she is still entirely convinced of the bravery this job requires. With the heart of a mentor, she actively … Continue reading Episode 067 – Brenda Salter McNeil
MelindaJoy Mingo has written an incredible book called The Colors of Culture: The Beauty of Diverse Friendships and she joined me to talk about it! I don’t know how many times I have had the conversation about the role diversity and relationships within the larger problem of systemic injustices. Sometimes it feels hopeless, like what … Continue reading Episode 066 – MelindaJoy Mingo
Dr. Drew G.I. Hart is a theology professor at Messiah University and author of the new book Who Will Be a Witness? Igniting Activism for God’s Justice, Love, and Deliverance, which was the basis for much of our discussion in this episode. Ultimately, if we are taking our discipleship of Jesus seriously, we have to … Continue reading Episode 065 – Drew G.I. Hart
Mary Jo Sharp grew up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist, moved to the Bible Belt for college, and became a Christian. But her faith journey was not as predictable as that makes it sound. When she experienced hypocrisy in the Church she felt her budding faith getting trampled. She began studying apologetics to … Continue reading Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp
As of this airing, we are approximately one week away from the end of the 2020 election cycle. We have complicated questions, strong opinions, curated convictions, and close relationships to navigate and at times it feels impossible. Enter Kaitlyn Schiess! Her new book The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor … Continue reading Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess
Advent couldn’t come soon enough for me this year; and I don’t think I’m alone! Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with our conversation on his book, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now. Scott is an artist, which encompasses a whole host of creative … Continue reading Episode 062 – Scott Erickson
David Swanson is the pastor of a multiracial congregation in Chicago and author of Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity. In a world where diversity is valued and even sought after, David recognizes it is not always the answer. Racial injustice cannot be addressed by an emphasis of diversity alone; true … Continue reading Episode 061 – David Swanson
How important are our words? How do they compare to our actions? The Apostle John and the late Brennan Manning have similar thoughts on the subject. When we say with our mouths we love God, but deny the assertion by denying to love our neighbors, we have failed. We make ourselves liars. Listen in as … Continue reading Episode 060 – Unbelievable
Jemar Tisby is the New York Times best-selling author of The Color of Compromse: The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism. He is also the president and co-founder of The Witness – A Black Christian Collective. Jemar talked about the current civil rights movement, what Christians can do to educate themselves and gave … Continue reading Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby
I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation with Justin Giboney. Justin is an attorney, political strategist and co-founder of the AND Campaign and talks to us about what it means to be faithfully and intellectually engaged in politics. We talk about why critical thinking in the political arena is so important and what … Continue reading Episode 058 – Justin Giboney
Pastor Daniel Hill joined me to talk about his new book White Lies and it was powerful! White supremacy as an ideology has played an unfortunate role in the Church in America and we as believers have allowed it to continue on our watch for far too long. True, not everyone is intentionally promoting white … Continue reading Episode 057 – Daniel Hill
I can’t believe we’ve been going for a year! Thanks so much for listening! We’re giving the podcast a bit of a facelift as we enter year two. We’ve always been about “faith, finance, and everyday life,” but we’re growing and evolving and as we enter Season 2 we’re shifting the focus to “exploring God’s … Continue reading Episode 056 – Season 2 Opener!
Today’s conversation is with movement maker Terri Broussard Williams. Whether it’s philanthropy, policy or building or joining a movement that aligns with your passion, Terri is here to help. This political season feels chaotic at best and hopeless at worst and I found myself succumbing to the whims of the culture. That’s when I knew … Continue reading Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire
I am so excited about this episode with Chrystal! I don’t know any Christian who hasn’t struggled with aspects of his or her prayer life and Chrystal is no exception. Her new book The 28-Day Prayer Journey: A Daily Guide to Conversations with God began out of her own journey to see her relationship with … Continue reading Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey
Cara Meredith is an author, speaker, and conversationalist. She’s also a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. But how I encountered her most meaningfully is as a student. Her spiritual memoir, The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Racial Justice tells the story of how Cara met and fell in love with her … Continue reading Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life
Megan Fate Marshman brings the encouragement in this conversation and in her new book Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You! Her joy is contagious and her teaching is challenging in the best way possible. In the book, Megan breaks down the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11, and the three … Continue reading Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good
What does it mean to affirm someone’s dignity as a person? This question has been circling around in my head for months now. It seems like everywhere I turn I am hearing about it or reading about it and it’s caused me to look deeper into what it means. How is our dignity inherent to … Continue reading Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity
