The Boundless Show on Oneplace.com: Recent Episodes
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Our favorite romantic films, plus the history of St. Valentine and Valentine’s Day, and attending the wedding of someone you used to date. Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta Roundtable: Best Movies for Valentine’s Day Do you have a go-to film for Valentine’s Day? Do you prefer a rom-com or an epic romance or period drama? To help you celebrate February 14th, our panelists duke it out over the all-time best movies about love and romance. Listen in to see if your favorite makes the list and hear our opinions on what makes for a great love-centric storyline. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Link to Plugged In Website Culture: Will the Real St. Valentine Please Stand Up? Where did the Valentine’s Day traditions of flowers, romantic cards and heart-shaped candies come from? It started with St. Valentine, a real person with a fascinating story. To help separate truth from legend, historian Bill Petro shares facts, fiction and legacy around the Roman priest and the holiday that shares his name. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity Visit Bill Petro’s Blog Inbox: Attending the Wedding of Someone You Dated What if you’re invited to the wedding of someone you used to have feelings for? What if it was someone you actually dated? A counselor offers advice. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Encouragement when your home life isn’t ideal, plus hope for single parents, and are Christians still committed to God’s standard for sex? Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Love Where You Live What’s your current living situation and how do you feel about it? You may live by yourself, with roommates, your parents, or a married couple or family. Whatever the circumstances, each situation has pros and cons. Our panelists have lived in a variety of settings and with different types of people. They discuss lessons they’ve learned along the way as well as tips for staying encouraged and making the most of where God has you right now, even if it’s not ideal. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Single Parent Path Tez Brooks got the news nobody wants when his first wife left him. His divorce was both an emotional low and a spiritual wake-up call. In the years following, he navigated life as a single dad raising two kids, adjusting to a new normal, embracing church and community in a new way, and healing relational wounds. Now remarried, Tez shares encouragement and strategies for single parents who feel overwhelmed, plus advice for trusting God when your life is turned upside down. The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce Tez’s Website Inbox: What Happened to Sexual Integrity? Our listener is frustrated that almost none of his friends are obeying God’s Word when it comes to sex. What are the implications, and is it right to care? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to communicate to others with honesty and clarity, plus tips for adulting well, and addressing a struggle with OCD. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Say What You Mean You’re trying to plan an event, but you can’t get anyone to RSVP. You know you have to turn someone down, but you don’t want to hurt their feelings. You started a text trail with a friend, and now they’ve gone MIA. Sound familiar? Why is it so hard to initiate, commit, respond, be honest all the things that are hallmarks of mature communication? Our guests discuss the importance of following up, showing up, and speaking up honestly in our relationships. There’s a reason the Bible says, Let what you say be simply Yes’ or No’; anything more than this comes from evil (Matt. 5:37). Together we can learn how to do better, starting with this conversation. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: How to Be an Adult At 19, Tez Brooks took a leap of faith and moved 1,000 miles away from home. He soon had a rude awakening that being an adult is no easy task; he couldn’t even do his own laundry. Now the author of Adult-o-Nomics, a fun yet practical guide to mastering life skills, Tez addresses our need to take responsibility, master necessary tasks, relate to the opposite sex, and more. Adult-o-Nomics: How to Nail It On Your Own Tez’s Website Inbox: A Christian Approach to OCD Our listener admittedly wrestles with OCD and is looking for help from a Christian perspective. Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The perils of ghosting, plus a fitness coach’s God-centered approach to health, and should you get married if you’re poor? Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Alternatives to Ghosting I’ve been ghosted! It’s a common complaint among daters, but it happens in friendships and other contexts as well. Whether you’re guilty of ghosting or have been on the receiving end of this annoyingly passive dump, we’d all agree there are better, kinder, and healthier ways to end a relationship, say no, and move on. Our guests disclose their own confessions and frustrations around ghosting, and offer alternative solutions for these awkward junctures in relationships. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Putting God in Your Fitness If your January fitness goals have already been jettisoned, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Professional fitness coach Kim Dolan Leto thinks one of our biggest diet and exercise mistakes as Christians is not inviting God into the process. But does God care about workouts and weigh-ins? What can Kim possibly be talking about? Far from a shame-based, effort-intensive plan, Kim’s approach to getting healthy is grounded in Scripture and a holistic view of how God designed our bodies to work. If you’re tired of white-knuckling your fitness goals only to fail yet again, this conversation deserves a listen. Fit God’s Way: Your Bible-Based Guide to Food, Fitness, and Wholeness Kim’s Website Fit God’s Way Inbox: Can I Get Married if I’m Poor? Culture tells us we need to be financially secure before adding marriage to the mix. Is that true, or can you get married even if you’re poor? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
What confidence looks like, plus a young adult’s journey with chronic pain, and how to honor God in everyday life. Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC Roundtable: Confident Relationships, Work and Identity What is confidence, and how do you get it? It’s probably more than Julie Andrews dancing around a Salzburg fountain and chirping, I have confidence! Yet it seems that some elements of confidence can be learned, if not merely wished into existence. Our guests share tips for being more confident on the job, in relationships, and in understanding who you are. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Young Adults and Chronic Pain Olivia Feller started having weird symptoms in her teens. Doctor after doctor failed to provide a diagnosis, cure, or even relief, and eventually Olivia’s pain became debilitating. College was a blur of medical appointments, skipped classes and missed milestones and events. Olivia, still on her journey, learned to face pain and chronic illness head-on as she turned to the only one with the answers God himself. She shares what worked, what didn’t work, and how God, friends and others were her strength when she had none. Hold Hope: Encouragement for Christians with Chronic Pain Inbox: How Do I Honor God? What does it mean to honor God and others in the life we live and the choices we make? It’s a big question that one of our counselors sheds some light on. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The difference between rest and procrastination, plus a challenge to go 40 days alcohol-free, and do girlfriends need to submit to their boyfriends? Featured musical artist: Danen Kane Roundtable: Are You Resting or Procrastinating? When you’re working hard to reach new goals, it’s important to pace yourself and not burn yourself out. But can you tell the difference between true rest and straight-up procrastination? Our guests share their best insights on when it’s time to take a break versus when it’s time to get off the couch and get busy. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Case for Sobriety Christy Osborne had long been a casual drinker, but when her mother died, she became alcohol-dependent. Her downtime, social time and vacation time revolved around booze. Although Scripture isn’t absolute on the issue of drinking in moderation, Christy knew that alcohol had become central to her life. She explored what sobriety might look like: how it would affect her health, relationships and mindset. Now a sobriety coach, Christy joins us to share her journey and suggestions for making an objective assessment of our relationship with alcohol. Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind Inbox: Should a Woman Submit to Her Boyfriend? Scripture tells wives to submit to their husbands. In dating, does that same principle apply between women and their boyfriends? Counselor Brenda Huerta weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Embracing changes in a new year, plus what grief looks like, and do you hate responsibility? Featured musical artist: Ginny Owens Roundtable: New Year, New Opportunities A new job. An engagement. Starting a dating relationship. Moving to a new place. One of the beauties of life is the chance to grow, try new things, and step into adventure. But with change comes a whole new set of challenges. To share wisdom on getting through adjustments you’ll make this year, our guests discuss what lessons they’ve learned through life’s transitions. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Process of Grief Grief comes in many forms. Whether death, injury, disappointment or betrayal, grief often arrives unannounced and without an instruction manual. Rather than progressing in a straight line or on a specific timetable, grief moves in cycles. At least that’s what counselor and educator Dr. Ray Mitsch says. The victim of a serious accident that has him in constant pain, Dr. Mitsch walks us through how to navigate the different components of grief, how to comfort the grieving, and when to know it’s time to get professional help in processing loss. The Seasons of Our Grief: Embracing the Journey Inbox: I Don’t Like Responsibility Being a grownup means taking responsibility for everything from life skills to decisions to how we treat others. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. If you’re responsibility-averse, you’ll be encouraged by the words of counselor Jeff Brown. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Article: Adult Before 30? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Intentional relationships with non-Christians, plus what happened after Jesus’ birth, and when friends deconstruct their faith. Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Out of the Christian Bubble Many of us have at least one friend, family member or coworker who’s not a Christian. But if we’re honest, we tend to spend most of our time with other believers; between family, church, ministry opportunities and small group, it’s easy to stay in a faith-filled comfort zone. What are intentional ways to mix it up, branch out, and get out of the Christian bubble? Our guests discuss ways they’ve learned to step out of their routines, build community, and be a light for Christ. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: First Christmas, Then Herod If you were part of our Advent text experience, you heard regularly from John Greco. This week he reflects on lessons he’s learned from his extensive study of Advent, and why it’s good for Christians to think of the Christmas story in the bigger context of history. To that end, he’ll read a short excerpt from his book Rediscovering Christmas titled The Nightmare After Christmas. Rediscovering Christmas: A Twelve-Day Journey to the Manger Inbox: When Friends Leave the Faith How do you respond when a friend announces, I’m done being a Christian? One of our counselors weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Article: When a Pastor Like Josh Harris Abandons Christianity To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to be a fun date, plus sharing Jesus with the cynical and deconstructed, and how do you accept your current situation in life? Featured musical artist: Ellie Holcomb Roundtable: Fun Date Ideas Dating doesn’t always have to be serious. In fact, your ability to have fun as a couple is a good litmus test for whether you should marry. Our guests share their best strategies for staying chill in the dating process, as well as some of their most creative date ideas. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Gospel for Young Adults Aaron Pierce grew up a missionary kid in Amsterdam and saw his parents share the gospel with people in some of the darkest corners of the city. He’s now part of his parents’ ministry, specializing in reaching non-religious young adults with the hope of Jesus Christ. In his experience, what are the most natural, just be yourself ways to reach your peers? You’ll probably need to get out of your comfort zone, but chances are you’ll have conversations that are meaningful and eternity-focused. Join the conversation to hear some of Aaron’s best stories and suggestions. Not Beyond Reach: How to Share Jesus with the Young, the Deconstructed, and the Non-Religious Steiger International Inbox: Accepting Where You Are Your current season of life might be great or it could be a mess. Regardless of your circumstances, how do you come to terms with where you are today? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Guest: Tim Sanford Find us on YouTube Article: Managing Anxiety Article: How to Develop a Resilient Mindset Link to Counseling Services To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Sibling time over the holidays, plus trading anxiety for peace, and should you change jobs to advance your career? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Sibling Connections at Christmas What are your sibling dynamics like during the holidays? Some of us have great relationships with our brothers and sisters, but for others, interactions and conversations can be shallow, awkward, or even tense. Our guests share both good and difficult moments they’ve had with their siblings; if you aren’t sure how to connect meaningfully with your family this Christmas, you’ll be encouraged by our discussion. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: What God Does With Anxiety Rates of anxiety among young adults are at an all-time high. How do we cope? Do we white-knuckle it and hope things get better? Not according to Whitney Lowe, who argues that God not only can but wants to take our anxiety if we’ll bring it to Him. Join us for practical suggestions for setting our minds on God and bringing peace to our minds and hearts. Set Your Eyes Higher: A 40-Day Reset to Slow Your Anxiety and Fix Your Focus on God Whitney’s Instagram Inbox: Will Changing Jobs Put Me Ahead? Some suggest that if you change jobs, you’ll advance in your career more quickly. But is that actually true? Career expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Serious strain between parents and adult children, plus why church history matters, and should you do a missions trip when your parents disapprove? Featured musical artist: Jonathan Cain Roundtable: “Mom and Dad, We’re Done” The holidays should be a joyous time of gathering with family and friends, but all too often they are marked by absence, distance and strife. For some, the choice to “cancel” family members — including your own parents — brings confusion, hurt and relational wreckage. Our guests this week are parents with strained or non-existent relationships with their adult children. They share the details behind their unique journeys, their hope for reconciliation, and how they’re choosing to rely on the Lord as they wait. Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services Abusive Relationships Page Culture: Why Care About Church History? We know about the New Testament apostles. You’ve likely heard of Martin Luther and John Calvin. But for what purpose? Does learning about church history (and a bunch of dead guys) inform and shape our lives today? Historian and blogger Bill Petro joins us to give a crash course, explaining why church history is not only instructive, but also fascinating. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity Visit Bill Petro’s Blog Inbox: My Parents Dissed My Missions Trip She wants to go on a missions trip but her parents are opposed out of concern for her safety, among other things. Is going the right or wrong decision? Missionary Wendy Hamon spent years in difficult and dangerous overseas situations; she offers advice. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Your home is a great place to gather, plus living each day with heaven in mind, and how to make your faith your own. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Invite People to Your Home Do you enjoy hosting parties and get-togethers, or does the thought of people at your place intimidate you? With the holidays upon us, now’s a great time to have people over. But hospitality isn’t just for special occasions. Whether big or small, planned or impromptu, creating space and structure for people to eat, connect, feel loved and heard is something the early church modeled well. But what can it look like for us — for you — today? Our guests have creative ideas for sharing their space and fostering connection with all sorts of people; listen in as they share the challenges and benefits of gospel hospitality. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Why Eternity Matters Today Does the reality of heaven influence the way you live right now? Do you even think about heaven and its impact on your daily choices? Pastor Mark Bates explains how where we’ll spend eternity should influence our relationships, careers, priorities, and the everyday decisions before us. If you’re wondering why heaven matters, this discussion will encourage you. Inbox: Your Parents’ Faith, or Yours? You may have grown up in church — even walked an aisle or prayed a prayer. At some point, though, you have to take ownership of your faith and make it not just something you’ve “inherited,” but something you’ve internalized. How do you do this? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Living on purpose while you’re single, plus ways to help the homeless and poor around you, and what’s a Christian’s obligation to evangelize? Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: Purpose in Singleness You may want to get married, but is there a way to maximize your singleness while you wait? Our guests, all single, share their best strategies for finding community, chasing after growth, meeting people, and serving others in a season of singleness. If you feel your life lacks purpose or has stalled out, you’ll be inspired by their thoughts. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Wise Ways to Help the Homeless You stop at an intersection and a homeless person is there, holding a sign asking for help. How do you respond? We know the Bible tells us to love and care for the poor among us, but how can we do this with compassion and effectiveness? Travis Williams leads the multi-outreach Springs Rescue Mission, a place of hope for addicts, the mentally ill, homeless and others. Every day he sees these challenges first-hand, and he offers ideas to help Christians move the needle of care in our own communities. Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World The Needy Outside My Window Visit Springs Rescue Mission’s Website Inbox: Do I Need to Preach on Street Corners? Is aggressive, public evangelism the call of every believer — even to the point of preaching on street corners? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Overcoming faith doubts and trials, plus Joshua Rogers on a Christian’s rights at work, and seeking healing from sexual trauma before marriage. Featured musical artist: Abandon Roundtable: When Your Faith Is Challenged What’s been the biggest test to your faith? A tragedy? Unanswered questions? Scientific claims? We’ve all faced moments that forced us to ask honest questions about God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. Our guests share about weathering big spiritual challenges, and what helped them overcome their doubts to trust God more fully. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: A Christian’s Rights in the Workplace If you work in a secular environment, are you required to leave your faith at home? What legal rights do you have to express what you believe? Conversely, what can your employer require of you? Boundless contributor Joshua Rogers is an attorney who has these conversations every day. He gives us honest advice for living out your faith and values on the job while loving others in the process. No Reason to Hide: Standing for Christ in a Collapsing Culture Link to Article: How to Defend Your Faith Without Being a Jerk Visit Joshua Rogers’ Website Inbox: Addressing Sexual Trauma Before Marriage Past sexual trauma can do untold damage to your body, mind and emotions. If you’ve experienced this trauma, how do you appropriately seek healing before getting married? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Mending the Soul by Steven Tracy Fearless Series Resources Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Navigating dating as a woman in your 30s, plus a psychiatrist’s tips for getting mental health care, and giving church community a second chance. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Dating in Your 30s (Girls’ Edition) What is dating like in your 30s compared to your 20s? Is the pressure higher? The disappointments greater? Or do time and maturity actually help in the pursuit of a relationship? Join our two-part series where 30-something daters share advice from their own experiences. This week, it’s the ladies’ turn. (Men were last week!) Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Tips for Accessing Mental Health Care We know about today’s sky-high rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles, but how do you start the process of getting the care you need? Psychiatrist Karl Benzio helps us understand the ins and outs of therapy, medication, psychology vs. psychiatry, counseling vs. therapy — and most importantly, how to know what you need, and when. This will save you some copays for sure, so grab a pen and paper and listen in! Are You Really OK?: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters Link to Counseling Services Learn About the Honey Lake Clinic More on Karl’s Work Inbox: Small Group Second Chances Our listener is feeling pressured to jump back into church community groups, but it never seems to go well for them. What’s the best approach going forward? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Hear Our Gary Thomas Interview Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Navigating dating as a man in your 30s, plus sexuality and the single man, and how do you adjust to drastic life changes? Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Dating in Your 30s (Guys’ Edition) What is dating like in your 30s compared to your 20s? Is the pressure higher? The disappointments greater? Or do time and maturity actually help in the pursuit of a relationship? Join our two-part series where 30-something daters share advice from their own experiences. This week, it’s the guys’ turn. Ladies, you’re next week! Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Sexual Integrity for Single Men in Their 30s Bob DeMoss is a best-selling author and the founder of Focus on the Family’s Plugged In. But despite praying for a wife, he didn’t marry until age 37. In a refreshingly candid conversation, Bob and Lisa discuss staying sexually faithful in singleness, combating loneliness, and navigating the “single cycle” of contentment, restlessness, poor choices, guilt and repentance. GOAA Offer: The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, and Any Man Willing to Show Up Visit Bob’s Website Inbox: Weathering Drastic Life Changes We think we know where we’re going in life, yet we all deal with major changes and setbacks at some point. When they come, how should we respond? Counselor Linda Miller weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Make your roommate situation exceptional, plus a former abortion doctor’s testimony, and how to have deep relationships in a disconnected culture. Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: Crafting Great Roommate Relationships We’re all kind, reasonable and considerate until someone is in our space. This is especially magnified in a roommate situation, whether you’re rooming with one person or several. What do you need to know in choosing roommates, setting house rules, respecting boundaries and resolving conflict? Our guests break it all down based on their past and current experiences. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: From Abortion Doctor to Pro-Life Champion Dr. Catherine Wheeler didn’t see much wrong with abortion as a choice, performing them in her practice as an OB/GYN. But facts, circumstances and a new-found faith changed her mind. This week she tells her amazing story alongside a compelling argument for why abortion simply can’t be an answer for women who want ultimate health and wholeness. She’ll also break down the politics of abortion in a climate that is increasingly confusing and polarized. Abortion Survivors Break Their Silence Considering Abortion? Inbox: Real Relationships After College Forming deep relationships with real people post-college can be a challenge. Lisa Anderson weighs in with feasible options for building community. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Trusting God with your election anxiety, plus Gary Thomas helps you find your worship “personality,” and how to ask for a raise at work. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Managing Election Anxiety Candidate switches, assassination attempts, war escalations, policy battles and the inevitable name-calling and slander. Who’s ready for this election to be over? Our guests share their feelings around November 5th and how they are navigating conversations leading up to the big day. Is it fracturing their relationships? Are they just staying silent? And what about the outcome? How do we move forward in trusting God if our candidate doesn’t win? With anxiety levels at an all-time high, this timely conversation (including mental health advice from psychiatrist Karl Benzio) will help quell your fears and turn your heart to the One who holds the outcome. Leave Us a Voicemail Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God Culture: Find Your Spiritual Temperament The Bible tells us that God is everywhere. But the way you connect with Him might be very different from the way your best friend does. How can you discover the beauty of worshiping the Lord in a way that is especially meaningful to you? It may be through discovering your unique spiritual temperament. Pastor and author Gary Thomas shares the nine ways we can connect with God in study, worship and experience. He’ll also talk about how these pathways dovetail with standard spiritual disciplines to foster our maturity and sanctification. Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God Inbox: How to Ask for a Raise If you think you deserve a raise at work, how do you approach the topic with confidence and professionalism? Career expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Good habits as a newlywed, plus a former White House staffer explains the 1960s’ influence on America, and navigating singleness beyond your 20s. Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Good Marriage Habits Getting married is a big transition. Life rhythms are interrupted, and some of them change altogether. What you could do as a single — and when — is sometimes no longer an option. With that in mind, what are good habits to establish in the early weeks and months of marriage? Our guests recount their seasons as newlyweds and give ideas for establishing and maintaining rhythms with God, friends and others after you walk the aisle. Leave Us a Voicemail The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts Culture: What the ‘60s Teach Us About Today The 1960s were a time of extreme political and social change in America. In many ways the changes weren’t good, and today’s citizens are reaping the consequences. How can we learn from the past and have hope for a better future? A proud history and culture nerd, Tim Goeglein has worked in the White House and beyond. He joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on how with God’s help, we can right our nation’s wrongs — one faith-filled citizen at a time. Stumbling Toward Utopia: How the 1960s Turned Into a National Nightmare and How We Can Revive the American Dream Link to Daily Citizen Inbox: Singleness Beyond Your 20s She’s neither married nor a parent. On top of wanting those things, she needs encouragement for how to do singleness well, especially now that she’s in her late 20s. Lisa Anderson weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Changing family dynamics during engagement and beyond, plus a continued conversation on stress, and focusing on your own faith walk before dating. Featured musical artist: All Sons Daughters Roundtable: Cutting the Apron Strings Before Marriage The Old Testament book of Genesis describes how you’re supposed to leave your family of origin when you get married and “cleave” to your spouse. But how do you practically work through family dynamics? What do you do with clingy or controlling parents? How do you set habits, rhythms and traditions that define your new union? Our panel of marrieds shares ways they’ve learned to maintain a good relationship with their parents and in-laws while building and prioritizing their new life and relationships. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Stress Reduction (Part 2) Stressors are all around us: bills to pay, work deadlines, sorting through friend and family dynamics, and news headlines galore. What effect is stress having on our brains and bodies, and how do we cope with the fallout? Licensed professional counselor Eliza Huie discusses how you can tackle stress and find peace through lifestyle, helpful practices, and active dependence on God. In part two of our discussion, she brings up the need to recognize your limitations and she walks through the acronym NEAR, a helpful primer for dealing with anxiety. I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (Ask the Christian Counselor) Visit Eliza’s Website Inbox: He Ended a Relationship to Sort Out His Faith Our listener would grade his faith walk as a D-. As a result, he broke off a dating relationship, concerned that he has to figure out his faith first. Was this the right thing to do? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Separating feelings from fact when it comes to love, plus what to do about stress, and coming to terms when something good didn’t happen. I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (Ask the Christian Counselor) Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: How Do I Know I Love Someone? The feelings and excitement of being “in love” are celebrated everywhere from movies to music. But is love deeper than a mere feeling? Are feelings even an indicator that you actually love someone? Our guests get honest about how they’ve struggled with discerning the difference between love as a feeling and love as a choice. They’ll also explain love in the tough times and (yikes) loving the hard to love, including our enemies. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Stress Reduction (Part 1) Stressors are all around us: bills to pay, work deadlines, sorting through friend and family dynamics, and news headlines galore. What effect is stress having on our brains and bodies, and how do we cope with the fallout? Licensed professional counselor Eliza Huie discusses how you can tackle stress and find peace through lifestyle, helpful practices, and active dependence on God. In part one of our conversation she addresses good vs. bad types of stress and how to recognize the repercussions of stress on our lives. I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (Ask the Christian Counselor) Visit Eliza’s Website Inbox: I Had Faith but It Didn’t Happen Our listener had faith for something that was genuinely good, but he prayed and things still didn’t go as he’d hoped. How can he trust that God really cares? Counselor George Stahnke weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find Tara Sun’s Story in Brio Magazine Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Ideas for getting out and making friends, plus author Jerry Jenkins on boundaries with the opposite sex, and signs you’re in an abusive relationship. Featured musical artist: JJ Heller Roundtable: Make New Friends You may be asking, “Where are all the great people to hang out with?” Maybe, just maybe, they’re outside your front door? In order to find them, you may need to get creative. You may need to try something new. Visit new places. Join a new group. This week we discuss ways to step out of your comfort zone and meet quality people. Plus, if you’re single and looking for potential dates, we’ll offer thoughts on how to look without obsessing over whether every cute person could be the one. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Boundaries With the Opposite Sex Marriage experts talk often about creating boundaries when you’re married to guard against infidelity. But great boundaries with the opposite gender work best when you start early — when you’re dating someone, or even before. Setting up what bestselling novelist and author Jerry Jenkins calls “hedges” can be a great and practical way to do that. In our interview, he shares what hedges might look like in dating and marriage, how to set them, and how to avoid potential excuses and pitfalls when temptation strikes. Hedges: 7 Ways to Love Your Wife and Protect Your Marriage Visit Jerry’s Website Inbox: Am I in a Toxic Relationship? The word toxic is too often tossed around to describe people we simply don’t like. But what are signs that you’re in a truly toxic or abusive relationship? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Article: Just Annoying or Truly Unsafe?: How to Navigate Get-Togethers With Difficult Family Link: Help for Abusive Relationships Article: Destructive Conflict: Recognize It. Stop It. Link to Show: Setting Boundaries in Toxic Relationships Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Weird things Christians should stop saying, plus trusting God in a waiting season, and how to own your behavior in a world that shrugs responsibility. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Enough With the Spiritual Platitudes God helps those who help themselves. I’m praying a hedge of protection. God will never give you more than you can handle. Some of our Christian clichés, while well-intentioned, can actually do more harm than good. Our guests share their least-favorite Christian cliches — plus ones they’re guilty of. They’ll also suggest better ways to encourage, exhort, and instruct others with our words. Article: 5 Christian Clichés that Need to Die Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Waiting (Well) on God So much of life is spent waiting. Not just waiting in line or for your next Netflix series, but waiting to find a spouse, to have kids, to achieve your career goals and more. When your patience and even your faith is tested, how do you wait well? Pastor Mark Vroegop reminds us that waiting is a normal part of life and something that God uses to refine us. It’s not easy, though, so this conversation will give you things to cling to as you sort and struggle through your next wait. Waiting Isn’t a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life Visit Mark’s Website Inbox: Owning My Decisions and Behavior As a Christian, how do you stay accountable for your thoughts and actions in a world that would rather make excuses? Counselor Kari A weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Productive ways to use social media, plus confronting hard stuff from childhood, and is your therapist offering biblically sound advice? Featured musical artist: John Waller Roundtable: Making Social Media Work for You Social media is usually blamed for all the bad stuff: negativity, political arguments, superficial relationships, cancel culture. But are there ways to use it productively? Absolutely, if you recognize the value of social media for job hunting, sharing your faith, connecting with others, or learning a new skill. Our team has ideas for making the most of social platforms, so rather than ditching social altogether, let us show you how to make your accounts work for instead of against you. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Checking Childhood Baggage Childhood trauma and other negative experiences and patterns follow us well into adulthood. When memories and habits resurface, how can you address the pain, face the facts, and move ahead? Ike Miller is a pastor with a rough past that threatened to define him. Learn how he revisited his childhood baggage to give him the necessary tools for shaping a healthy future. Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships Visit Ike’s Website Inbox: Is My Counselor’s Advice Biblical? Many counselors profess to be Christians. But how can you discern if your counselor’s advice is in line with Scripture? Counselor Rob Jackson weighs in. Link to Counseling Services How to Find a Christian Counselor Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Honestly assessing your life as a 20-something, plus more with Debra Fileta on soul care, and how do you address personal shame after you’ve sinned? Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells Roundtable: Lessons Learned in Our 20s For some of us on this week’s panel, our 20s provided new opportunities, fun adventures, and lots of growth; for others, that decade is loaded with regrets. Yet all of us agree that our 20s were filled with trial and error as we learned to navigate life. As you review your 20s, how can you assess them honestly and learn from your mistakes without beating yourself up? We’ll give advice based on our lessons learned. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Caring for Your Soul (Part 2) Millennials and Gen Z report unprecedented rates of burnout and exhaustion. When our to-do lists keep growing and our frustrations add up, how do we find strength and stamina to continue? Our friend Debra Fileta shares how to create life-giving rhythms of caring for your soul, and why doing so honors God. In part two of our discussion, she outlines how to establish good boundaries, maintain your inner world, and savor life. Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy Visit Debra’s Website Inbox: What to Do With Sin and Shame We tend to isolate ourselves when we sin, especially if we can’t shake the sense of shame that lingers. Is it possible to break free? Counselor Tim Sanford offers hope. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Living out your faith in a dark world, plus Debra Fileta on Jesus’ example of soul care, and dating someone in a different life stage. Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: When the World Is Messed Up Inflammatory news headlines, political division, divorce, abuse, people denying their Christian faith. When our world feels especially dark, what’s the godliest and most loving way for Christians to respond? Our guests wrestle with this topic, discuss how to have hope, and show us where Jesus is in all the chaos. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Caring for Your Soul (Part 1) Millennials and Gen Z report unprecedented rates of burnout and exhaustion. When our to-do lists keep growing and our frustrations add up, how do we find strength and stamina to continue? Our friend Debra Fileta shares how to create life-giving rhythms of caring for your soul, and why doing so honors God. In part one, she discusses sources of burnout and how we can learn from Jesus’ example of rest. Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy Visit Debra’s Website Inbox: Too Much Drama to Date? They started dating after he picked her up from a car accident. But he’s currently in grad school and she just finished her master’s degree. With these and other factors at play, is pursuing a dating relationship the best move? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Processing sadness, plus how our bodies glorify our Creator, and should you barter with God? Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: When Sorrow Runs Deep The loss of a loved one; betrayal by a trusted friend; local and international tragedies. We live in a broken world, and heartbreaking things happen. When grief and tragedy strike, how do you process the sadness? Is it possible to continue your work, your commitments, your routines as you seek to make sense of things? Our guests share how they’ve learned to find comfort from God in the midst of deep sorrow. Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services Culture: How a Healthy Body and Mind Glorify God The human body is incredibly complex. Science keeps revealing new truths about how God has designed us, leading to insights in how we can best steward how we’re made. Stephen Ko is a medical doctor, public health specialist and pastor. He offers motivation and methods for taking care of our physical and mental health, and why doing so is connected to our spiritual well-being. Faith Embodied: Glorifying God with Our Physical and Spiritual Health Visit Stephen Ko’s Website Inbox: Can I Barter With God? Our listener really wants to be married, but he also wants his dad to get saved. Is it OK to offer up a chance at marriage as a barter to God so his dad can come to Christ? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Donate Now Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
When others don’t seem to understand you, plus the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, and God-honoring ways to spend your free time. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: That’s Not What I Meant We’ve all felt misunderstood — whether in our personalities, friendships, opinions or even intentions. So how do we respond when that happens? If you feel like people don’t get you, you’ll be encouraged to know you’re not alone. This week’s guests share personal stories and tips for navigating the frustrations of misunderstanding. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: How Should We Engage With A.I.? Artificial intelligence is here to stay. From medicine to transportation to Bible translation, innovators rely on the marvels of A.I. to expedite searches, aggregate information, and push the boundaries of invention. But are there dangers that A.I. could kill creativity and even relationships? What does the Bible say about it? John Greco shares his researched perspective on using A.I. appropriately without letting it run our lives. God, Technology, and the Christian Life Article by John Greco: The Promise of AI Visit John Greco’s Website Inbox: Is My Free Time Honoring God? The time we call our own — away from work and other obligations — can be some of our most treasured moments. But does it matter that your free time is being used for God’s glory? If so, how can you be confident that it is? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The goal in dating, plus how to process the 2024 U.S. election, and is there too much intimacy in studying the Bible with your date? Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: The Purpose of Dating Why should you date? Is it to casually have fun or to seek a marriage partner? What are the pitfalls of each, and is there a balance between the two? Our guests share their opinions on what dating should look like, what it means to get serious, and how to not get too worked up in the process. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Confidence and Compassion for Election Season The landscape of the 2024 election season is changing daily. What doesn’t seem to change is the collective mudslinging, hand-wringing and doomsday-predicting among candidates, pundits and voters. How can Christians rise above the fray and trust God in all things? How do we make God-honoring choices from the ones laid before us? And how do we love others in the process? Summit Ministries’ Dr. Jeff Myers helps us frame our perspective and navigate election season with confidence and grace. Truth Changes Everything: How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis Summit Ministries Website Politics Without the Passion Inbox: If you and your boyfriend or girlfriend want to grow spiritually, praying and reading Scripture together can be a great step. But is there a danger in becoming too spiritually intimate before marriage? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Being content in every circumstance, plus tips for connecting with your neighbors, and responding when someone confesses a sin struggle. Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: Finding Contentment Opportunities to buy into the lie, “I’d be happy if I had (fill in the blank),” surround us everywhere we go. But what if there were a way to truly be content regardless of the circumstance or season? Our guests share their struggles with contentment and how they’ve learned to seek trust and gratitude instead. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Neighborhood Watch In a world of increasing isolation, it’s easy to overlook our neighbors. But what if you discovered creative opportunities to connect with and be a light to the people on your street and in your community? Chris and Elizabeth McKinney felt God’s call to do just that. They’re here this week to share their best strategies for becoming a friend to the people (literally) around you. Neighborhoods Reimagined: How the Beatitudes Inspire Our Call to be Good Neighbors Placed for a Purpose Podcast Inbox: When a Friend Confesses Sin What should you do if a friend confesses a sin struggle to you? Counselor George Stahnke weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to really get to know people, plus Kris Swiatocho gives advice to her 20-something self, and why are many Christians OK with gossip? Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: Study Others to Show You Care When you meet someone, he or she makes an impression on you. But truly getting to know someone takes intention, time and effort. Our guests discuss lessons they’ve learned in forming connections and going deeper in their understanding of others. They also share some of the hallmarks of a good friendship. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Lessons From a Lifelong Single (Part 2) Kris Swiatocho had a rough start as a young adult. She admits she wasn’t walking with the Lord, so after a season of partying and poor relationship choices, Kris saw the chance to join a Christian community — and took it. After witnessing what churches do well and not so well in ministering to the unmarried, she started The Singles Network Ministries. Looking back on all she’s learned, she shares advice she’d give to her young adult self. Intentional Relationships for Singles: Prepare, Plan, Pursue, Propose Visit Kris’s Website Inbox: Why Are Christians OK With Gossip? Does it seem like Christians in your church and friend groups are OK with gossip and white lies? Why is this, and what can we do about it? Counselor Angel Perez weighs in. Guest: Angel Perez Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Don’t be fake while dating, plus Kris Swiatocho’s testimony as a single adult, and should a guy ask a girl out even after he’s been friendzoned? Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Dating as the Real You It’s great to date someone who’s comfortable in their own skin. So why do so many of us try to impress a date by acting like someone else? Whether we fake interest in their hobbies or we exaggerate (lie) about our accomplishments, we think becoming a version of someone they might like is better than being just plain old us. But no one wants to date a poser, so our panel delves into a spirited discussion on the topic and gives encouragement to be real, whatever the cost. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Lessons From a Lifelong Single (Part 1) Kris Swiatocho had a rough start as a young adult. She admits she wasn’t walking with the Lord, so after a season of partying and poor relationship choices, Kris saw the chance to join a Christian community — and took it. After witnessing what churches do well and not so well in ministering to the unmarried, she started The Singles Network Ministries. Today she speaks to singles around the world about friendship, dating, finding community, and following Jesus — whatever your relationship status. Intentional Relationships for Singles: Prepare, Plan, Pursue, Propose Visit Kris’s Website Inbox: After She’s Friendzoned You A girl at church has already friendzoned him. Should he still try to ask her out, or just let it be? Counselor Patrick Hill weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
A quiz to celebrate America’s birthday, plus Dr. Ken Wilgus on relating to your parents as an adult, and should you be passionate about your job? Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta Roundtable: How Well Do You Know the U.S.A.? How many Justices of the Supreme Court can you name? What was the last state admitted to the Union? What was the first U.S. capital city? In honor of Independence Day, we’re taking a quiz on these and other fun United States trivia questions. So grab a pen and paper, keep track of your answers, and test your knowledge of United States history and government. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: We’re All Adults Here Getting along with your mom and dad as an adult has its challenges. What do your parents want from you, and what if they’re having a hard time letting go? Conversely, are you taking ownership of your life and responsibilities? Do you care about them and their interests? Dr. Ken Wilgus has counseled families for decades. He joins us this week to provide guidelines for healthy conversations and behaviors between parents and adult children. Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love Visit Ken’s Website Inbox: Should I Feel “Called” to My Job? You want fulfilling work, but does that mean you have to be passionate about your job? Lisa Anderson shares from her career experience. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTubeTo support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Women discuss the implications of modesty, plus more with Dr. Jake Porter on singles and sexuality, and can you save money in a spend-centric culture? Guests: Georgia Dunham, Megan Linser, Taylor Loftus, Jake Porter, Glenn Lutjens Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Men and Women Talk Modesty (Part 2) Many of us heard about the importance of modesty growing up: “Dress appropriately.” “Don’t cause your friend to stumble.” “What would Jesus do?” But what is modesty, what’s the biblical instruction on it, and is it just about clothes (or a lack of them)? This week we conclude a two-part discussion on the underlying motivations and practical application of modesty. A panel of women shares how modesty is a matter of the heart, what they appreciate from brothers in Christ, and some of the challenges women face in the world of fashion. Guests: Georgia Dunham, Megan Linser, Taylor Loftus Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Singles and Sexuality (Part 2) What if sexuality is about so much more than having sex and not breaking the rules? What are the unique takeaways for singles in particular? Dr. Jake Porter is a therapist who has researched extensively on sexuality, especially as it manifests apart from marriage and sex. He joins us for a provocative discussion featuring findings from his own background and the state of singleness in the United States today. Guest: Jake Porter Featured resource: Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why It Matters Visit Jake's Website Inbox: Saving Money in a Spending Culture How can you save money when your friends and others are spending at the drop of a hat? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Guest: Glenn Lutjens Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Men discuss the implications of modesty, plus Dr. Jake Porter on singles and sexuality, and what about dating couples who act married? Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Men and Women Talk Modesty (Part 1) Many of us heard about the importance of modesty growing up: “Dress appropriately.” “Don’t cause your friend to stumble.” “What would Jesus do?” But what is modesty, what’s the biblical instruction on it, and is it just about clothes (or a lack of them)? This week we begin a two-part discussion on the underlying motivations and practical application of modesty. In part one, a panel of guys shares how modesty is a matter of the heart, what they appreciate from sisters in Christ, and their encouragement to girls who feel overlooked. (Next week, the women have their turn.) Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Singles and Sexuality (Part 1) What if sexuality is about so much more than having sex and not breaking the rules? What are the unique takeaways for singles in particular? Dr. Jake Porter is a therapist who has researched extensively on sexuality, especially as it manifests apart from marriage and sex. He joins us for a provocative discussion featuring findings from his own background and the state of singleness in the United States today. Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters Visit Jake’s Website Inbox: Should a Dating Couple Act Married? Is there a point in a dating relationship where a couple can and should act married? Why or why not? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube Link To Hope Restored To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
What will make this a great summer? Plus, a biblical approach to grief and trauma, and does sporadic Bible reading make you a bad Christian? Featured musical artist: Aaron ShustRoundtable: Summer Planning TipsSummer is upon us, and that means long days, warm weather, outdoor activities and vacations (except for you southern hemisphere folks — sorry!). In order to maximize the season, should you plan your every decision or be as spontaneous as possible? Our guests share what they’re excited about doing this summer, how they pace themselves with summer obligations, and they’ll offer ideas for making summer unique, fun and fulfilling.Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Healing What You Can’t EraseAll of us have experienced grief, hardship, and even trauma. When your soul feels exhausted, where do you go for help? Christopher Cook is candid about how the death of his mother followed by an unexpected medical diagnosis sent him into a tailspin. He was faced with giving in or pushing through. Biblical truth plus concrete strategies for addressing toxic thoughts helped him choose the latter. Learn about it all in this week’s conversation. Healing What You Can’t Erase: Transform Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health from the Inside OutInbox: Should I Read the Bible Daily?If you don’t read the Bible every day, does that make you a terrible Christian? Counselor Rob Jackson weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Questions for the Boundless team, plus part two of Joshua Broome’s journey out of the porn industry, and interacting with LGBT coworkers. Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC Roundtable: Your Questions, Our Answers We’re mixing it up on this week’s Roundtable by answering questions you sent to us on a wide variety of topics. Some of what you’ll hear: Is love transactional? How do I move on from a situationship? Can I stay connected to siblings who live far away? Tune in for answers to these questions and more! Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: My Journey Out of the Porn Industry (Part 2) Joshua Broome was one of the porn industry’s top stars — but he was lonely, depressed, and without purpose. He eventually contemplated suicide, but an encounter with a bank teller put him on a different path. Where he went from there is the substance of his miraculous story. In part two of his testimony, Joshua shares about leaving the sex industry, meeting his future wife, and coming to Christ. 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life: What My Journey from Porn Star to Preacher Taught Me About the Truth That Sets Us Free Watch Our Bonus Interview with Joshua Broome Inbox: Your Relationship With LGBT Coworkers As a Christian, how can you interact with and show Christ’s love to coworkers who identify as LGBT? Our friend Jeff Johnston weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Being fun vs. serious in dating, plus part one of Joshua Broome’s journey out of the porn industry, and when a woman wants marriage but not kids. Featured musical artist: Danen Kane Roundtable: Balancing Fun and Intention in Dating Some of us gravitate toward lightheartedness and fun, while others are naturally more measured and serious. When it comes to dating, how do you enjoy spending time with a person while also getting to know important information about them? Our guests share ideas for finding the balance between fun and facts in a growing relationship. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: My Journey Out of the Porn Industry (Part 1) Joshua Broome was one of the porn industry’s top stars — but he was lonely, depressed, and without purpose. He eventually contemplated suicide, but an encounter with a bank teller put him on a different path. Where he went from there is the substance of his miraculous story. In part one of his testimony, Joshua shares how his difficult home life as a child and teen influenced decisions he made later on. 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life: What My Journey from Porn Star to Preacher Taught Me About the Truth That Sets Us Free Inbox: She Doesn’t Want Kids Is it wrong if a woman wants to get married but doesn’t want kids? Counselor Kari A weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Mental health strategies for everyday life, plus more on how singles can make the most of today, and handling awkward same-gender friend dynamics. Featured musical artist: Ginny OwensRoundtable: Mental Health Self-CareMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. Whether or not you have a particular mental health diagnosis, we all need to practice self-care in this area. Our panelists discuss guarding our minds and spirits with helpful strategies including good sleep, friendships, boundaries and more. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Loving Singleness Today (Part 2) There are two enemies of enjoying your single season: yesterday and tomorrow. When you fixate on either one for too long, you miss opportunities to make the most of today. Ryan Wekenman is a single young adult, pastor, and author of the book, “Single Today.” In part two of our conversation, he’ll answer questions sent in by show listeners. Single Today: Conquer Yesterday’s Regrets, Ditch Tomorrow’s Worries, and Thrive Right Where You AreInbox: She’s Making Me UncomfortableShe met a girl at a dance class who is acting in a way that makes our listener uncomfortable. Is this a reason for concern or suspicion? What should our listener do? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Choosing peace when you are angry, plus Ryan Wekenman challenges singles to make the most of today, and how should we respond when God seems silent? Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Choosing Peace Over Contention You hear some news you don’t like, the person whose behavior drives you crazy just called you out, or you have to deal with a difficult family member. These situations are prime opportunities to get you riled up, so how do you prioritize peace when you’d rather lash out? Our guests describe their biggest triggers, why they react, and how they manage their emotions and behaviors with God’s help. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Loving Singleness Today (Part 1) There are two enemies of enjoying your single season: yesterday and tomorrow. When you fixate on either one for too long, you miss opportunities to make the most of today. Ryan Wekenman is a single young adult, pastor, and author of the book, “Single Today.” In part one of our conversation, he’ll discuss some of his own journey in singleness, plus why we’re so prone to fixate on regrets and fears instead of the joys right in front of us. Single Today: Conquer Yesterday’s Regrets, Ditch Tomorrow’s Worries, and Thrive Right Where You Are Inbox: When God Seems Silent Most of us go through seasons where it feels like God is distant and refuses to answer our questions. When this happens, how can we stay hopeful and keep our hearts in a healthy place? Counselor Linda Miller weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Learning from a breakup, plus part two on finding joy in difficulty, and a correct interpretation of Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek.” Featured musical artist: Ellie HolcombRoundtable: Overcoming a “Square One” Dating MindsetGoing through a breakup can be one of the toughest things to work through emotionally. Many daters refer to it as feeling back at “square one.” But what if there’s a more constructive way to view a breakup than taking an all-or-nothing approach? Our panel talks about the pitfalls of a “square one” mindset in dating, and how breakups can actually teach you valuable relationship lessons. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Finding Joy in a Messed-Up World (Part 2) Everyone’s chasing happiness, but do you sometimes feel like everything around you is falling apart? The fact is: Life is hard, but God is good. Brant Hansen reminds us of this as he challenges us to live in joy despite our circumstances. In part two of our discussion, he’ll encourage you to laugh at yourself and live with eternal hope as a Christian. Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance.: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone MadInbox: Set Boundaries or Turn the Other Cheek? Jesus said that if someone strikes you on the cheek, to turn the other one to them as well. But we also are to create good boundaries with others, so what’s a correct response when people treat us with disrespect and even violence? Counselor George Stahnke weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to use alone time productively, plus Brant Hansen on seeking joy in discouraging circumstances, and what to do when you feel devalued as a single. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: The Value of Being AloneIf you’re an introvert, you cherish being alone, while extroverts may find alone time more challenging. Regardless of personality type, all of us can benefit from solitude — or be in danger of using it excessively or unwisely. Our guests discuss what helps them enjoy time alone, why silence can be a wonderful thing, and how they use solo time to recharge, process and create, rather than simply escape. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Finding Joy in a Messed-Up World (Part 1) Everyone’s chasing happiness, but do you sometimes feel like everything around you is falling apart? The fact is: Life is hard, but God is good. Brant Hansen reminds us of this as he challenges us to live in joy despite our circumstances. In part one of our conversation, he explains that he’s naturally a pessimist, and shares how he overcame a difficult childhood. Inbox: When You Feel Looked Down On As a Single Adult Many Christian singles feel as if marriage is put on a pedestal while their own relationship status is looked down upon. If you’re in that spot, how do you walk with God faithfully and maintain a sense of hope? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Fun Books and Serious Books: Episode 847Reading both fun and thought-provoking books, plus Jordan Raynor answers career questions, and should you fall into a relationship or pursue one? Featured musical artist: Jonathan Cain Roundtable: Reading to Think — Or for Fun?What’s on your reading list? What genres do you gravitate toward? Whether fiction or nonfiction, most books tend to either make us think and learn, or they allow us to relax and escape. It’s good to have a balance of both types, so our guests share their preferences, how they stretch their reading horizons, and what books they recommend you add to your reading lineup. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: The Sacredness of Secular Work (Part 2) It’s easy to think your job matters to God only if you’re a pastor, missionary, or ministry worker. But what does God think of “secular” jobs? What if our jobs are just “average”? What if we’re not even sure what we want to do for a career? Jordan Raynor is an expert at helping people get connected to their calling, and this week he answers listener questions about navigating your workplace and career options. The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You’re Not Sharing the Gospel) Inbox: Can a Relationship “Just Happen”? When it comes to romantic journeys, some people seem to unexpectedly meet someone, while other relationships are the result of intentional pursuit. Is one way better? What’s the balance between providence and effort? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Your willingness to change, plus Jordan Raynor on why your job’s important, and when a ministry leader is dating a non-Christian. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: What Do You Need to Change?One of the most difficult yet rewarding things about adulthood is being honest with yourself when change needs to happen. Whether it’s making better choices, breaking bad habits, spending time with God, or improving your relationships, it’s healthy to own your stuff and start making adjustments. Our guests admit some of the struggles they’ve had to overcome, how they became aware of them, and what motivated them to push forward toward change and growth. Boundless Article: I Want Honest Feedback - But Not ReallyBoundless Article: God’s Sovereignty Doesn’t Excuse My LazyBoundless Article: God’s Promptness is Worth PracticingLeave Us a VoicemailCulture: The Sacredness of Secular Work (Part 1) It’s easy to think your job matters to God only if you’re a pastor, missionary, or ministry worker. But what does God think of “secular” jobs? What if our jobs are just “average”? What if we’re not even sure what we want to do for a career? Jordan Raynor is an expert at helping people get connected to their calling, and this week he joins us to explain why your job has eternal value, even if it seems insignificant. The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You’re Not Sharing the Gospel) Inbox: When a Ministry Leader Is Dating a Non-ChristianShe recently found out one of her friends, who happens to be a church ministry leader, is now dating a non-believer. Is it time for a hard conversation? Our counselor friend Kari weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Boundless Article: Why I’m Attracted to Guys Who Aren’t Good for MeTo support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The influence of music, plus more from Jeanine Amapola on healthy perspectives, and Lisa Anderson shares life-altering moments in her walk with God. Featured musical artist: Austin Stone WorshipRoundtable: The Power and Influence of MusicIt’s nearly impossible to escape the influence of music in today’s world, and with so many streaming services, curating your own sound experience is easier than ever. While there are enough styles of music to suit every mood, it’s also wise to use discernment on how we consume and internalize the songs we hear. Our guests share what music they like, how they find it, what’s nostalgic and what’s new — then they finish by each listing some of their favorite songs. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Healthy Perspectives for Young Adults (Part 2) What does it look like to be a truly happy and healthy person? Podcaster and young adult influencer Jeanine Amapola shares what it took for her to become a better version of who God made her to be. In part two of our conversation, she addresses the need for good habits, how to make godly choices, and living with a sense of adventure. Becoming Happy Healthy: Real Life Advice on Friendship, Dating, Career, and Everything Else You Care AboutInbox: Lisa’s Big “God Moments”The longer you walk with God, the more you will experience life-changing moments in your faith and how you live it out. Lisa Anderson recaps what some of those moments have been for her.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How long should my quiet time be? Plus Jeanine Amapola on healthy perspectives, and when someone ill withholds the news from family and friends. Featured musical artist: AbandonRoundtable: Am I Spending Enough Time With God?Read the Bible. Go to church. Listen to worship music. Pray. All of these are encouraged in our Christian walk. But is there a “magic number” of how much time we should dedicate to God when our schedules are loaded with work, friends, family and other activities? Our guests share strategies that have helped them make time for God, what “enough time” looks like for them, and why prioritizing God matters. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Healthy Perspectives for Young Adults (Part 1) What does it look like to be a truly happy and healthy person? Podcaster and young adult influencer Jeanine Amapola shares what it took for her to become a better version of who God made her to be. In part one of our conversation, she shares about a life-changing trip she took in 2019, how to submit your expectations to God, and embracing the life He gave you with confidence. Becoming Happy Healthy: Real Life Advice on Friendship, Dating, Career, and Everything Else You Care AboutInbox: Should Someone Who’s Sick Inform Others?When someone gets a serious diagnosis, should they tell family and friends or is it OK to keep quiet? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Unique ways to enjoy spring, plus trusting God with your vocational dreams, and why should we pray if God’s plan will happen anyway? Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Spring is Here!What’s your favorite part about spring? For some, it’s the warm weather; for others it may be flowers blooming, spring activities or something else. This week we gather around the table to share why we love this time of year, what we look forward to, and what common and unique activities might inspire you to make the most of spring. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Making Sense of Your Big DreamsAre your dreams big enough? Maybe you have big dreams but are afraid to admit them. You want to follow God anywhere, use your talents and passions, and see lives changed — but what about being comfortable? What about family? What about earning a paycheck and building your 401K? Wai Jia Tam felt the call as a teenager to help underserved children around the world. She also wanted to be a doctor, earn money and please her parents. She shares her incredible story of how God unfolded and enabled her dream one step at a time. God has used Wai Jia in ways she never imagined, and her encouragement to us is to never underestimate what God can do to move us for His purposes and kingdom. Dream Brave: A Dare to Live by Faith When You Feel Too SmallFind Wai Jia’s WebsiteWai Jia’s InstagramArticles by Wai Jia TamInbox: Why Pray if God’s in Control?We know that God is sovereign and His plans will prevail. If that’s the case, why should we pray? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to maximize your weekends, plus Nancy Pearcey talks toxic masculinity, and should you tell a guy at church you want him to ask you out? Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Ready for the Weekend! We all look forward to the weekend, but how should we make the best use of our time and freedom? Our guests share what they love about Saturdays and Sundays, plus a few helpful ideas for prioritizing and managing our time, and common pitfalls to avoid that can gobble up precious hours and leave us feeling unproductive. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Truth About Toxic Masculinity Men today hear cultural messages on what it means to be a man: make lots of money, drive a nice car, date a beautiful girl; in short, be powerful and successful. But these things are self-driven and the opposite of what God calls masculinity: leading selflessly; protecting, providing for, and serving others. Professor Nancy Pearcey is a well-known researcher and writer on this topic, and joins us to separate the truth from the lies when it comes to appropriate manifestations of manhood in our families, churches and communities. The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes Find Nancy’s Website Inbox: Should I Tell Him I Like Him? She’s known a guy at her church for two years and has hung out with him socially many times. She really wants him to ask her out, so is it time to admit her feelings? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Boundless Episode: I’ll Ask You Out If…: Episode 138 Boundless Article: Is it OK for a woman to ask out a man?To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Know if the person you’re dating is maturing or not, plus overcoming body image issues, and favorite foods of the Boundless team. Featured musical artist: David DunnRoundtable: Prioritizing Growth in DatingMaturing together can be one of the greatest joys of dating someone. But how can you tell if the person you’re seeing is truly pursuing growth — or if they’re all talk and no action? Our panel shares strategies for assessing if your significant other is actually maturing, how to not be someone’s Holy Spirit, and why you need to be humble and teachable yourself. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: A Conversation About Body ImageDr. Becky Taylor battled disordered eating and body image as a teenager and young adult — a struggle that still has ramifications in her life today. She’s now an eating disorder expert and professor at Colorado Christian University where she daily counsels young adults on body image issues of all kinds (e.g. not just food). In our conversation, she shows us how to embrace our God-given identities, how to recognize wrong perspectives, and where to start on a journey toward healing — including a powerful lesson from the children’s book “When God Made You.” Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders Link to Counseling ServicesFind Becky TaylorInbox: What’s Your Favorite Food? We received a light-hearted question about our favorite foods. The entire Boundless team weighs in with our opinions! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
What your style aesthetic says about you, plus finding value in entertainment, and how to be a better listener. Featured musical artist: Nathan TaskerRoundtable: Trendsetters and Old SoulsFashion choices, home decor, life hacks, music and more. All of these are indicators of our culture — or our resistance to it. When it comes to being current or wishing for times past, where do you fit in? Our guests describe their place on the cultural continuum, talk through the pros and cons, and suggest how to appreciate people who are different from yourself. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: What Good Entertainment Teaches UsWe can learn a lot from the entertainment we consume — especially films and television. Understanding a culture, or someone’s unique experience, or even learning about history — all of these can be accomplished by watching a well-told story. This week our Plugged In experts address how movies can be good conversation starters, and they’ll give us some of their best recommendations to get us going. Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family: How to Navigate a Media-Saturated World–and Why We Should Link to Plugged In Website Inbox: Am I Talking Too Much? Our listener says that when she gets together with friends, she finds herself talking too much. She wants to be a better listener, but how? One of our counselors weighs in. Link to Counseling ServicesTo support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Identifying sneaky (and often accepted) idols, plus how to stay away from online scammers, and understanding the basics of holistic health. Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Tearing Down Our Most Common Idols We all have things we enjoy — and many of them are very good things. Maybe you love sports, or working out, or doing the job you do. Maybe you desire to be married, or maybe you have fun following your favorite celebrities or even Christian influencers on social media. But at what point do these things become idols? Are you afraid they’ve eclipsed your faith and even God himself in your own time and affections? Our guests describe some of the idols they’ve propped up, how they finally got honest with themselves, and what they did to reprioritize their hearts and attention. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Protect Yourself From Online Scams Identity theft. Social media scams. Bank account hacks. With so many opportunities to fall prey to online scammers, how do you keep yourself safe? Cybersecurity expert Rhett Saunders divulges the latest tricks and traps, and shares steps you can take to avoid being ripped off online. The 40-Day Social Media Fast: Exchange Your Online Distractions for Real-Life Devotion PDF: Tips for a Safe Online Life Inbox: Taking Care of Your Temple Living a healthy lifestyle is not just nutrition, sleep or mental health. It’s all of that and so much more. God cares about our bodies — not just our souls — so how do we follow biblical principles for treating our bodies as the temples He says they are? Counselor Patrick Hill weighs in. Link to Counseling ServicesTo support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Finding fun and inspiration in other women, plus Bailey Hurley on what to look for in a friend, and when you’re frustrated with where life has you. Featured musical artist: All Sons Daughters Roundtable: Finding Quality Female Friends Ladies, who’s someone from your friend group you can laugh and have fun with? And who inspires and challenges you? The truth is, we need both types of friends. This week, a group of women tells which of their friendships bring out the best in them, how they cultivate them, and why these types of friendships matter. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Friendship That Goes the Distance What’s the current state of your friendships? As a friendship coach, Bailey Hurley is passionate about helping people develop healthy relationships. She joins us this week to share strategic filters she applies for choosing friends, how to have realistic expectations of others, and what it looks like to be a giver and not just a taker. Together Is a Beautiful Place: Finding, Keeping, and Loving Our Friends Inbox: Should I Be Further Along in Life? At age 25, our listener isn’t sure what he wants to do for a career. It’s to a point where he’s feeling aimless and frustrated. How can he figure out what kind of job he wants and if it’ll be enough to provide for a family? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Finding fun and inspiration in other men, plus Scott Kedersha on doing devotions as a dating couple, and how guys can serve single moms. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Finding Quality Male Friends Guys, who’s someone from your friend group you can laugh and have fun with? And who inspires and challenges you? The truth is, we need both types of friends. This week, a group of guys tells which of their friendships bring out the best in them, how they cultivate them, and why these types of friendships matter. Leave Us a Voicemail Find Us on YouTube Culture: Devotions for Dating CouplesSpiritual compatibility is the most important part of your dating relationship, but we’ve heard that going too deep spiritually with your date can force inappropriate intimacy. Is there a balance? Pastor Scott Kedersha from Harris Creek Baptist Church has written a devotional for couples who are dating or engaged. He’ll discuss healthy boundaries in praying with your date, how to study the Bible together, and why knowing a person’s spiritual patterns and beliefs is good intel for assessing marriage potential. The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide: 100 Prayers for Dating and Engaged Couples Inbox: Men Serving Single Moms Our listener has many friends who are single mothers. He wants to reach out and offer practical help, but how can he do so without overstepping his bounds? Counselor Patrick Hill weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Help your married friends set you up, plus how to read the news with discernment, and thoughts on dating couples doing devotions together. Featured musical artist: JJ Heller Roundtable: Your Role in Being Set UpIt’s flattering when friends and family try to set you up. It can lead to a happy and successful dating relationship — or even marriage. At other times, it can lead to awkwardness and strained friendships. Our guests share their perspectives on the dos and don’ts of successful setups. With funny stories and practical takeaways, this conversation will give you tools to make your dating journey smoother and more fun. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: How to Navigate the NewsToday’s news is littered with bias. Everyone has an agenda, and it’s hard to separate the facts from opinion, interpretation, and flat-out manipulation. How can we determine what’s actual news and ensure we’re getting all sides of a story? Paul Batura and Gary Schneeberger are both communications pros and news junkies, having worked in radio, newspapers, public relations and beyond. They’ll share their best tips for practicing discernment when taking in headlines and commentary from around the world. A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World Link to Daily CitizenInbox: Doing Devotions as a CoupleYou and your boyfriend or girlfriend want to encourage growth in each other’s relationship with God, but should that involve praying and studying Scripture together? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Improve your listening skills, plus breaking negative family patterns, and why should Christians dress modestly? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Improve Your Listening SkillsListening is a lost art. It’s also a skill that requires focus, intention, and care for the other person. While some people are naturally better listeners, anyone can get better at making others feel heard. Our guests discuss their own struggles with listening and talk through ideas for improvement including focus, honest feedback, and how to handle interactions with a poor listener. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: Breaking Bad Family CyclesWe’ve all been affected by family brokenness. For some, it was our parents’ divorce. Others had a parent abandon them. Still others grew up in homes filled with anger, blame, shame or grief. With so much heartbreak and negative history, many young adults wonder if having their own family someday is even worth it. Members of our Focus on the Family counseling team give us hope for starting over, breaking cycles, and honoring God in the process. Hope Again: When Life Hurts and Dreams Fade Link to Counseling ServicesInbox: Does God Care What I Wear?Christians talk about how it’s important to dress modestly, but why, and what does that actually mean? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Fun ideas for boosting your intelligence, plus Alisa Childers tackles more sneaky cultural lies, and is dating multiple people at once OK? Featured musical artist: John WallerRoundtable: Boost Your IntelligenceYou don’t need to spend all your free time scrolling social media or binging Netflix. What if you resolved to improve your intelligence in 2024? Our guests share what areas they want to become more competent in this year and why. They’ll also discuss how they plan to make it happen without becoming performance-driven or arrogant. Leave Us a VoicemailCulture: The World Is Lying to Us (Part 2)Have you heard someone reference “their truth”? It may sound harmless — even affirming — but it’s a concept that is founded on a lie. Sadly, numerous untruths have infiltrated our cultural vocabulary, and sometimes even Christians don’t recognize how deceptive they are. Christian apologist and author Alisa Childers joins us for a candid conversation around unbiblical statements, platitudes and promises that sound good but are in fact dangerous. In part two she addresses the myths of “God just wants you to be happy,” “You shouldn’t judge,” and “It’s all about love.” Live Your Truth and Other Lies: Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed Inbox: Is Dating Multiple People OK?Is it acceptable to date multiple people at the same time? Our host Lisa Anderson weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Stories of porn addiction recovery, plus how God saved a marriage from pornography, and when to talk about past traumas in a dating relationship. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Overcoming Porn Addiction (Part 1) Pornography addiction is increasingly common today, even among Christians. It’s a struggle many don’t want to admit, and freedom often feels out of reach. But our guests have broken the pornography cycle, and they join us this week to share their stories: what worked (and what didn’t) and why through God’s grace, freedom from sexual sin is possible. Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services Culture: When Porn Shows Up on Your Honeymoon Mark and Rosie Makinney were on their honeymoon when a terrible secret was discovered — Mark was addicted to pornography. Rosie confronted him and together they began a journey to see if Mark was serious about his sin and if their marriage could be saved. You’ll hear their incredible testimony of God’s redemption, plus Mark’s no-holds-barred account of what he had to give up to finally crush porn’s hold on him. Fight for Love: How to Take Your Marriage Back from Porn Hope Restored Inbox: When To Reveal Trauma to Your Date Everything from past sexual experiences to self-harm, abuse and other traumas can be hard to discuss when dating. If you’ve made decisions you deeply regret, when is the right time to bring them up in a relationship? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
When you need a dating “time out,” plus QA with Tovares and Safa Grey, and how to respond when your gay friends ask you to affirm their choices. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: How to Pause Your Dating Life Dating can be exciting, but for certain reasons you may need to occasionally take a break. How do you know when a pause is necessary? And how long should it be? Our guests share the benefits they’ve seen in seasons of flying solo, and how to make a break work best for you. Oh, we also talk about how to not over-spiritualize non-dating or use it as an excuse for passive behavior or bitterness. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: QA With Tovares and Safa Grey Our friends Tovares and Safa Grey, founders of Godly Dating 101, have returned — this time in person! They address the most common dating questions they get from followers, the biggest mistakes singles make in waiting for a spouse, and lessons they’ve learned since tying the knot. Link to Godly Dating 101 Inbox: When a Gay Friend Asks for Affirmation You have a gay friend who asks for your support of their sexual choices. Amid intense cultural pressure and the desire to love your friend, how do you respond in a God-honoring way? Gender and sexuality analyst Jeff Johnston weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
When friends and family urge you to date, plus Hannah Schermerhorn on lessons she learned in singleness, and being a sympathetic listener. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Feeling Pressured to Date Friends and family are our biggest cheerleaders, but it’s unhelpful when they keep asking, “Have you found someone yet?” If you’ve fielded that question for what seems like the thousandth time, what can you do? We share ideas for responding with grace when others pressure you to date. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: One Woman’s Singleness Journey For Hannah Schermerhorn, being single felt like admitting failure. After a broken engagement, she struggled to put the pieces of her heart together. But through that journey, she learned singleness can actually be a wonderful season with unexpected blessings. She joins us to tell her story, including an assurance that being a single adult doesn’t make you a second-class citizen. A Single Life to Live: Stop Waiting for Your Life to Begin and Thrive Where God Has You Today Inbox: How Can I Listen to a Friend’s Problem? When anyone approaches our listener with a problem, he finds himself wanting to give advice rather than listening and showing compassion. How can he beef up his listening skills? Counselor Linda Miller weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Discussing how we spent the summer, plus Covenant Eyes’ Sam Black on the church’s role in porn recovery, and how do you stop a panic attack? Featured musical artist: Audio Adrenaline Roundtable: Did You Have a Productive Summer? Now that summer is coming to a close, it’s time to take stock: What went well with this season of longer and supposedly carefree days, and what do you wish you’d done differently? Lisa and our guests started out with high hopes and open calendars, and now admit their share of both highlights and disappointments. If you wish your summer had gone differently (or you’re discouraged heading into fall), we’ll give a few ideas for redeeming the remaining days and staying hopeful for the months to come. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Why Porn Addicts Need the Church Sam Black is director of recovery education at Covenant Eyes, a trusted ministry designed to help people in their journey out of porn addiction. Sam shares his story and provides reasons and ways the church must (and can) be a safe place of recovery for addicts. Join us for this hopeful and practical conversation about the power of vulnerable community done right. The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It Find the Victory App Inbox: How to Stop a Panic Attack Whenever our listener faces a stressor – whether it’s money, work or relationships – he finds himself battling a full-blown panic attack. What can he do? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Recognizing God in daily life, plus cultivating a good relationship with your parents, and what to do when you disagree with your parents’ advice. Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: Seeing God’s Hand in Everyday Life We look at big, life-changing events and say, “Only God could’ve done that!” But what about the everyday moments? What about the situations that seem entirely ordinary? Is God in those, too? This week we’re talking about the many ways we’re currently seeing God’s hand in our lives, and we’ll give you a few ideas for recognizing Him in yours as well. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Do You Get Along With Your Parents? One of the hardest parts about becoming an adult is navigating the tricky relational shift with your parents. You want to honor and respect them, but what if they still treat you like a kid? What if you struggle to understand their lifestyle or decisions? What if they’re a bit too clingy or nosy? For Rhonda Stoppe and her son Brandon, the journey has had plenty of ups, downs, and lightbulb moments along the way. In our conversation, they offer hope for a healthy, mature and balanced parent-child relationship. In fact, they’ll even argue that parents and their adult children can (gasp!) become friends. Moms Raising Sons to Be Men: Guiding Them Toward Their Purpose and Passion Rhonda’s Website Inbox: When You Don’t Like a Parent’s Advice Your parents may mean well, but what happens when you flat-out disagree with their advice? Is this a time to take it, ignore it, or call them out? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Butting into a friend’s dating life, plus making church a haven for victims of abuse, and what if your best friend doesn’t like your other friends? Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: Getting Involved in Your Friend’s Dating Life Your friend is dating and you see something in the relationship that concerns you. Is it time to speak up? If so, how? How much input should you have in friends’ relationships, anyway? Our guests (one married, one engaged, one single) offer pointers on how to “meddle with grace” in situations like these. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Is Church a Safe Place for the Abused? Dr. James Reeves felt God call him to make the church he pastored a place of healing for those who’ve been sexually abused. The impact of the church’s ministry has been felt throughout the Dallas community since its inception, and now it is leading the way for other churches to follow suit. Dr. Reeves and Focus on the Family counselor Geremy Keeton discuss why church should be the safest place for those who’ve been abused, and what it looks like to make that happen. The Fearless Series Website The Wounded Heart Link to Counseling Services Link to Articles for Help for Abusive Relationships Inbox: Best Friend vs. Other Friends Your best friend feels he or she doesn’t fit in with your other friends, and isn’t afraid to say so. Is this a problem with your bestie or with everyone else? How can you discuss this in a loving and constructive manner? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Struggling to find your dream job, plus recovery from religious trauma, and when you’re in a relationship but have a crush on someone else. Featured musical artist: Vertical Worship Roundtable: What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? Figuring out your career path can be intimidating, and it’s rarely a straight line of opportunities and decisions. Few of us knew for certain what we wanted to do upon graduating from college, and some of us still haven’t found our career sweet spot. What’s the answer? Is it trial and error? Taking another career assessment? Prayer and fasting? All of the above? Our roundtable guests have been there, and they infuse this week’s conversation with practical tips and encouragement for trusting God with our vocational futures. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Hope After Spiritual Trauma Most Christians have at some point experienced a version of church hurt. In many cases, it’s been emotionally and spiritually traumatic. Whether it’s abuse, rejection, betrayal, moral failure or a massive church split, spiritual trauma is real. In the midst of it (or in the aftermath), how do you stay close to God? How do you trust His heart, and how do you find healing? Counselor Rob Jackson has years of pastoral and clinical counseling experience and has worked with many people on recovery in this sphere. If you’re struggling with pain from church wounds, this discussion may help you move forward. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering Link to Counseling Services Inbox: When You Have a Crush on Someone Else What do you do if you’re in a serious relationship but you have a crush on someone else? Counselor Kari Aho weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Maintaining hope for your future marriage, plus ways to share the gospel online, and how do you break a cursing habit? Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Why Marriage Is Worth It With all the negative messages about marriage these days, it’s easy to wonder: Can marriage really work? Isn’t it easier to remain single? While singleness is itself a great calling, for those who are meant to marry some extra encouragement may be necessary. Our guests this week provide inspiration to stay the course and believe in marriage as a good thing. As Lisa says, “God’s still in the business of making great matches.” If marriage is in your future, there is hope. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Sharing the Gospel Online Australian evangelist Ryan Hemelaar is taking advantage of life in an increasingly digital age to share the gospel with people around the world — all from the comfort of his home. As the founder of NeedGod.net, he shares exciting stories of what God is doing in online conversations, and why technology is an increasingly effective way to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Honest Evangelism: How to talk about Jesus even when it’s tough NeedGod.Net Inbox: How Can I Stop Cursing? Using profanity is a persistent struggle for many. Our listener admittedly has a cursing problem and wants strategies for how to stop. Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Knowing God’s voice, plus part two of a conversation on self-control, and how to stop imagining worst-case scenarios. Featured musical artist: Stu Garrard Roundtable: Distinguishing God’s Voice From Mine As Christians, we want to hear God’s voice, but how do we know it’s actually Him speaking? We second-guess a decision or direction, or we put out another proverbial fleece, or we wait for a bright light or booming voice — that never comes. Our guests break down their own challenges in hearing from God, including overcoming the paralysis of not knowing who or what to believe. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Learning Self-Control (Part 2) You started the year with good intentions, but they were short-lived. Now more than halfway through 2023, all of your goals, resolutions, and “I’ll do betters” have fallen by the wayside. Fortunately, author Drew Dyck is here to help. He’s consulted both the Bible and brain science to find out why self-control is so hard, but also how we can strategically build the muscle to help us form good habits that will go the distance. In part two of our conversation, Drew talks about The Habit Loop, relying on God’s strength, and how to beat technology addiction. Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science Inbox: Help for Overthinkers Our listener is struggling with overthinking things to the point where he imagines scenarios that don’t happen. Our producer, John Peardon, is no stranger to this — so he’ll encourage us with strategies that have helped him find peace of mind.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Don’t feel left out this summer, plus a conversation on self-control, and breaking up with a friend who isn’t good for you. Featured musical artist: All Sons Daughters Roundtable: Left Out of Summer Fun? You’re going about your summer and having a good time — until you discover some of your friends planned an event but didn’t invite you. Now that you think about it, a lot of things seem to be happening without you…at least if Instagram has anything to say about it. How do you respond? This week we talk about what makes us feel left out and how we can craft a contented summer regardless of who’s doing what. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Learning Self-Control (Part 1) You started the year with good intentions, but they were short-lived. Now more than halfway through 2023, all of your goals, resolutions, and “I’ll do betters” have fallen by the wayside. Fortunately, author Drew Dyck is here to help. He’s consulted both the Bible and brain science to find out why self-control is so hard, but also how we can strategically build the muscle to help us form good habits that will go the distance. In part one of our conversation, Drew extols the virtues of self-control, explains why willpower isn’t enough by itself, and how a conversation with his wife helped him take some personal inventory. Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science Inbox: When a Friend Isn’t Good for You You’re noticing that a friendship isn’t bringing out the best in you, and you’re wondering: Is it time to cut ties? Counselor Kari Aho weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to live successfully with roommates, plus Gary Thomas on the desire for marriage, and is coffee addiction sinful? Featured musical artist: Various Artists Roundtable: Tips for Getting Along With Roommates Having a roommate (or more than one) is a great option for young adults who want to save money, live in community, and grow as an individual. But not every roommate situation is created equal; some roommates are naturally easy to get along with while others can be difficult. This week we share the highs and lows we’ve experienced with roommates, how to vet potential candidates, how to have productive conversations (even around conflict), how to set expectations in a living situation, and even how to be a good roommate yourself. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Gary Thomas on Desiring Marriage Seeing friend after friend get married can feel discouraging if you’re still single with virtually no prospects. Will it ever be your turn? Pastor Gary Thomas, author of “The Sacred Search,” offers advice to those who are in a season of hoping and waiting for marriage. He’ll also suggest ways to grow in maturity and purpose as you seek a spouse. The Sacred Search: Updated Revised Inbox: Is Coffee Addiction a Sin? We naturally label as “addiction” a dependence on things like drugs and alcohol. But what about caffeine? Is being coffee-dependent a sin? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
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Wrestling with doubts about your faith, plus Gary Thomas gives book recommendations, and prioritizing time with your family. Featured musical artist: Abandon Roundtable: What If I Have Doubts About My Faith? At some point in your Christian walk, you’ll have questions about God, faith, the Bible and more. While seeking answers is a good thing, what about entertaining doubts? Does God want us to question Him? Is doubting a sign of a lack of faith — or of not being saved? Our guests open up about things they’ve struggled with and what has helped them seek and trust God amid questions, doubts and dark nights of the soul. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Book Recommendations From Gary Thomas Summer is here, and with it comes summer reading. Pastor and author Gary Thomas (hello, “The Sacred Search”) is a popular guest who is also an avid reader. If you’re looking for great books to read this summer (or anytime!), be sure to listen in as Gary gives some of his top recommendations across a wide variety of genres. The Sacred Search: Updated Revised; When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People Inbox: Spending More Time With Family Time is a precious gift — and so is family — so how do you prioritize your loved ones when your days and weeks are jam-packed with work, activities, and other pastimes? Our host Lisa Anderson weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
What guys need in a friend, plus Alisha Plummer on singles in church, and are most Christian men on dating sites OK with premarital sex? Featured musical artist: Aaron Strumpel Roundtable: What Men Need From Friendships Friendships are essential for emotional and relational health; without them, our lives can easily become self-centered and empty. But what exactly do men and women need from their friends, and what should we be willing to give? This week, a group of guys discuss friendship from a male perspective. They share what makes a friendship meaningful, how to go deeper in friendship, and how to call each other out when necessary. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Including Singles at Church With most churches programmed for couples and families, it’s easy for single adults to feel left out. But Scripture affirms singles as a vital part of the family as well as the body of Christ. Alisha Plummer is a Christian single with constructive ideas for how the church can better integrate its unmarried members. If you’re feeling alone at church, this will be an encouraging discussion. Confessions of a Christian Spinster: Finding Purpose in a Perplexed and Paired-Up Church Inbox: Men and Premarital Sex Our listener says many of the guys she’s met on dating apps say their faith is important — yet they don’t have a problem justifying premarital sex. She’s pretty upset about it. Is this a male problem, or is there something bigger here? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
What girls need in a friend, plus Laurie Polich Short on trusting God’s timing, and tips for those struggling in their first job out of college. Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: What Women Need From Friendships Friendships are essential for emotional and relational health; without them, our lives can easily become self-centered and empty. But what exactly do men and women need from their friends, and what should we be willing to give? This week, a group of ladies discuss friendship from a female perspective. They share what makes a friendship meaningful, how to go deeper in friendship, what to do when a relationship fizzles, and more. (Next week: the men!) Leave us a Voicemail Hear Laurie’s Story of Waiting for Marriage! Culture: Trusting God’s Timing What do you do when God says, “Wait”? Or maybe you’re wondering if He’s saying anything at all. Trusting God’s timing and plan is no easy feat. Laurie Polich Short has relied on God during several seasons of waiting, including years of being single (she got married for the first time at age 49). Laurie will share strategies for waiting well, how to listen to God in what seems like silence, and why letting God call the shots is always worth it. Faith, Doubt and God’s Mysterious Timing: 30 Biblical Insights About the Way God Works Hear Laurie’s Story of Waiting for Marriage! Watch Laurie’s Video Series Inbox: Launching a Career She’s struggling with her first job out of college. Is there a way to get a jump-start and make progress when you’re new to the workforce? HR expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Reflecting on 800 episodes, plus more with Dr. Greg Smalley on preparing for a great marriage, and is church membership biblical? Featured musical artist: David Baloche Roundtable: Celebrating #800 Thanks to you, our listeners, we’ve reached our 800th episode! To mix things up, show producer John Peardon and audio engineer Alex Seeley take a turn hosting the roundtable — with Lisa Anderson as their guest. They ask her to reflect on hosting 800 episodes, plus everything from which Bible character she’d want to trade places with for a day, to things she wants Christians to stop doing, and skills she’s used from previous jobs in her current role. Leave us a Voicemail Culture: Preparing for Your Future Marriage (Part 2) Many singles dream of finding a spouse. But after that comes…marriage. Marriage is fantastic, but not easy. Are there things to learn before marriage that will set you up for better success in marriage? To help frame our perspective on what makes marriage work, Dr. Greg Smalley instructs us how to think about love from a godly perspective. In part two, he’ll address how love needs time to grow, plus why true love embraces and endures. Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast Marriage Assessment Inbox: Should You Join a Church? Most Christians would agree that being part of a local church is important; but is it necessary to be a member rather than just attend? Is that biblical? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Is Church Membership Important?To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Dating without losing yourself, plus Dr. Greg Smalley on preparing for a great marriage, and when does a relationship reach the “serious” stage? Featured musical artist: Stu Garrard Roundtable: Don’t Lose Yourself in Dating It happens all the time: Two people fall in love — then go MIA. You don’t see them except when they’re together (if that). But it’s not healthy to lose yourself in another person at any stage, so how can we encourage a healthier approach to dating? What are appropriate boundaries and rhythms to keep in mind? Our guests have walked the dating journey with ups and downs in this area, and they’ll offer ideas for enjoying and getting to know another person without losing your independence. Culture: Preparing for Your Future Marriage (Part 1) Many singles dream of finding a spouse. But after that comes…marriage. Marriage is fantastic, but not easy. Are there things to learn before marriage that will set you up for better success in marriage? To help frame our perspective on what makes marriage work, Dr. Greg Smalley instructs us how to think about love from a godly perspective. In part one of our conversation, he’ll address the principles of commitment, seeking God, and honoring your significant other. Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance for your donation of any amount! Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast Inbox: When Does a Relationship Become “Serious”? He’s not been in a serious dating relationship before, but recently started chatting with a girl who lives 1,300 miles away. He’s planning to visit her soon and sees her as someone he could date. But he’s wondering: When does a relationship reach the “serious” stage, and what does he need to know in light of that? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Boundless Guides to Marrying Well To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Finding joy amid depression, plus Jonathan Pokluda on Christians and alcohol, and should high-schoolers date?Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Finding Joy When It Feels ImpossibleChristians are called to live joyful lives; after all, joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. But how do you find joy when your entire world feels dark and hopeless? Our guests know the deep valleys of depression and anxiety; they have fought for joy in the trenches and have seen God show up. They’ll share their personal journeys as well as insight and encouragement for those struggling to trust God’s goodness from under the heaviness of life’s burdens.Paul’s Book: Beauty in the Browns: Walking With Christ in the Darkness of DepressionLink to Counseling Services Culture: What Does the Bible Say About Booze?For Christians, consuming alcohol is a divisive subject. Wherever you are on the “is it OK?” spectrum, there is biblical wisdom around the issue that everyone should consider. Pastor Jonathan Pokluda shares his own relationship, past and present, with drinking, and he and Lisa discuss current cultural cues around alcohol that could benefit from a healthier, God-honoring perspective.Link to Article: The Latest Buzz Around Christians and AlcoholInbox: Dating in High SchoolAre high-schoolers too young to date? Why or why not? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Detoxing from social media addiction, plus more with JP Pokluda on killing bad habits, and is it wrong to date if you aren’t ready for marriage? Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: How to Detox From Social Media You intend to “just check” your social media accounts, but a few minutes turn into an hour or more of mindless scrolling. You’ve tried to stop before, but the lure of the screen and its endless notifications are too much. You promise to do something about it…tomorrow. If this sounds like you, it may be time for a detox. To help motivate you, our guests describe what has helped them control the time spent on their phones, specifically with social media. They’ll also talk about the life gains they’ve seen as a result, and share ideas for replacing screen time with real relationships. Culture: JP Pokluda on Breaking Bad Habits (Part 2) Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do? Replace Deadly Vices With Life-Giving Virtues Inbox: Dating Without Marriage in Mind Is it wrong to date if you aren’t ready to get married? Counselor Kari Aho weighs in. In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul is candid about his struggle with sin: “Why do I do what I don’t want to do?” Pastor Jonathan Pokluda asks the same question in his latest book (titled exactly that!). We can all relate, but what do we do about it? Is it possible to replace vices with virtues and bad habits with good ones? Is it possible to not let sin have mastery over us? In part two of our conversation, JP will tackle three battles we all face: perception management vs. authenticity, busyness vs. rest, and cynicism vs. optimism.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Evaluating your morning routine, plus JP Pokluda on killing bad habits, and advice for a virgin considering marriage to someone who isn’t. Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: The Importance of Morning RoutinesHow you start your day is incredibly important to your productivity and overall well-being — but what works for you may not work for someone else. Our guests share what they like best about their morning routines, what they’d like to change, and the gains they’ve seen from structuring their mornings (even a little bit). If you’re looking to craft a better start to your day, you’ll definitely want to tune in. Culture: JP Pokluda on Breaking Bad Habits (Part 1) In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul is candid about his struggle with sin: “Why do I do what I don’t want to do?” Pastor Jonathan Pokluda asks the same question in his latest book (titled exactly that!). We can all relate, but what do we do about it? Is it possible to replace vices with virtues and bad habits with good ones? Is it possible to not let sin have mastery over us? In part one of our conversation, JP will share how Christians drift into sin, and tackles two of the book’s main themes: replacing pride with humility, and choosing self-control over lust.Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do? Replace Deadly Vices with Life-Giving Virtues Inbox: When a Virgin Marries a Non-VirginOur listener is still a virgin but wants to marry someone who isn’t. Are there things to consider? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in with hope and practical advice. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Insight on recent campus revivals, plus the gospel in light of CRT and racial unity, and when your spouse seems spiritually stunted.Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Understanding Mass RevivalsEarlier this year, we saw spiritual revivals happen at college campuses around the country. There was both excitement and skepticism around these much-publicized events, leaving many asking about the nature of revival as well as its spiritual impact and implications. Two pastors join us this week to explain the biblical interpretation of revival as well as what true revival looks like, plus lessons learned from various revivals throughout history.8 Simple Ways to Boost Your Faith This Year Culture: The Gospel and Racial UnityFor years, Monique Duson was an advocate of critical race theory (CRT); as a black woman from south central Los Angeles, it seemed like the natural fit. But when she was challenged to look at CRT through the lens of the gospel, Monique changed her tune. While she agrees that CRT raises some necessary questions, she feels most of the assumptions and conclusions presented by CRT run far afield from truth. Monique challenges Christians to approach racial unity from a posture of biblical grace, recognizing what is already ours in Christ. Listen in for a fascinating discussion from a leading thinker in this space. Featured Article: Beyond Racial Division: A Conversation With Sociologist George Yancey Featured Website: Center for Biblical Unity Featured Resource: Boundless Guides to Marrying Well Featured Video: Monique Duson’s Lighthouse Voices Event Inbox: When You Question Your Spouse’s Christian WalkWhat can a believer do when his or her spouse professes Christ, but isn’t evidencing the Fruit of the Spirit in their life? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Pastors discuss the meaning of grace, plus decluttering and cleaning tips from a professional organizer, and should we fast to discern God’s will?Featured musical artist: Daniel BashtaRoundtable: A Practical Understanding of God’s Grace Christians love talking about God’s grace — but what does grace really mean for our everyday lives? Is it about salvation? Forgiveness? Just getting through the day? Two pastors discuss some of the misconceptions Christians have about grace, why a biblical understanding of grace is unique, and how grace can empower us to live the Christian life.Culture: Spring Cleaning and DeclutteringSpring is typically the season when we clean out our clutter, tidy up, and get more organized — or at least we say we will. Professional organizer Jaimi Stewart joins us with practical tips for bringing your good intentions to life. She’ll tackle everything from closets to tech to papers to your wardrobe. Get ready to toss, file and give away!Featured Article: The Spiritual Practice of Spring Cleaning Featured Website: The Simple SortInbox: Fasting to Find God’s WillOur listener has some big decisions coming up and has been told fasting can help as she prays for God’s direction. How can she practically approach this? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
When your identity is in the wrong things, plus unique advice for Hispanic young adults, and concerns about Christians and romantic entertainment.Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: The Identity Traps of Work, Relationships and HobbiesWe all struggle with giving something we value too much influence over us. Whether it’s our career, a relationship or a favorite hobby, anything we love can become a competitor with God for our time and affection. How can we find our identity in who God says we are instead of relying on people, experiences or acclaim to declare our worth? Our guests share their identity traps, how they put them in their proper place, and why they’re learning to find joy in Christ. Culture: Reaching the Hispanic Community for ChristEsteban Porras grew up in church, watching his dad preach and seeing many in his community and beyond come to Christ. But as a young adult, he had to travel his own faith journey, and it was influenced by his cultural context growing up in Costa Rica. He recently got married, had a baby and moved to the United States to continue Christian ministry to the Hispanic community here. As an integral part of the Enfoque a la Familia team, Esteban has his finger on the pulse of faith and family among Hispanics worldwide. In this interview, he talks about what trends he’s seeing among Spanish-speaking young adults, dating advice for them as they navigate unique family contexts, and how God is uniquely growing the faith of those in the Hispanic community. Link to Enfoque a la FamiliaInbox: Romantic Entertainment and the ChristianWho doesn’t love a good love story? In light of that, is it a wise or unwise thing for Christians to watch romantic movies and TV? Is enjoying them a sign that we’re not being careful to guard our hearts? Lisa Anderson weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Learning to pray, plus thoughts on sexual purity before marriage, and what to do when singleness feels like suffering.Featured musical artist: David Baloche Roundtable: How to Pray in a Meaningful WaySome people seem to pray with ease, while others struggle with it. Are there “good” prayers and ways to pray? Our guests discuss some of their challenges with prayer, how they’ve learned to pray, and what it means to be honest with God. If you find prayer a difficult discipline, you’ll be encouraged by this conversation.Culture: Sexual Purity in Preparation for Marriage If you grew up in the church, you may have been taught (or at least assumed) that a discussion around purity was about not having sex before marriage. But instead of a list of don’ts, what if it’s something deeper and ultimately freeing? Tovares Grey is back to discuss ideas around biblical sexuality that are helpful in preparing for a godly marriage. As the founder of Godly Dating 101, he’ll share misconceptions he had about sex, sin and temptation; why we should trust God with our sexuality, and how God redeems sexual brokenness in those who want to be healed. Godly Dating 101: Discover the Truth About Relationships in a World That Constantly Lies Inbox: Suffering in Singleness?Our listener is struggling to see singleness as a gift. While the Bible says it’s an honorable calling, what do you do when it feels more like suffering? Lisa Anderson weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Successfully dating long-distance, plus becoming a master communicator, and is it OK to keep finances separate in marriage?Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Living Through a Long-Distance RelationshipLong-distance dating can be exciting, but it’s not without its pitfalls. To help those working through long-distance relational dynamics, we brought in guests who’ve walked that journey to engagement and marriage. They’ll share some of the challenges they had to overcome, what God taught them in that season, and what you need to be aware of if you pursue a relationship across states, time zones or even continents.Culture: Improve Your Communication Skills Despite technology that keeps us incredibly connected and reachable, record numbers of young adults feel isolated and lonely. Are real relationships, conversations and connections a thing of the past? Dr. Heather Holleman is a professor at Penn State who joins us this week to offer practical wisdom on improving your communication skills by looking others in the eye, staying attuned to them, avoiding toxic conversations, and learning to listen well.The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Incivility Inbox: His and Hers Finances?Her friend recently met a guy online, but the relationship is already revealing some red flags. In particular, he has said that if they eventually get married they should each have their own bank accounts, and their assets would always be kept separate in case of divorce. Is this biblical? Should our listener provide counsel to her friend? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Having a good relationship with your siblings, plus understanding your conflict style, and finding hope after losing a parent.Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: Getting Along With Your SiblingsYour siblings will always be part of your story, even when you’re an adult. Learning to love and understand them can be a challenge, whether because of age, gender, personality or experience. This week’s guests discuss some of the challenges they’ve overcome in their sibling relationships, plus how the dynamics have changed with age and life stage, and how to have hope if a sibling relationship is strained or distant. Culture: What’s Your Conflict Style? Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but everyone handles it differently. To offer practical understanding for managing conflict, Dr. Danny Huerta shares five common conflict styles. He helps us determine our style, the pitfalls of each, and how we can do conflict better by understanding our tendencies. Sharing practical examples from his own relationships, Danny gives us the tools to turn conflict into a positive part of loving others. Link to Counseling ServicesConflict Styles Quiz: Which Conflict Style Do You Have? Inbox: Finding Healing After Losing a ParentFive years ago, Lisa’s mom died after a long battle with dementia. Losing a parent is one of the most difficult things to experience, but healing is possible with God’s help and peace. Lisa offers a few insights that will help you or someone you know walk through the pain of personal loss and grief.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Keeping yourself motivated to learn, plus navigating mental health issues and dating, and some of Lisa’s favorite Scriptures.Featured musical artist: Aaron ShustRoundtable: How to Love LearningWhether you’re still in school or have long since graduated, you should always strive to grow and try new things. But where do you get started? Our guests share their journeys with learning, including why getting outside your comfort zone is a good thing, finding opportunities to learn new things, and if they had to try something new, what would it be?Culture: Mental Health Struggles and DatingMany have written to us wondering if their mental health struggles might keep them from ever entering the dating pool. To bring some clarity on what’s needed to be ready to date, we invited Dr. Danny Huerta to the conversation. He’ll share the most common mental health struggles, how to know if you’re healthy enough to date, and when mental health issues are a red flag.Link to Counseling ServicesWhat is Mental Health and Why Is It Important for Your Family? Inbox: Lisa’s Favorite Scriptures Have you ever wondered what Lisa Anderson’s favorite Bible verses are and why? She answers that very question this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Appreciating different seasons of life, plus lessons from the American story, and is embryo freezing OK for Christians?Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSCRoundtable: Navigating Life’s Varied SeasonsSpring is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Fresh starts, new life, longer days. To help us anticipate it, we talk about what we’re most looking forward to in this colorful season. We also discuss the changing seasons of life including job changes, big moves, and when friendships come and go. Culture: How We Learn From HistoryMany have a cynical view of where things are in America. But one of the best ways to engage the culture may be as simple as learning where we came from. Tim Goeglein is passionate about American history, working in Washington, DC as a policy liaison and government operative. Tim talks us through the lessons from history we’d do well to learn, plus insight on election exhaustion and how to put Christ above politics.Receive the book "Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story" for your donation of any amount!Inbox: How Should Christians Discuss Embryo Freezing?She doesn’t think embryo freezing is a good idea, but knows others who think it’s OK, especially when considering future family planning. Is it morally right or wrong? Our friend and medical expert David Davis weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
A proper perspective on influencers, plus an insider’s look at Elisabeth Elliot, and helping a friend in an unplanned pregnancy.Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Admiring or Idolizing an Influencer? We all have that person we admire or enjoy following on social media and beyond — the star athlete, actor or musician, famous pastor/theologian, or popular influencer. While we may have good reason to look up to a person for their wisdom, talent or accomplishments, at what point does admiring someone cross a line over into idolatry? Our guests discuss people they admire and why, how to keep perspective, and why the blueprint for our lives has to come from somewhere other than the people around us — no matter how amazing they are.Culture: Elisabeth Elliot on the Heart of GodIf you ask for the names of the most influential Christian women of the past century, the name Elisabeth Elliot is usually one of the first names mentioned. Missionary, author, speaker, teacher: Elisabeth was a pioneer in Christian service and discipleship. Kathy Reeg is the president of the Elisabeth Elliot Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving Elisabeth’s legacy and making her writings and wisdom available for the next generation. Kathy shares insider insight into Elisabeth’s giftings and passions, what we can learn from Elisabeth’s life, and a sneak peek at a previously unpublished and recently discovered book of Elisabeth’s titled “Heart of God.”Heart of God: 31 Days to Discover God’s Love for YouThe Elisabeth Elliot Foundation Timeline of Elisabeth Elliot’s Life Inbox: Helping a Friend Through an Unplanned PregnancyShe’s asking a very important but sensitive question: What are some dos and don’ts for supporting an unmarried friend who is now unexpectedly pregnant? Also, are there any recommended resources for me as I navigate this season with her? Our friend Robyn Chambers weighs in.See Life Video SeriesValuing Life from the Start Option Ultrasound Support Your Local Pro-Life Pregnancy Medical ClinicAlternatives to Abortion: Pregnancy Resource CentersHopeful Choice: What is a Pregnancy Help Center? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Advice for dating someone from a different culture, plus finding godly and gifted pastors, and do mental health issues make marriage off-limits? The Focused PastorFeatured musical artist: Danen Kane Roundtable: Cultural Differences in DatingWhat are some things you should know when dating someone from a different cultural background? To help answer this question and address some dos and don’ts for the process, our panelists are ready to speak the truth. With personal experience in making cross-cultural relationships work, they’ll share their own stories of meeting and falling in love, the most common barriers they had to overcome, and why an open mind and an appreciation for healthy differences makes marriage even richer.Culture: What Makes a Good Pastor?Josh Zeichik’s job is to support, equip and encourage pastors. In this role, he rubs shoulders with seasoned pastors, new pastors, visionary pastors, and pastors just trying to stay afloat in a world of increasingly challenging ministry. Josh tells us the signs of a healthy pastor, plus the red flags you’ll find flying around those who probably shouldn’t be leading a church. He’ll also share how to best get to know and support your pastor, and what you should expect from a shepherd leader.Inbox: Do Mental Health Issues Mean I Shouldn’t Marry?She’s very much aware that the Bible says, “Those who marry will face many troubles in this life.” So does that mean that with her mental health challenges she should steer clear of marriage and avoid throwing fuel on the fire? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.Link to Counseling ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Tips for relocating to a new city, plus more from Debra Fileta on healthy habits, and should you be a bridesmaid when there are red flags?Featured musical artist: Ginny Owens Roundtable: Adjusting to Life in a New PlaceRelocating to a new city or state can be one of life’s most daunting yet exciting opportunities. To truly build community in a new place takes time, patience and intention. Listen in this week as we discuss the struggle to settle in, how to make friends in a new place, and fun ways to discover the best your new hometown has to offer.Culture: Need a Life Tune-Up? (Part 2)We’re more than a month into the new year, so maybe you’ve strayed a bit from your well-intentioned goals and resolutions. Fear not: To get back on track, we brought in our counselor and friend Debra Fileta to discuss how to press the “reset” button and establish healthy habits in multiple life spheres. In part two of our discussion, she’ll address taking your unhealthy thoughts captive, dealing with feelings of discouragement, and finding healing from emotional baggage.True Love DatesInbox: Can I Support Her as a Bridesmaid?A friend recently asked her to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding, but our listener sees red flags in the relationship. Is it best to stand up for her as a friend — or decline out of principle? Lisa Anderson weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Enjoying Valentine’s Day as a single, plus Debra Fileta on healthy habits, and recovering from an ambiguous breakup.Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Valentine’s Day Won’t Kill YouValentine’s Day when you’re single can feel lonely and “less than,” but it doesn’t need to be a day wasted. With a little creativity, the day can still be meaningful and fun, even if you don’t have a date lined up. Our guests (all single!) discuss ways to avoid mental ruts and self-pity on Valentine’s Day, how to make the most of the holiday, and their idea of an ideal Valentine’s Day date. Find True Love on Valentine’s Day Culture: Need a Life Tune-Up?We’re more than a month into the new year, so maybe you’ve strayed a bit from your well-intentioned goals and resolutions. Fear not: To get back on track, we brought in our counselor and friend Debra Fileta to discuss how to press the “reset” button and establish healthy habits in multiple life spheres. In part one of our discussion, she’ll discuss wanting to change, starting with a pause, owning your faults, and why life is not a one-man show.Inbox: Remind Me Why We’re Breaking Up?She recently went through a breakup where there was a lack of clarity from the guy. He claims that he was attracted to her but the romance in their relationship was lacking. Now she’s wondering how important romance actually is for marriage. Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Getting closer to God solo and with others, plus Nick and Chelsea Hurst’s tips on marriage-minded dating, and discussing marriage with your parents.Featured musical artist: Ellie Holcomb Roundtable: You, God, and OthersGetting closer to God doesn’t happen by accident — you must make it a priority and have supportive friends who’ll spur you on in your faith. To offer practical ideas for growing in your walk with Jesus, our roundtable panelists share practices that have helped them personally, and discuss why community is critical to our spiritual growth.Culture: Marriage-Minded DatingNick and Chelsea Hurst’s love story started through a DM on Twitter. After meeting in person, they quickly got to know one another, fell in love, and felt God’s call to get married. But they still had things to work through as their relationship progressed. In this conversation, Nick and Chelsea address working through communication problems, handling secrets, and how to know if you’re spiritually compatible with your significant other. Marriage Minded: 10 Ways to Know If You’ve Found the OneInbox: Talking Marriage With Your ParentsHer boyfriend recently had a conversation with her dad about proposing to her. However, she’s not in the best place financially, and doesn’t feel comfortable discussing marriage with her parents. What can she do? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Celebrating 15 Years of “The Boundless Show”: Episode 782The podcast turns 15 years old, plus founder Steve Watters on how the show started, and Lisa Anderson recounts several favorite episode momentsFeatured musical artist: Liz ViceRoundtable: Happy 15th Birthday to “The Boundless Show”!Exactly 15 years ago today, on January 26, 2008, the first episode of “The Boundless Show” went live. We appreciate the ways you, the listener, have supported this podcast and made this special anniversary possible. To celebrate what God has done, we’re recapping some amazing memories and moments from the show. Join Lisa as she takes a look back at the show through the years. Culture: “The Boundless Show’s” Origin StorySteve and Candice Watters started Boundless.org in 1998 as a “webzine” to help Christian young adults live out their faith. In this special interview, Steve joins Lisa to share how Boundless went from being an online magazine to also becoming a weekly podcast. He tells us how the podcast got started, why Lisa was chosen as the host, and gives advice to listeners on following Jesus today.Boundless.org Inbox: Lisa’s Favorite Show MomentsAfter 15 years of hosting “The Boundless Show,” we thought it would be fun to ask Lisa what some of her favorite moments have been throughout the show’s history. If you’ve ever wondered, this is your chance to find out. Episode 52: Fighting Against Sex Trafficking Episode 80: I Love Bill Gaither!Episode 254: All in the Family Episode 242: Randy Alcorn InterviewEpisode 288: Who is Lisa Anderson? Episode 341: Live From PursuitEpisode 385: Laurie Polich Short InterviewEpisode 386: Francis & Lisa Chan InterviewEpisode 549: How to Handle Conflict Well Episode 550: Tony Evans Interview - Part 1Episode 551: Tony Evans Interview - Part 2Episode 771: Why Church Matters (Part 1)Episode 772: Why Church Matters (Part 2) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How therapy can improve your life, plus Debbie Laaser on trauma recovery, and hope for a strained sibling relationship. Featured musical artist: About a MileRoundtable: When to Look for a CounselorCounseling isn’t just for people in crisis. All of us need a personal growth tune-up from time to time, and occasionally the best wisdom might come from a good Christian counselor. How can you know when it might be a good season to get help? And what should you look for in finding a counselor who’s a good fit? Our panel of three experienced counselors will share tips for making counseling work for you.Counseling ServiceFind a CounselorCulture: Healing From TraumaWhether it’s a breakup, losing a loved one, or feeling the sting of betrayal, your heart can take years to recover from a traumatic season or experience. Professional counselor Debbie Laaser has walked through several heart-wrenching events but learned how instead of staying stuck, God wanted to transform her through them. She’ll tell some of her story and give hope for healing beyond the darkness.From Trauma to Transformation: A Path to Healing and Growth Inbox: Sibling BullyingDiagnosed with schizophrenia, she’s experienced a spectrum of relational challenges, including bullying. Even her brother is making light of her condition, and it’s put a strain on their relationship. Is it time for a difficult conversation? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Small but measurable changes in productivity, plus the state of the pro-life movement post-Dobbs, and how to avoid online scams.Featured musical artist: Jonathan Cain Roundtable: How to Increase Your ProductivityWhen you consider your habits and goals from 2022, what went well? What areas still need improvement? As we settle into a rhythm for 2023, our guests share small changes they’re making to accomplish their goals in the new year. Listen to the discussion on cutting the clutter, managing your time, and being more productive; then implement strategies for taking your own personal growth to the next level.Culture: What’s Changed Since the Roe v. Wade Reversal?Despite the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision last June, tension has remained high around the topic of abortion in America. Some states have instituted more restrictive abortion measures while others have sought to expand abortion rights. Protests continue, but what’s the real story? Months after the ruling, what has actually changed, and what are the implications for women, babies, the courts and the future of life in our nation? Focus on the Family’s Robyn Chambers sets the record straight and offers guidance for how to champion life where it matters most.Option Ultrasound ProgramInbox: Preventing an Online Scam She was recently scammed by someone on Instagram who posed as a well-known Christian leader. She gave money to the individual and is now dealing with the repercussions. How did this happen, and how can she prevent it from happening again? Cybersecurity expert Rhett Saunders weighs in. PDF: 3 Steps to a Secure Online PresenceTo support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Setting relational goals in the new year, plus Jeanine Amapola’s breakup recovery tips, and how to politely say “no” to a second date.Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Goals for Your RelationshipsSince a new year usually prompts conversations around goals and resolutions, we thought it would be fun to discuss our relational goals for the next 12 months. Whether in dating, friendship, family, or just general communication and interpersonal prowess, our guests take a look back at their relationships in 2022, the areas they hope to grow in this year, and how to have hope for your relational future in singleness, dating and more.I Wasn’t Born to Be a MomCulture: Jeanine Amapola on Recovering From a BreakupLet’s face it: Breakups are hard. If you’ve recently or not-so-recently walked through a relationship implosion, you know it’s not something you just “get over.” And it’s doubly tough when your friends are in a season of romantic bliss (or so it seems). Jeanine Amapola, host of the “Happy and Healthy Podcast,” has seen her share of heartache. She’ll talk through a couple of her breakups, honestly dissecting what she did both wrong and right. Her insights will give us encouragement as we navigate our own stories of relational loss.Happy & Healthy PodcastInbox: What If I Don’t Want a Second Date? She was recently asked out by a guy but isn’t excited about it. She’s willing to give him a chance, but is already questioning how to turn down a second date if he asks for it. Is she overthinking this, or is there a way she can prepare for the conversation? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Ideas for a successful first date, plus popular misconceptions about dating, and the dangers of seeing every guy as a potential spouse.Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: First Date Strategies for SuccessYou’re going on a first date! Just the thought sparks more questions than answers. Will we have a good conversation? Will he be a gentleman? Is she who I think she is? To help make your first date experience better, we brought in a group of friends to share some dos and don'ts for making a good first impression, infusing fun into whatever you do, having a meaningful interaction, and determining whether a second date is a good idea.Culture: Common Misconceptions About Dating and MarriageLast spring, Boundless’ show engineer, Alex Seeley, got married. For he and his wife, Megan, it’s been a fun and eye-opening journey of learning to adjust to married life. Looking back on their dating days, Alex and Megan share common myths people believe about dating and marriage (they even admit a myth or two that tripped them up). We’ll discuss dating choices, being “too picky,” maturity in marriage, and more.Roots Episode: Debunking Popular Myths About Dating and MarriageBusting 10 Christian Dating MythsInbox: Not Every Man Is a Potential Mate How can she stop viewing every cute guy as a potential spouse? It’s making her kind of crazy, and she wants more balance in the way she approaches the men she meets. Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Expressing your faith on social media and in person, plus more from Tim Challies on processing grief, and should a breakup be part of your story?Featured musical artist: AbandonRoundtable: Living Your Faith Online and IRLAs Christians, our identity is in Christ, so there’s no way we can separate our faith from who we are and what we do. As such, our faith is reflected in everything, including our interactions with others. As we consider how we show up in relationships — whether real or virtual — what should that look like? How do we set the tone, language, actions and reactions to everything we communicate? Our panelists talk through ways they’re learning to be open about their faith, whether face-to-face or via a post, meme or Reel. Listen in as they share how to glorify God and share the love of Christ through our communication and conversations.Culture: Grief When You Least Expect It (Part 2) On November 3, 2020, Tim Challies got the call every parent dreads — his 20-year-old son, Nick, had died unexpectedly while away at college. As the grief and shock hit and then continued in waves, Tim found incredible comfort in grieving through the seasons of the following year by writing out his thoughts and emotions. In part two of our conversation, Tim discusses the spring and summer seasons after Nick’s passing — including what should have been Nick’s wedding day — and shares hard-won peace in keeping an eternal perspective on the days we are given.Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God Inbox: Is a Breakup Necessary for Relationship Success?We all know someone who’s gone through a breakup; in fact, most people experience one before they ever meet their mate. But our listener is wondering: Is a breakup a necessary part of the dating process? She’s reluctant to date because of the pain she’s seen breakups cause her friends. Lisa Anderson weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Christmas shopping on a budget, plus blogger Tim Challies on processing grief, and appropriate age gaps for dating.Featured musical artist: Ecclesia Roundtable: A Budget-Conscious ChristmasAre you still trying to finish your Christmas shopping? You’re not the only one. And with inflation and other financial pressures, gift-giving this year can seem more of a burden than a blessing. But what if truly meaningful gifts aren’t always the most expensive ones? Our panel shares ideas for fun and creative Christmas gifts and activities that will still leave money in your pocket.Culture: Grief When You Least Expect It (Part 1) On November 3, 2020, Tim Challies got the call every parent dreads — his 20-year-old son, Nick, had died unexpectedly while away at college. As the grief and shock hit and then continued in waves, Tim found incredible comfort in grieving through the seasons of the following year by writing out his thoughts and emotions. In part one of our conversation, Tim talks about the early days after receiving the tragic news, how he wrestled with God’s sovereignty amid the intense grief, and what helped him get through the dark days of that fall and winter.Inbox: Appropriate Age Gaps in DatingMany of us know a couple where the man and woman are several years (or more) apart in age. At what point does an age gap become too weird or problematic? Is there a formula for figuring out how to view age differences for relational success? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Get the book "Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God " for your donation of any amount! 4 Things to Consider When Dating With an Age DifferenceWhat to Ask When There’s an Age DifferenceTo support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Are you a planner or more spontaneous? Plus, five instincts of masculinity, and is it normal to be regularly annoyed at your boyfriend?Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Structure or Spontaneity? While some people map out their daily routines, others prefer to be more “off the cuff” and ready for anything. Each tendency has strengths and weaknesses. Our panelists share their unique approaches to life, how they both maximize and guard their temperaments, and how they flex to accommodate those who are different.Culture: 5 Masculine Instincts and What They MeanWhat does it mean to embrace godly masculinity? Pastor Chase Replogle has written “The 5 Masculine Instincts” to explore this topic. Listen in as he and Lisa break down the manifestations of sarcasm, adventure, ambition, reputation and apathy in men — how they are not necessarily sinful, yet how they can go awry. Most importantly, Chase will show us what it looks like to submit each instinct to the Lord.Get the book "The 5 Masculine Instincts: A Guide to Becoming a Better Man" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-12-08?refcd=1587405Inbox: She’s Annoyed With Her BoyfriendShe and her boyfriend have been together for almost two years, yet she finds herself regularly annoyed at him. Is this normal? Her friends tell her that annoyances get worse once you get married. Counselor Elaine Humphries weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Honoring people of different generations, plus going eyes wide open into marriage, and what if your parents don’t like your significant other?Featured musical artist: Kerrie RobertsRoundtable: Showing Honor to Other GenerationsGen X, Baby Boomers, Gen Z and Millennials. Every generation is distinctive, each with its unique perspectives, habits, and cultural references. Is it possible for these generations to learn from each other and even — wait for it — get along? Members of four generations sit at the table this week to discuss the hallmarks of their own “tribe” but also to approach work, relationships, communication and more with generational differences (not to mention humility) in mind.Culture: Preparing for an Honest MarriageNobody walks into marriage perfectly prepared. Whether it’s baggage, misconceptions, pride or all three, all married couples must confront their brokenness if their relationship is to survive. With decades of pre-marital counseling experience and wisdom from his 40-plus-year marriage, Bob Lepine has mentored a wide variety of couples with an even wider scope of issues. He’ll offer insights on how to approach marriage with your eyes and heart open, and how to make the most important things the main things both before and after tying the knot.Build a Stronger Marriage: The Path to Oneness (Ask the Christian Counselor)Inbox: When Your Parents Don’t ApproveThe holidays are a great time to introduce your boyfriend or girlfriend to your parents. But what do you do when your mom and dad say they don’t approve of your match? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Overcoming the fear of commitment, plus tips for being a better communicator, and is asking a guy out for coffee too forward?Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: Overcoming the Fear of CommitmentShould I take that job? Can I serve in this ministry? Is it time to pop the question? It’s good to ask such questions, but they can also spark a reluctance to commit. Deciding to commit to something or someone can be an intimidating thing, but if you don’t want to sit on the sidelines of life, at some point you have to make a decision. Our guests share examples of how they’ve struggled with commitment and suggest ways to use discernment when making a choice.Culture: Improving Your ConversationsFor any healthy relationship, communication is key — and Dr. Mike Bechtle has worked for years to help us do it well. In our interview, he’ll address ways to handle conflict, how to ask good questions, and how to “gain more weight” in what you say.Inbox: Should I Ask Him Out? She attends a megachurch but finds it tough to have conversations with single guys since they’re involved in different activities. Should she take matters into her own hands and ask one or more out for coffee? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
A panel of pastors on why church matters (part two), plus overcoming anxiety and perfectionism, and how to be friends with moms your age. Featured musical artist: Nathan TaskerRoundtable: Why Church Matters (Part 2)The Boundless team recently held a live event at Third Space Coffee in Colorado Springs to talk about why the local church is an essential part of the Christian life. Joining us were three pastors from the area. We put mics in front of them, Lisa asked a bunch of questions, and over 80 young adults sipped coffee and listened in. Now you can, too, as we share what was recorded in a two-part roundtable last week and this week. In part two, the pastors discuss overcoming church hurt, how to respond to church discipline, and ways to get plugged into a local congregation.Culture: Beating Perfectionism, Fear and WorryIn a culture that thrives on projecting strength, how can we possibly overcome the relentless drive toward perfectionism? Counselor Tim Sanford has some amazing insights into recognizing the difference between fear, anxiety and worry. He’ll show you how to retrain your brain against worry, and will give strategies for bucking perfectionism in favor of excellence. Inbox: Befriending the Moms at My ChurchShe’s a single woman who hopes to have a family someday. She wants to become better friends with the moms at her church, but they seem so busy, and she’s not confident around kids. What can she do? Ashley Bazer weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
A panel of pastors on why church matters, plus Tovares and Safa Grey on honoring God in dating, and will a new city improve your dating chances?Featured musical artist: Aaron ShustRoundtable: Why Church Matters (Part 1)The Boundless team recently held a live event at Third Space Coffee in Colorado Springs to talk about why the local church is an essential part of the Christian life. Joining us were three pastors from the area. We put mics in front of them, Lisa asked a bunch of questions, and over 80 young adults sipped coffee and listened in. Now you can, too, as we share what was recorded in a two-part roundtable this week and next. In part one, the pastors discuss how the pandemic affected their congregations, what the Bible has to say about the local church, and what to look for in your search for a church community.Culture: Dating to Honor GodJust because someone says they’re a Christian doesn’t mean they are. How can you know if the person you’re interested in actually has godly character? Tovares and Safa Grey are passionate about guiding young adults through a godly dating relationship in a culture that cares little about honoring God. They’ll address good boundaries in dating, the need to surround yourself with healthy friends, and will offer specific encouragement to the black community on this topic.Get the book Godly Dating 101: Discover the Truth About Relationships in a World That Constantly Lies for your donation of any amount!Inbox: Better Dating Options in a Different City?She’s leading a young adults ministry, has a great job, and is enjoying her church community. However, she’s struggling to find a guy she’d want to date. Is it time to change cities in hopes of finding someone? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Addressing a situationship, plus more of Dr. Bob Paul’s landmark relationship advice, and when your ex has stopped all communication.Featured musical artist: All Sons & DaughtersRoundtable: Navigating a SituationshipYou and someone have been talking or hanging out for a while now. You like each other, but instead of going on dates, you keep the pseudo-relationship rolling without defining it. Sound familiar? Taking cues from the culture, many now describe these scenarios as a “situationship” (similar to what we often call a “friendlationship” at Boundless), and most of the time they lead to frustration and resentment. Our guests share openly about times they’ve been in these go-nowhere arrangements and how you can get out of one.Culture: Foundational Tools for Healthy Relationships (Part 2) As the leader of Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored program, Dr. Bob Paul regularly conducts four-day marriage intensives where he counsels couples who are on the brink of divorce. Lisa Anderson had the opportunity to observe an intensive and says, “Hope Restored is doing great work for marriages in crisis, but in my opinion, every unmarried person should go through this incredible program.” Learn why Lisa speaks so strongly of Hope Restored as she interviews Bob about the foundational lessons he teaches couples and how they can benefit your own personal growth and relationships. In part two, Bob discusses codependency in relationships and what to do when someone triggers you. 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free Inbox: When an Ex Cuts All TiesWhen you’ve been in a long-term relationship and he or she cuts off communication, how do you handle that? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Asking God honest questions, plus Dr. Bob Paul shares landmark relationship advice, and encouragement for 30-something single men.Featured musical artist: Love and the OutcomeRoundtable: My Biggest God QuestionsSince none of us are God, it’s normal to have questions about who He is, what He’s thinking, and what He’s up to today and, well — forever. Some questions are lighthearted, but others are serious and have big implications. Our guests share questions they’ve had about God, ones they still have, and where some safe places are to get them answered. Culture: Foundational Tools for Healthy Relationships (Part 1) As the leader of Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored program, Dr. Bob Paul regularly conducts four-day marriage intensives where he counsels couples who are on the brink of divorce. Lisa Anderson had the opportunity to observe an intensive and says, “Hope Restored is doing great work for marriages in crisis, but in my opinion, every unmarried person should go through this incredible program.” Learn why Lisa speaks so strongly of Hope Restored as she interviews Bob about the foundational lessons he teaches couples and how they can benefit your own personal growth and relationships. In part one, Bob discusses the importance of safety in relationships, and why boundaries are so important.Receive the book 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free Inbox: Hope for Single Men in Their 30sHe’s in his mid-30s and is struggling to find a potential spouse. Even though he’s tried online dating, it’s only resulted in a few dates. The waiting is difficult and he’s getting more and more discouraged. Is there hope for him? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Worshiping God seven days a week, plus a firsthand look at helping Ukrainian refugees, and when a man feels insecure about being short.Featured musical artist: JJ Heller Roundtable: Worship as a LifestyleWorship is a meaningful and at times deeply emotional experience that connects us to God’s heart. But it’s meant to be much more than just a church service on the weekend. Our guests describe ways they’ve learned to connect with God during the routines of everyday life. Whether it’s through listening to music, prayer, serving, or even working a 9-to-5 job, you’ll see that worship is expressed in many ways.Culture: Lessons From Helping RefugeesThe Russia-Ukraine war has been a devastating reality this year. Many are asking, “What’s the best way to offer help to those in need?” Psychiatrist Dr. Karl Benzio recently got to serve Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw, Poland. He’ll share his inspiring story of how he and his daughter, an art therapist, provided mental health support to the refugees and pastors in that region. He’ll also share ways we can pray for the people affected by this conflict.American Association of Christian CounselorsInbox: Short and Lacking Confidence He listened to a past segment titled “Height Hang-Up” and is wondering how to express genuine confidence in life and relationships, even though he’s shorter than most guys. And how can he be both confident and humble? Josh Zeichik weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The difference between being encouraging vs enabling, plus when someone you’re dating has mental health issues, and should you get back together with an ex after learning about baggage you had before? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: An Encourager or an Enabler?We all want to be liked, and what better way to be appreciated by friends than to be an encourager? But what do you do when someone has a bad pattern or habit in their lives? Should you call them out or sweep it under the rug and tell them they’re still a good person? Our panel of guests share about the ways they have benefitted from constructive criticism, and how you can be an encourager, without enabling poor behavior.Culture: Dating and Mental Health IssuesEven with all of our gadgets and technology, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are on the rise. What do you do when the person you’re dating is struggling? Dr. Karl Benzio is a friend of Boundless, and he’s also an experienced psychiatrist. He’ll address that all of us are a work in progress, and how to know if your dating relationship can survive a mental health struggle. The American Association of Christian CounselorsLink to Counseling ServicesInbox: Should I Reach Out to an Ex Again? She recently ended a six month relationship, but now, she’s recognizing some fears she had about marriage. They also crossed some boundary lines sexually, but they’re both repentant. Now that she recognizes the fears she had and is living repentant of the sexual sin, should she reach out to her ex or not? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The line from awareness to worry, plus readying your relationship for trials, and should you attend a Christian’s wedding to a non-Christian?Featured musical artist: John WallerRoundtable: Informed but Calm Life is filled with unknowns. No matter how hard we try to predict the future, we can’t — nor can we adjust our circumstances to avoid pain. As we ponder what’s ahead, it’s one thing to be aware of what’s happening in the world, but it's very draining to always worry about it. But is staying worry-free even possible? Our guests discuss ways they’ve struggled with worry, plus how they’re learning to trust God now while still acknowledging and being concerned by what’s going on around them.Culture: When Your Relationship Faces a StormAs an expert on marriage, Gary Thomas loves to see couples fall in love. However, with 38 years of marriage experience, he’s very aware of the types of challenges couples inevitably walk through. Is there a way to prepare mentally, spiritually and emotionally for the tough times? When you’re dating someone, can you know if he or she will stay committed through thick and thin? Gary offers several examples and lots of biblical truth and encouragement to prepare you for marriage’s bumpy road. Making Your Marriage a Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life’s StormsInbox: A Christian Marrying a Non-Christian Her Christian friend is engaged to a non-Christian, and she’s been invited to their wedding. When her friend was dating this guy, friends spoke up but were ignored. The couple has now moved in together. In light of these concerns, should our listener attend the wedding or not? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How to take a mental break, plus practicing EQ and good mental health, and how should Christians address entertainment with LGBT content?Featured musical artist: Tauren WellsRoundtable: A Break From Life’s BusynessWhen life gets busy and stressful, how do you find time to pause? Even taking a few minutes to pray, reflect, or breathe deeply can go a long way in keeping your soul healthy. Our guests describe ways they’re learning to tune out distractions and regroup during the busier seasons of life, and the difference it makes in their overall well-being.Culture: Healthy Adulthood on the InsideMany of us think we’re healthier than we actually are. We often don’t notice our own blind spots, shortcomings or weaknesses, let alone know what to do about them. Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty are passionate about helping young adults live life well from the inside out. They’ll discuss how to practice healthy self-awareness and build your EQ. Plus, they’ll address strategies for battling depression and finding your identity in Christ. Get the Book: Adulting 101 Book 2: An In-Depth Guide to Developing Healthy Habits, Becoming More Confident, and Living Your Purpose for Graduates and Young Adults Inbox: Is LGBT Content in Entertainment Off-Limit for Christians?Our listener affirms the biblical definition of marriage, but with so many TV shows, films and even kids programs featuring pro-LGBT content, is it realistic for Christians to avoid it? After all, most entertainment also includes explicit language, violence and other problematic elements which many Christians consume without issue. Plugged In’s Adam Holz weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Marrieds share lessons from their dating years, plus staying out of the comparison trap, and guarding your heart while waiting to get engaged.Featured musical artist: Zach WilliamsRoundtable: If I Had to Date AgainMarriage has a way of giving you a fresh perspective on dating; sometimes hindsight is 20/20. While getting to know someone with romantic potential can be exciting, how do you know if you’re discovering the things that are truly important in marriage? To help you date successfully with the future in mind, our guests share things they did well in dating, things they wish they’d done differently, and lessons they learned from their dating journeys.Culture: Letting Go of ComparisonFor Richella Parham, comparing herself with others began in childhood with a rare and embarrassing birthmark. Comparison seemed innocuous and inevitable until years later when her husband politely pointed out that doing so had become a bad habit. Since then, Rochella’s been on a mission to let go of what others think about her, eliminate negative self-talk from her vocabulary, and embrace who God says she is. If you’ve ever struggled with comparison (and who hasn’t?), you’ll benefit from this discussion.Richella’s Blog: Imparting GraceMythical Me: Finding Freedom From Constant Comparison Inbox: Guarding Your Heart While Waiting to Get EngagedOur listener and her boyfriend have talked about getting engaged, but it will likely be next year before he pops the question. Amidst the waiting, she’s struggling to find a balance between guarding her heart and preparing it for marriage. Is there a way to balance the two? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
The art of asking good questions, plus more with Brant Hansen on purposeful men, and a listener fears her boyfriend will use porn again.Featured musical artist: Ecclesia Roundtable: Asking Good QuestionsOne of Lisa Anderson’s favorite ways to get to know people is to play question games — the more meaningful or intriguing the question, the better. She cites recent research on the relational value of putting thought into questions, and asks this week’s guests how comfortable they are answering and asking questions. Then she poses three questions that everyone has to answer. Play along and join in the fun!Get the Book: The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up Inbox: Will a Past Porn Struggle Resurface?Her boyfriend previously struggled with pornography, but it was months before they met. She’s concerned that even though he’s doing well now, he may fall back into this sin at some point. Are her fears founded? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Should singles consume romantic content? Plus Brant Hansen on being a man of purpose, and how long should you wait to get engaged?Featured musical artist: Covenant WorshipRoundtable: Is It Wise to Consume Romantic Content?Love songs, romantic comedies, sappy novels. Who doesn’t enjoy a good love story – especially if it has a happy ending? While romance can be heart-warming, is there a way to gauge if you’re consuming too much of it, especially as a single adult? Our guests share love stories they enjoy, but with insights on how to have healthy boundaries in consuming romance as entertainment.Plugged In Website Culture: The Men We Need (Part 1)Brant Hansen is on a mission to remind men of the vital role they play in making a society healthy. An “avid indoorsman” who plays the accordion, Brant assures us that being a man isn’t about beards or blowing things up, but about taking responsibility and doing good in the world. In his book “The Men We Need,” he offers six principles around what it means to be a godly man. This week we’ll discuss the first three: 1) Forsake the fake and relish the real, 2) protect the vulnerable and 3) be ambitious about the right things.The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up Inbox: How Long Before You Get Engaged? She and her boyfriend have been dating for about six months, and they know they want to get married. She wants to get engaged soon, but he feels like they should wait. Is there an ideal timeframe for engagement? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Feeling like a kid again, plus the Roe v. Wade reversal’s effect on the dating market, and does the kinsman redeemer principle still apply today?Featured musical artist: HollynRoundtable: Revisiting Your Childhood in Healthy WaysIt’s easy to look back on your childhood and pine for the “good ole days.” But while some nostalgia is good, staying stuck on missing the past can hinder you from enjoying the present. Our guests share favorite childhood memories and touchpoints and why they’re so meaningful. You’ll also hear what makes them feel like a kid again and ways they’ve wrestled with wanting to return to and relive the past.Culture: The Dating Market After DobbsSince the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, emotions are running high and ideological skirmishes continue. But amid the political unrest, this decision is affecting many other areas of our lives, including dating. Wait, what? Dr. Mark Regnerus, professor of sociology at the University of Texas, argues that the abortion debate and resulting lack of access has big implications, especially for young adults. He’ll also address conversations that Christians should be having to set themselves up for a good marriage. The Future of Christian Marriage Inbox: Is the Kinsman Redeemer Concept Still Applicable? In ancient Israel, when a husband died, it was customary for the closest male family member to marry the widow. A listener has a friend who recently lost her husband and wonders, “Does this principle still apply today?” Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Sharing your relationship on social media, plus responding to life’s “almosts,” and should a Christian remember the exact day of their salvation?Featured musical artist: Phil WickhamRoundtable: What Relationship Stuff Should You Post on Social?You’re scrolling through social media when you see it — your friend is “in a relationship.” Now what? Is there an accepted etiquette for what, how and when you post information about your relationship online? Should a status be enough? What about photos, personal messages, and what some may consider TMI? Our guests this week have walked through this experience multiple times, and they break down the pros and cons of social media sharing about your significant other, including all the feels.Culture: Trusting God in the “Almosts” of LifeYou thought you were going to marry her, but she broke up with you. You were the perfect candidate for the job, but the company chose someone else. We’ve all faced the disappointment of getting close to something we want only to come up short. Jordan Lee Dooley joins us to explain how these opportunities, while painful, are the perfect time to trust God, grow as individuals, and see what better opportunities may come. Sometimes God uses “almosts” to steer us toward the “for sures” that we can’t yet see.Get the Book: Embrace Your Almost: Find Clarity and Contentment in the In-Betweens, Not-Quites, and UnknownsInbox: Should I Remember When I Got Saved? Some churches teach that to truly be a Christian, you must remember the exact day you were saved. But is this biblical? And even if you do remember a certain day, how do you know if your profession of faith was real? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Trusting God in a waiting season, plus pursuing sexual purity with godly motives, and handling conflict well in dating.Featured musical artist: Je’kob ( https://www.facebook.com/iamjekob )Roundtable: When God Tells You to WaitWhat does it look like to trust God’s plan in a season of waiting? Our guests discuss times they’ve waited on God in their careers, relationships and faith journeys — even when doing so was hard. They’ll also address how to balance trusting God with taking action toward something you want.Culture: Lessons From Purity CulturePurity culture has gotten a bad rap — some of it for good reason. But don’t throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. Purity culture placed a high value on God’s design for sexuality and its place within marriage. That said, pastor and author Dean Inserra acknowledges the movement’s shortcomings. While we should always prioritize sexual integrity, he reminds us that obedience around our sexuality shouldn’t become an idol in our efforts to serve God. Dean reframes the conversation around God’s truth and grace, allowing us to submit our sexuality to God for His glory and our good.Pure: Why the Bible’s Plan for Sexuality Isn’t Outdated, Irrelevant, or Oppressive Get the book "Pure: Why the Bible’s Plan for Sexuality Isn’t Outdated, Irrelevant, or Oppressive" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-08-18?refcd=1454007Inbox: Different Ways to Handle Conflict She and her boyfriend are wondering: Is there a difference between compromising, yielding, and resolving conflict? Counselor M.T. Wilson breaks down different ways to handle conflict, and explains how you can determine if you’re applying it effectively in dating.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Having good boundaries while engaged, plus overcoming an eating disorder, and when to try to repair a damaged friendship.Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech ( https://www.darlenezschech.com/ ) Roundtable: Boundaries Leading up to Marriage (Part 2)The temptation to blur lines and push physical, emotional and relational boundaries is often stronger during engagement than other phases of dating. It’s also tricky to navigate compromise and common ground in the areas of finances, family and more. We brought in marriage mentors Roger and Diane Ingolia to shed light on appropriate boundaries to set for yourselves and others during the critical pre-marriage season. You’ll also hear from newlyweds Gabriel and Hannah Nymeyer on how they tackled these challenges while engaged. In part two, the couples address the importance of healthy physical boundaries.Culture: Beating an Eating DisorderMany young adults live with an eating disorder. Because the struggle is rooted in shame, most suffer in silence, even denying that there’s a problem. Grace McCready shares her own journey with an eating disorder — something she still fights every day. She’ll address the lies Satan uses to trap us, how she wrestled with body image and wrong thinking, and ways that counseling and community provide much-needed hope.Link to Counseling Services: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/?refcd=1060202Get the book "Real Recovery" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-08-11?refcd=1454205Inbox: Should I Reconnect With a Friend Who Hurt Me? She was friends with a woman a number of years ago. While things weren’t always stable in their friendship, a bridge was burned when the friend made a very hurtful comment. Now, our listener is questioning if it’s best to reconcile or move on. Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Having good boundaries while engaged, plus important info before you get married, and is it OK to work alone with coworkers of the opposite sex?Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado ( https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremyrosado/?hl=en )Roundtable: Boundaries Leading up to Marriage (Part 1)The temptation to blur lines and push physical, emotional and relational boundaries is often stronger during engagement than other phases of dating. It’s also tricky to navigate compromise and common ground in the areas of finances, family and more. We brought in marriage mentors Roger and Diane Ingolia to shed light on appropriate boundaries to set for yourselves and others during the critical pre-marriage season. You’ll also hear from newlyweds Gabriel and Hannah Nymeyer on how they tackled these challenges while engaged. In part one, the couples address family dynamics and finances.Culture: Things to Know Before Getting MarriedThere are many cultural lies circulating around marriage, most making marriage out to be either a drudgery or a fairy tale. A good marriage takes work, intention, an open heart and a sense of fun. Dana Che, host of “Real Relationship Talk,” joins us to discuss a few things she wished she had known before walking the aisle. Whether you’re newly married or someday hope to be, this is a must listen.Link to RealRelationshipTalk.com ( https://realrelationshiptalk.com/ )Link to Real Relationship Talk Podcast ( https://realrelationshiptalk.com/podcast/ ) Inbox: Should I Work Alone With Someone of the Opposite Sex? She works as an EMT where her job requires her to be alone with male colleagues for long periods of time. Some of her Christian friends have cautioned against this, but didn’t support their opinions with Scripture. In this type of situation, what is necessary and wise? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Launching into adulthood, plus Todd Friel on how to know if you’re a true Christian, and the pressure to use preferred pronouns.Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta ( https://www.danielbashta.com/welcome ) Roundtable: Welcome to AdulthoodDo you feel like everyone else is independent: paying their bills, doing their taxes, making decisions and just generally “adulting”? It’s easy to feel left behind or experience anxiety around the many changes you must navigate in this season. Some of it is “life stuff” like the above. Some of it is relational — learning how to let go of your parents, make friends and find community. Our guests share the ups and downs of their own adulthood journeys and give encouragement for making the transition a smooth and (mostly) successful one. Culture: A Question of SalvationNews flash: Just because you walked an aisle or prayed a prayer doesn’t mean you’re saved. So what does? All of us have questioned our salvation at one time or another, so can we really be sure? Evangelist and apologist Todd Friel shows how the prosperity gospel, “get out of hell free” gospel, churchgoer gospel and other false gospels lull people into complacency, yet Scripture itself is clear on what it means to be saved. Get ready for an insightful and empowering conversation on what matters most when it comes to salvation and eternity. Link to Wretched.org: https://wretched.org/Link to Todd's "Ten Point Test to See if You Are Saved": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLIWG6JO6NMInbox: Should Christians Use Preferred Pronouns?As a Christian, is it lying or loving to address someone with their preferred pronouns — even if they don’t align with their biological sex? When asked to declare pronouns at work, school or on social media, how should we respond? Family and gender analyst Jeff Johnston weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Qualities of a humble spouse, plus dating someone who confesses a sin pattern, and how to respond when your friend has a porn problem.Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts ( https://kerrieroberts.com/ )Roundtable: The Humble SpouseHumility is to relationships what gasoline is to cars; without it, a relationship can’t move forward. In marriage, humility is especially important since spouses are in covenant together as one flesh. Our guests are honest about where they were on the humility scale going into marriage, and how they’ve learned to be more humble since. They’ll also give insights on how to spot humility in the people you date.Culture: Spotting a Sin Stronghold in DatingAll of us have hang-ups and sins we must address. But what do you do when the person you are dating confesses a serious sin pattern like alcoholism, drugs or porn? Is there a way to balance grace with truth, and at what point do you need to cut off the relationship? Christine Snyder tells her story of facing an unwanted divorce due to her husband’s addictions and unfaithfulness, while counselor Glenn Lutjens provides expert advice on when to pull the plug on a problematic dating relationship.Link to Counseling Services: ( https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/?refcd=1060202 ) Inbox: Does Everyone Have a Porn Problem?She’s known more than a few friends in her Christian community who’ve confessed a problem with pornography. She’s frustrated that porn seems to be “winning” in the hearts and minds of those around her, and doesn't know what to do. When the next friend confesses, what should be her response? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
How women experience safety with men, plus leaving an abusive relationship, and navigating political differences in dating.
Featured musical artist: David Dunn ( http://www.daviddunnmusic.com/ )
Roundtable: How Women Experience Relational Safety
For women, safety is very important. Not just physical safety, but emotional, spiritual and relational safety. But what does this look like in everyday life? This week’s guests share what makes them feel safe when they interact with guys. They’ll also discuss how they feel when a man isn’t a safe person, and some cues for discerning the difference.
Get the book "Do Hard Things": https://store.focusonthefamily.com/do-hard-things/
Culture: Leaving an Abusive Relationship
Sadly, many people face the reality of an abusive relationship. Some are in toxic situations and don’t even know it. What are the signs, and is there a way and a time to get out? Counselors Glenn Lutjens and Jenny Coffey offer hope to those suffering abuse, whether manipulation, gaslighting, physical, emotional or spiritual. In this conversation they define the difference between an abuser and an everyday jerk, what to do in an abusive situation, and how you can support a friend who’s currently being abused.
Inbox: When Dating and Politics Don’t Mix
He’s dating a girl, and they’re both serious about their faith. But he’s curious if it’s important for them to agree on political and social issues that aren’t explicitly addressed in Scripture. How should they talk about it, if indeed they have a disagreement? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Advice for marrying in your 30s, plus part two of a dating Q&A with Jonathan Pokluda, and maximizing your engagement season.
Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker ( http://www.nathantasker.com/ )
Roundtable: Marriage Challenges For 30-Somethings
Marrying in your 30s gives you the benefits of a little more life experience, stability and (hopefully) maturity. But it also comes with unique challenges. You’ve become more settled in your ways, you’ve accumulated some baggage, and you’re maybe a bit more cynical. Nate and Melinda recently married in their 30s and did the hard work of addressing some of their individual issues before tying the knot. Dr. Trent Langhofer counseled them individually as well as together to help give their marriage the healthiest start possible. All three join us this week to share their journey.
Culture: Dating Q&A With Jonathan Pokluda (Part 2)
After years of working with young adults, Pastor Jonathan (JP) Pokluda has fielded just about every dating question you could imagine. He joins us to answer even more, and this time they’re your questions — asked by live audience members and submitted on social media. In part two this week, JP answers questions about reaching the commitment stage of a relationship, how to know if a guy is truly interested in you, and the worst dating advice he’s ever heard.
Get the book: "Outdated" for your donation of any amount:: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-06-30?refcd=1436602
Inbox: Making the Most of Engagement
She’s recently engaged and is wondering how to maximize this season. What are the best ways to prepare for marriage? What should she and her fiance keep in mind? Besides doing premarital counseling, should they read a book, set some goals, focus on certain conversations — or all of the above? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.
Get the book: "How We Love": https://store.focusonthefamily.com/how-we-love/?refcd=1436602
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Managing Money Despite Inflation: Episode 752
Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust ( https://www.aaronshust.com/ )
Tips for fighting inflation, plus part one of a dating Q&A with Jonathan Pokluda, and having boundaries with opposite-sex friends.
Roundtable: Don’t Let Inflation Get You Down
Inflation is hitting all of our wallets. From higher gas prices to the cost of groceries and travel, it seems like everything is getting more expensive. How do we cope? We share money-saving tips, corners we’re cutting, and investment opportunities we’re exploring for the future. We also admit what we’re not willing to let go. Join us for this fun yet practical conversation!
Culture: Dating Q&A With Jonathan Pokluda (Part 1)
After years of working with young adults, Pastor Jonathan (JP) Pokluda has fielded just about every dating question you could imagine. He joins us to answer even more, and this time they’re your questions — asked by live audience members and submitted on social media. In part one this week, JP tackles questions about crushing on a coworker, not having time to date, and how to handle it when someone doesn’t text you back.
Inbox: Boundaries With Opposite-Sex Friends
While having friends of the opposite gender is great, it’s important to have good boundaries to avoid confusion, false intimacy, and the dreaded “friendlationship.” The question is, which boundaries are recommended? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29