Mark Charles is a speaker, author, advocate, and an independent candidate for President in the upcoming 2020 election. His new book, co-authored with Soong-Chan Rah is Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. To me, Mark is a conversation starter. His ideas bring to the forefront truths about our country and … Continue reading Episode 050 – Mark Charles, Presidential Candidate and Author
Sarah Jackson is the founder of Casa de Paz and author of The House That Love Built: Why I Opened My Door to Immigrants and How We Found Hope Beyond a Broken System. Sarah wasn’t looking to become an advocate in the complicated world of immigration in the U.S.; it just kind of happened to … Continue reading Episode 049 – Sarah Jackson, Casa de Paz
Pastor and author Ashlee Eiland and her husband, Delwin, are both on staff at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI where Delwin leads worship and Ashlee serves as a Formation and Preaching Pastor. Ashlee has a message that could not be more relevant and timely for us living in the current cultural climate … Continue reading Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)
Michael Lacy is definitely one of my favorite voices in the personal finance space today! He coaches, hosts a podcast, writes, and offers resources on all things money through his company Winning To Wealth. He also recently was laid off from his job as a result of slow downs due to the coronavirus pandemic (affectionately … Continue reading Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth
Adam and Randi Blair are the married couple behind the diversity consulting firm, The Selah Project. Their current work in helping churches create more diverse communities is birthed from their experience in being an interracial couple in ministry. I love what they say about the training they provide to leaders and congregations – that it … Continue reading Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project
Sean Dietrich, better known as Sean of the South, is a popular blogger and storyteller. He hosts a podcast and is the author of his memoir and most recent book, Will the Circle Be Unbroken? A Memoir of Learning to Believe You’re Gonna Be Okay. If you know me in real life, you know there’s … Continue reading Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Here on the podcast, we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life. You have surely noticed that recently in our country, and really across the world, eyes have turned to racial injustice in America. I have not shied away from talking about race on the podcast because this topic definitely fits into the original premise. … Continue reading Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race
The soon to be Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley was on the podcast and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite conversations to date! Malcolm is a PhD candidate at Baylor University and his dissertation research asks the question, how Black Protestants affirmed their own dignity in the late 19th and early 20th … Continue reading Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University
This conversation with Gary was recorded on May 29, 2020. Gary Wardlaw is the founder and co-owner of The Relationship Clinic of Waco. Heholds a dual license as a Marriage and Family Therapist and as a ProfessionalCounselor in both Texas and Virginia. Gary’s skill development has come from an arrayof clinical settings. Prior to relocating … Continue reading Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco
It is not everyday that I get to interview one of my closest friends for the podcast, but today you’ll hear one of those times! Neisha Pittman is a believer in Jesus, wife to Michael, and owner of the apparel brand Nothin But God. Neisha’s testimony of how she met Jesus is nothing short of … Continue reading Episode 041 – Neisha Pittman, Nothin But God
Join me today in a conversation and prayer of repentance for racism in our country. We look to men like Daniel and Ezra who were not afraid to call out the sins of their ancestors and repent on their behalf. They lived with integrity in their generations and are examples for us to do likewise. … Continue reading Episode 040 – Repenting for Racism
Dr. Christina Crenshaw is a full-time lecturer at Baylor University where she teaches on faith, writing, and vocational and church leadership, among other topics. She has researched, written, and spoken extensively on human trafficking and she is an advocate for biblical justice. In our conversation we used her experience in human trafficking to frame a … Continue reading Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw
I had a blast talking to Shannan Martin! Shannan is a speaker, writer, mom, and wife to Cory who works as a chaplain at the local jail. I finished her first book Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted literally only moments before our interview and I’m pretty sure I’m digesting parts of … Continue reading Episode 038 – Shannan Martin
A good, effective budget will always reflect our values. It’s one thing to get numbers on a page or inside an app, but they’re just numbers if they don’t actually represent what’s important to you. My bet is during this quarantine time you have, almost as a reflex, started to think about what really matters … Continue reading Episode 037 – Budgeting Beyond Quarantine
It’s not everyday that I get to interview such a dear, personal friend for the podcast! Through this episode, I have the absolute privilege of introducing you to Andrew Franklin. Andrew serves as the Counseling Pastor of Antioch Church in Norman, OK. Seth and I have known Andrew for around 15 years and to say … Continue reading Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church
Jeanne Bishop is an attorney, advocate, and author. Her most recent book release, Grace from the Rubble, tells the story of Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh who was convicted of bombing the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 and Bud Welch, who is the father of one of the … Continue reading Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble
This weekend we celebrated Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection far away from our loved ones, under stay-at-home orders, and inside of an epidemic. But we can still respond to His resurrection relationally. It’s what we saw the women do when they found an empty tomb. It’s what His disciples did when they had dinner with … Continue reading Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses
Mike Hickman is hilarious! He is a comedian, actor, and musician and we first saw him perform his variety act last year and cracked up the whole time! But all of Mike’s life hasn’t been fun and games. He and his family suffered the tragic loss of their son just over five years ago. In … Continue reading Episode 033 – Mike Hickman
Kim Harms is a wife, mom, believer, and freelance writer. Kim’s diagnosis of breast cancer came just one month after turning forty. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and five months of reconstruction. I’m so thankful for Kim’s vulnerability and openness about her process. She’s putting the finishing touches on her first … Continue reading Episode 032 – Kim Harms
We’re talking generosity during a crisis situation today with none other than (drumroll please……) Seth Busetti! My hubs joins me on this episode to talk about how to walk out giving during a crisis, like the current coronavirus. With so many people isolated and losing jobs, how can we reach out and give money, time, … Continue reading Episode 031 – Giving During a Crisis
“Thou shalt not do at all what others do poorly,” was a commandment Dr. Sam Storms lived by for 20 years in ministry. Sam was pastoring in my hometown of Ardmore, OK when his life was turned upside down by the person and power of the Holy Spirit. Sam and his friend Jack Deere had … Continue reading Episode 030 – Sam Storms
I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation with Michael Meissner of Abba’s House! Michael, who has been a pastor for 27 years, his wife Julie, and their children live right where they minister. They welcome refuge families, one at a time, into their home where they show them the love of Jesus in … Continue reading Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House
Have you noticed a curiosity regarding Sabbath reemerging in the Church lately? It’s beautiful! I think we’re starting to notice how worn out we are and we’re seeking rest and relaxation in the form of the Sabbath. My family and I have been on a similar journey for almost two decades now and God has … Continue reading Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath
My heart melted listening to Kristi Hayes, co-founder of her family’s company Be Strong Story. Yes, her family mission as we know it now began with a lunchbox note from her husband to her son encouraging him to “Be Strong. Protect the weak. Love everyone.” But God was on the move in her life long … Continue reading Episode 027 – Kristi Hayes of Be Strong Story
Get ready! For those of you who don’t already know Jason, please let me have the honor of introducing him to you! Jason Houser and the team at Seeds Family Worship write, sing, play, record, and produce the most amazing songs made up entirely of Scripture verses! Each track is word-for-word Bible passages set to … Continue reading Episode 026 – Jason Houser with Seeds Family Worship
Ugh. We’re all broken, but sometimes we don’t realize it until we get turned upside down or, on the other hand, we see the cracks at the most inopportune time like when something new and exciting comes our way. My grandmother’s coffee mug, slipped out of my hand and bounced off my hardwood kitchen floor … Continue reading Episode 025 – Brokenness
Whoa! Brandon Roberson and I had a blast talking worship on the podcast! It was one of those conversations where we didn’t quite know what to expect going in, but by the time it was over, I felt like I had gone to school. I first met Brandon when he was playing keys for Paul … Continue reading Episode 024 – Brandon Roberson, Face to Face Ministries
“Everything you’re looking for can be found in Jesus!” This is the quote Dr. Seth Postell of One For Israel shared with me when we met at a banquet in September of 2019. It’s simple, but its impact has been profound in my life. Seth is a professor at Israel College of the Bible and … Continue reading Episode 023 – Seth Postell with One For Israel
God gave us a community to do this following Jesus thing with and that community is called Church. And, in some ways church is like a group exercise class at your local gym. We’re together, working, and learning from each other and an instructor the art and science of following Jesus and loving Him and … Continue reading Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class
What I love most about Annie’s story is it screams REDEMPTION! Annie grew up not unlike many other girls her age in the Midwest. When she imagined what her future would hold, “call girl” wasn’t included in her wildest dreams. But that’s exactly where she found herself. As she tells us in this interview and … Continue reading Episode 021 – Annie Lobert, Hookers for Jesus
All the single ladies (and gentlemen)! This is a conversation you do not want to miss! Tiffany is a single client and friend and she is CRUSHING it when it comes to her relationship with money #relationshipgoals. Tiffany is a business owner, home owner, and a strong woman of God who has positioned herself to … Continue reading Episode 020 – Money Conversations with Tiffany
Mental health struggles within the church aren’t usually included in the popular topics of conversation, but that is changing in no small part thanks to organizations like The Grace Alliance. In this episode I host Casey Pruet of The Grace Alliance and she talks about the importance of helping the church serve one another inside … Continue reading Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance
Emmanuel, the invisible God, being with us is a hard concept to grasp for us humans. We’re used to being around things we can see, more specifically, things that look kind of like us. But God, who is entirely “other,” came to earth to show us who He is, so we would never have to … Continue reading Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us
Have you ever thought about what it means to be part of the family of God? That God Himself hand-selected you to be His son or daughter? It feels almost unbelievable – too good to be true – but it isn’t! God loves you with an eternal love and He wants you to know your … Continue reading Episode 017 – The Family of God
Nathan Wilbur is back! If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen; he shared all about growing up as a son in Paul Wilbur’s house. Now Nathan tells us about his role as director of Wilbur Ministries and what God is doing through First Fridays in his church in Florida. He … Continue reading Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2
Nathan Wilbur is the director of Wilbur Ministries and son of the internationally known Christian recording artist, Paul Wilbur. In this episode, Nathan was so gracious to let me pick his brain about growing up in a home where ministry was at the forefront and the family business was on stage in public. We talk … Continue reading Episode 015 – Nathan Wilbur Part 1 of 2
Handling money can feel confusing. And marriage has its own challenges. So when you put the two together, usually involving two very different people no less, it can get…..complicated. Listen in on this coaching session style episode where my friend Monica Harris asks her most pressing money and marriage questions and I do my best … Continue reading Episode 014 – Money Conversations with Monica
Have you ever thought about Communion in the context of the Psalm 23? What about Peter’s denial and redemption in the context of the first Passover out of Egypt? They have more in common than you might think. In all of these, God prepares a table to SHARE with us in the presence of our … Continue reading Episode 013 – Table Fellowship
Oh my goodness! This conversation with Sarah will get your mind spinning for all the different kinds of work that needs done in the Kingdom! Sarah shares with us about her organization Saving Moses and what they do to save and improve children’s lives around the world. In this conversation, we specifically focus on their … Continue reading Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2
We all know God deeply desires for us to hear His voice, but how do we do that? Part of it comes as a gift, and part of it is learned. Listen in as Sarah Bowling tells us about growing up in a household where learning to hear from the Holy Spirit became second nature. … Continue reading Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2
Have you ever built a house? Even the thought of that kind of project makes me a little nauseous. All the details! But God built a house that got torn down and rebuilt again. Then, it got destroyed and raised up in all of us! We are the new temple of God and Jesus is … Continue reading Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth
Have you ever felt like God was moving you to a new stage or even a new state in your career? Were you completely sure or did you have some uncertainty surrounding whether you should stay or go? Well, you are not alone. Coppelia joins us this week to share her journey from Puerto Rico … Continue reading Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie
Join us for the first Money Conversations episode on That Makes Total Sense! This week Alexis interviews Rachel Hendrick of Mercy Creates. As Rachel and her husband Jacob were going through their debt free journey, they were hit hard when a government program didn’t pay off like they expected. So, they started to pray and … Continue reading Episode 008 – Money Conversations with Rachel
On the first episode, Bob gave us a look into his journey from aspiring educator to accidental comedian. This time, he shares how his faith foundation revealed itself when his marriage fell apart after 17 years. But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending! Bob’s wife even texted during the interview and one of his “bonus” … Continue reading Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2
You guys! Bob Smiley is hilarious! I had the privilege of meeting him at an event this summer. In this first of two episodes, Bob takes us down memory lane. Then he shares how that lane took a sharp turn from education major to stand-up comic. Episode Transcript: Intro 00:44 Welcome to that makes total … Continue reading Episode 006 – Bob Smiley Part 1 of 2
Have you ever heard the analogy that money is like a brick? It’s a fine example, but not nearly dynamic enough in my opinion. Explore with me 5 ways I think money is more like a chainsaw! Episode Transcript:Intro 0:44 Hi, I’m Alexis Busetti and welcome to That Makes Total Sense! So this is the … Continue reading Episode 005 – Money is Like a Chainsaw
In the second half of my conversation with Michelle McKinney she offers us her expertise in empowering women to live their God-given dreams! She shares about her experiences of taking high-level executives from “here to there” and how we can do the same with the help of some simple steps she’ll teach us. Her passion … Continue reading Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2
Listen in on this amazing conversation with Michelle McKinney! Michelle is the founder and Dream Architect of Dreams Unleashed. In Part 1, Michelle talks about losing her mother at a young age. She also shares about adopting her own daughter and how God taught her about pain, redemption, and calling from both experiences. Learn more … Continue reading Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2
In college, God started really speaking to me about personal finance (or more accurately, I started really listening). From an often misinterpreted verse in the gospel of Matthew to an old, red Mitsubishi, I learned lessons about money I (and I hope, YOU) will never forget! Episode Transcript: Intro 0:44 Hi, I’m Alexis and welcome … Continue reading Episode 002 – The Price is Right!
Have you ever found yourself digging through the trash looking for something precious when there you are, up to your elbows in banana peels and dirty napkins, and God speaks a word to you? Not really? All alone out here? Well, listen in to what I heard Him say when I was doing just that. … Continue reading Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure
Welcome to the That Makes Total Sense! podcast. I’m Alexis Busetti and I’m so glad you’re here! This is the place where we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life in a way that makes total sense. It’s not so much about changing our convictions as it is about messing with our methods. So grab … Continue reading Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer