Archives: Episode

I am embarrassed to admit how recently I started to realize the effects of empire on my life. It probably wasn't until I entered seminary that vocabulary like empire or colonialism entered my everyday consciousness, and even when it did, reckoning with it is something that still evades me most days. It's difficult to see … Continue reading Episode 334 – Kat Armas

Producer's pick! We're all still recovering from holiday fun this week, so I asked my sweet husband and producer to choose an episode he wanted to re-release and he picked this favorite with Zach Lambert. Enjoy! And happy week between Christmas and New Year's! This conversation with fellow(?) Texan (I don’t exactly claim the label, … Continue reading Episode 333 – Zach Lambert (re-play!)

The birth of Jesus was, and is, disruptive to our lives. Though, with all the familiarity surrounding Christmas, sometimes it's hard to remember how true that is. Listen along for a short, Christmas week reflection from That Makes Total Sense! host, Alexis Busetti, as she discusses how the Incarnation was and should continue to be … Continue reading Episode 332 – The Disruptive Birth

This one is becoming an annual favorite! Just this week, a friend texted asking for the name of this book – the one I gifted to about a dozen of my girlfriends the year it was released. Each year, Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with the ideas heard in … Continue reading Episode 331 – Scott Erickson (re-play!)

This advent book (and conversation!) is not just for the Christmas season. I promise you will be blessed by Kelley Nikondeha‘s words all year long (including in our recent conversation on Jubilee)! Her new book, The First Advent in Palestine tells of some of the forgotten stories surrounding Jesus’ birth. We know he was born in first century … Continue reading Episode 330 – Kelley Nikondeha (re-release!)

My friend, Collin Cornell, is back! And, I have been *waiting* for this conversation (okay, in some ways, I've been waiting, and in some ways, it's been ongoing). Collin has finished his newest book, God Draws Near, and it is a game-changer; I'm so thrilled he's here to talk with me about it! This incredibly … Continue reading Episode 329 – Collin Cornell

Lisa Colón DeLay and I had so much fun talking all about the desert elders! (I admit, there was a time when that sentence wouldn't have made sense to me, but today, I am all about learning more from our fore parents in the faith.) Even though our world and our lives look very different, … Continue reading Episode 328 – Lisa Colón DeLay

To say I enjoyed this conversation *and the book it was centered on* is an understatement! Dr. Amy Peeler, professor, author, and pastor, shares insight from her years of research culminating in her incredible book, Women and the Gender of God. In this episode, we explore God as Father, but not gendered, Mary, the mother … Continue reading Episode 327 – Amy Peeler

As I type this, it almost feels like fall in the hill country of Texas (and I hear it's gonna stay that way for about 48 hours, lol!). The cooler weather and the wind, as temporary as they may be, remind me of seasonal changes, and it makes me glad. The chill in the air … Continue reading Ep. 326 – Claude Atcho

One of my favorite podcast guests is back to talk about his new book! David Swanson’s Plundered is absolutely beautiful. In it, he explores the history of environmental and racial injustice in the U.S. and how they are intertwined. He also shares some of his own personal and communal journey, inviting us to imagine what living in ways more … Continue reading Episode 325 – David Swanson (re-release!)

The topic of jubilee is one that sometimes has me feeling a bit...skeptical. It's not that I don't like the concept, I do. It's just that it's a tough one to talk about it in a way that seems faithful to the biblical texts and practical for real life. Enter Kelley Nikondeha! She is a … Continue reading Episode 324 – Kelley Nikondeha

Every time I catch a news headline with something tragic happening in the world, or close to home, I have a sense of grief, many times accompanied by a sense of helplessness. What can I do? is the question that haunts me. I'm not a community organizer or a formal advocate and even in the … Continue reading Episode 323 – Charon Hribar

When I think of individuals and organizations who have their work cut out for them, always, but especially with our current times, I think of Matthew Soerens and World Relief. For those who may not be familiar, World Relief is a Christian humanitarian organization who serves people who are in crisis all over the world, … Continue reading Episode 322 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Matthew Soerens

Chats with Jenai always result in wisdom for me, so I am grateful for our conversations! (This one is no exception!) Jenai is an author and of an amazing book called Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized and is a cohort leader at Made for Pax. (Our first … Continue reading Episode 321 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Jenai Auman

For many Christians who have struggled with mental health challenges, either personally or accompanying loved ones, the church has often been a place of conflicting messages. Do we just need Jesus or can therapy help? Are we allowed to talk to God in that way or about those things? Am I weak or sinful? Questions … Continue reading Episode 320 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Bianca Hughes

Oh my goodness! I had a great time talking with Kristel Acevedo! We continue our series on conversations centered around the Made for Pax / InterVarsity Press bible studies with this one on Kristel’s contribution Liberated at the Cross: Peace and Reconciliation in God’s Kingdom, available in English and Spanish. We talked about cruciformity, peace, … Continue reading Ep. 319 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Kristel Acevedo

Any time I get to talk with Drew Jackson, it is a complete joy for me! And, as you may have guessed from that opening statement, Drew is no stranger to the podcast (I highly encourage you to catch our other conversations about his books of poetry on the coming of Christ and the Gospel … Continue reading Episode 318 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Drew Jackson

When I say this conversation was fun and meaningful, that is truly an understatement! Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, co-author of Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants joined me for this episode and we shared from our hearts what our hopes are for the study and how working on it impacted us. Each of us come from families … Continue reading Episode 317 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun & Alexis Busetti

It was so great to have Dorcas Cheng-Tozun back on the podcast! For this series, Dorcas will join me twice - once as author of Mental Health: Experiencing God’s Care for Our Mind, Body, and Spirit - A 6-Week Interactive Bible Study and another time as co-author of the study we worked on together on … Continue reading Ep. 316 – IVP / Made for Pax Series: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun

I am so excited to kick off this special series of the podcast with Tiffany Bluhm, executive director of an amazing organization called Made for Pax! She’s been on the podcast before and it was an incredible conversation. This time, we are setting up what will be an eight-part series where we will discuss each … Continue reading Ep. 315 – IVP/Made for Pax Series: Tiffany Bluhm

This conversation with fellow(?) Texan (I don't exactly claim the label, but my guest has lived here all his life), Zach Lambert was super fun! And I don't say that only because I'm a theology nerd, I say that because Zach has a way of presenting themes from the Bible in new and helpful ways … Continue reading Episode 314 – Zach Lambert

So many of us would count ourselves as leaders in one area of our lives or another. Many of us would also count ourselves among those who have experienced some kind of trauma, whether it was early in our lives or later. And, as you would suspect, those groups have significant overlap. That's where Sheila … Continue reading Episode 313 – Sheila Wise Rowe & Nicholas Rowe

Content warning: This episode includes discussions of graphic violence and genocide. This interview is a unique one for the podcast. Professor and author, David Toole, has written a book on the life of his friend, Maggy Barankitse, who is an advocate, currently living in exile. Maggy is a Burundian survivor of one of the genocides … Continue reading Episode 312 – David Toole

Getting the chance to meet and talk with Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew was a time of pure light! She is as kind as she is wise and insightful and so much of her newest book, Front Porch Wisdom, will no doubt continue to impact how I view and navigate situations of leadership as a BIPOC woman. … Continue reading Episode 311 – Froswa’ Booker-Drew

Diving into Nicole Martin's newest book, Nailing It, was a complete joy! Nicole comes at the complicated subject of leadership with curiosity and humility, as a learner, sharing insights that draw both from biblical and experiential wisdom. This book is neither a how-to nor a how-not-to, but an exploration on some common aspects of leadership … Continue reading Episode 310 – Nicole Massie Martin

What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you do for a living? Where do you work? These questions are common from childhood to cocktail party, but how do they actually relate to our vocations? Our callings? Karen Swallow Prior wrote an exquisite book offering wisdom and clarification (not a step … Continue reading Episode 309 – Karen Swallow Prior

For weeks, it seemed that everywhere I looked, I was seeing something about Isaac Villegas's new book, Migrant God. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, and I was not disappointed once I did! With everything happening in the U.S. right now surrounding immigration, this text and conversation are right on time. Don't … Continue reading Episode 308 – Isaac Villegas

This conversation with Aimee Byrd was personal and powerful for me. Even though it has not been easy, I am so grateful to Aimee for sharing her story of the abuse she suffered in the church circles she was a part of. Her newest book, Saving Face, is a beautiful reflection not only on what … Continue reading Episode 307 – Aimee Byrd

Maybe because my life is currently in flux (and has been that way for a hot minute), I was honestly a bit hesitant to read my friend Michael O'Donnell's new book. I'm not exactly sure why I was nervous, but it did sit on my shelf for weeks (okay, maybe even months) before I finally … Continue reading Episode 306 – Michaela O’Donnell

"We are all chasing relief." I hadn't really thought about it in quite the same way until I read David Zahl's The Big Relief, but then I couldn't unsee it. Around the same time, a friend sent me an Instagram reel of a woman just breathing in and telling herself to release her shoulders. Whatever … Continue reading Episode 305 – David Zahl

Cristina Rathbone, an American Episcopal priest from a family with immigration journeys of their own, spent time at the border between the U.S. and Mexico to learn from and minister to those who were waiting to cross. A former journalist, Cristina shares about her experiences on the border as she met and interacted with individuals … Continue reading Episode 304 – Cristina Rathbone

Destiny Magnett is part of a wonderful team at one of my favorite organizations, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). Destiny has travelled extensively to the Middle East and has been personally impacted by her education and experiences with people living in the land as they are impacted by the conflict, policies, wars, and politics. … Continue reading Episode 303 – Destiny Magnett

Hosting a return guest is one of my favorite things to do (maybe especially when that guest is seated next to his piano...)! Mark Glanville is a pastor in what he names as a post-Christian context. And even though this conversation is based on his book about writing sermons, it is truly for anyone who … Continue reading Episode 302 – Mark Glanville

Welcome, Cara Meredith, back to the podcast! Cara was so kind to join me waaay back in the early months of the podcast and now she's been brave enough to do it again! The topic in this conversation is one that is near and dear (and complicated) to both of our hearts, and maybe yours … Continue reading Episode 301 – Cara Meredith

Eek! THIS MARKS 300 EPISODES!!! First of all, THANK YOU for listening to That Makes Total Sense! It really is one of the most fun things I get to do and I am *thrilled* to share it with each of you! Second, for this conversation, I got to interview my best friend, husband, editor, and … Continue reading Episode 300 – Alexis & Seth

We've got something a little different (and super fun!) with this episode. Philip Marinello of The Substance invited me back on his podcast and we had a blast catching up and talking about all things faith, politics, and of course generosity and justice! Philip loves chatting about many of the same topics as me and … Continue reading Episode 299 – Philip Marinello

My kids tell me I'm a Hufflepuff. I don't exactly deny it and encounters like the one Angela and I had might just add evidence to their label, lol! One minute we found ourselves sitting at dinner together, each invited by friends to a table where we didn't know most of the diners, and the … Continue reading Episode 298 – Angela Williams Gorrell

A short reflection on the day after Easter…and doubt. Mentioned in this episode: Matthew 28 You might also enjoy: Ep. 191 with Alexis Busetti Ep. 150 with Jason Porterfield Ep. 140 with Alexis Busetti

A note from the producer: "I normally try to get the podcasts done over the weekend so they can release Sunday night or Monday morning. This weekend however, I was off climbing on rocks and doing professional work - noting my usual day job is not a producer. Anyways, I hope listeners don't mind that … Continue reading Episode 296 – Young-Sam Won (replay!)

The current job situation in the U.S. right now is hard to navigate, to say the least. Whether it's layoffs for federal employees, toxic bosses and cultures, or burnout, our work lives involve so much more than just the actual work. Thankfully, people like Meryl Herr are paying attention. Her new book, When Work Hurts … Continue reading Episode 295 – Meryl Herr

Drs. Lisa Stephenson and Ruthie Wienk are professors of systematic theology and sociology, respectively, and they have teamed up to write a wonderful, textual guide on service in the Christian community. Historically, and even now, the evangelical community in the U.S. has gone through different phases and stances on service or what some may call … Continue reading Episode 294 – Lisa Stephenson & Ruthie Wienk

Lately, the psychology section on my bookshelf has increased by a few titles, and while I have zero background in the field (except seeing a therapist, hallelujah!), it is increasingly more fascinating to me. This conversation with Todd Hall, professor of psychology, was a great addition to my novice study (though it would also be … Continue reading Episode 293 – Todd Hall

This conversation with Dr. Erin Devers was so much fun! We discussed some of the concepts from her new book, The Unbiased Self, and I found it to be fascinating. As a psychology professor, Erin brings so much insight into the world of bias, how we all operate with it, and what we can do … Continue reading Episode 292 – Erin Devers

Producer's pick in honor of Women's History Month! Reading Caryn Reeder‘s new book had me feeling mad, relieved, curious, and hopeful. She explores one of my all-time favorite stories in the Gospels – The Samaritan Woman in John 4. Caryn reminds readers and listeners of the classic interpretation of the story, which has remained much the same throughout … Continue reading Episode 291 – Caryn Reeder (re-release!)

I experienced so many emotions reading Andrew Bauman's new book, Safe Church. Among them, was the feeling of being seen. In his research, Andrew, who is a professional counselor, surveyed and interviewed women who have spent various amounts of time in evangelical churches and ministry environments in the U.S. These women reported experiences of sexism … Continue reading Episode 290 – Andrew Bauman

As you can see from the search below, Christian nationalism has been a common topic on the podcast. Professor Michael W. Austin has written a short book called simply, American Christian Nationalism, and our conversation on that text is one I am happy to have as an addition to the list. Mike gives us a … Continue reading Episode 289 – Mike Austin

As you'll hear throughout this conversation, concepts within the field of disability theology are ones that I have struggled and wrestled with for years (even before I knew how to label them). This book, Disabling Leadership, by Andrew Draper and his co-authors is unique in that it covers, not only aspects of disability theology, but … Continue reading Episode 288 – Andrew Draper

Joel Edward Goza joined me on the podcast to talk about his newest book, Rebirth of a Nation: Reparations and Remaking America. You might recognize in the title, a take on another title, The Birth of a Nation, an incredibly harmful and racist film shown at the White House in 1915 by president Woodrow Wilson. … Continue reading Episode 287 – Joel Edward Goza

When I first started reading Heather Matthews' new book, Confronting Sexism in the Church, I was struck (yet again) by how familiar her story is. Over and over again, I have come to realize that I'm not the only one. So many other women have been told they are less than, that they couldn't have … Continue reading Episode 286 – Heather Matthews

The wise and hilarious Erin Hicks Moon joined me for this episode and I am thrilled to share it with you! She has written a book on deconstruction called, I've Got Questions, and reading it felt like collecting little pieces of home over a cup of coffee with a friend who understood right where I … Continue reading Episode 285 – Erin Hicks Moon

That Makes Total Sense! regular, the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, is back on the podcast and I could not be more psyched! His new book, The Anti-Greed Gospel releases next month and I cannot wait for it to hit the shelves. If you're as intrigued as I was, even by the title and sub-title alone, … Continue reading Episode 284 – Malcolm Foley

What a joy to host Liz Charlotte Grant (and read her book)! One of the things I have enjoyed so much in studying the bible is taking in different interpretive perspectives. Liz is a creative writer and someone who became curious about biblical interpretations from theologians she had not read or studied early in her … Continue reading Episode 283 – Liz Charlotte Grant

Phew! Hold on to your hats! We've got an incredible discussion for you today with Dr. Andrew Rillera, New Testament scholar. His newest book, Lamb of the Free, tackles not only the sacrifice of Jesus, but does so as part of the whole sacrificial system we see in the Bible. We start by naming a … Continue reading Episode 282 – Andrew Rillera

When Jennifer McNutt's newest book arrived in the mail, I instantly started flipping through it (and immediately texted a friend)! What I held in my hands, was a beautiful, thoughtful, and thorough look at the person and character of Mary Magdelene and as a female theologian, it felt like a real gift. The Mary We … Continue reading Episode 281 – Jennifer McNutt

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! How can Mary’s example, help us work toward God’s kingdom when, as Mary, what we speak doesn’t line up with what we see? Luke 1, the commonly read Christmas morning text, contains Mary’s song, her Magnificat. The prophetess sang of the promise of God’s coming kingdom. That the … Continue reading Episode 280 – The Magnificat (replay!)

This was a wonderful conversation on church, health, justice, and community with Pricelis! Her unique perspective as someone with a background in social work and someone who has worked on staff in church settings brings something insightful and beautiful to this larger discussion around church life. For more on this topic, be sure to check … Continue reading Episode 279 – Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez

This conversation with Lore was recorded barely a week after the presidential election. Truthfully, I was still pretty raw coming into our talk and that morning was a particularly rough one in my grieving process. What Lore's beautiful book and our interview reminded me of in the midst of my feelings of sadness, disbelief, and … Continue reading Episode 278 – Lore Ferguson Wilbert

Dr. Chris Blumhofer is a professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. From personal experience, I can tell you his classes are wonderful! They are insightful, thought-provoking, and challenging. One of the mindsets, and now habits, I have taken away from my instructional time with Chris is permission to wrestle with our sacred texts … Continue reading Episode 277 – Chris Blumhofer

Producer's choice! Here's a note from my producer (and husband) Seth Busetti about this week's re-release. Enjoy! I thought this episode with Kaitlyn Schiess might be helpful to our listeners. When this was first recorded the political landscape was still very uncertain and Kaitlyn's wisdom regarding how Christians can faithfully engage in civil discourse and … Continue reading Episode 276 – Kaitlyn Schiess (re-release!)

This new devotional by Tiffany Bluhm (along with some other fantastic contributors!) is one I see myself coming back to again and again. In The Women We've Been Waiting For, Tiffany and several women authors, bring us the stories of biblical, historical, and contemporary female figures who have resisted the status quo for the sake … Continue reading Episode 275 – Tiffany Bluhm

I know I should give some sort of explanation here. I should say all the things this episode is about, but, I'm tired. This has been a week, and instead of explaining all of the things, I am just going to say - go and listen to this conversation with Robert! He is sharing his … Continue reading Episode 274 – Robert G. Callahan, II

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University. AJ is a Jewish scholar and has written extensively on the New Testament and on Jesus. Her most recent book is Jesus for Everyone and it is fantastic! Part of what she seeks to do in this text (and how … Continue reading Episode 273 – Amy-Jill Levine

My friend, Dr. Collin Cornell is back on the podcast! The topic we discuss is one I have always wrestled with, so it was good to pick an Old Testament scholar's brain on it - God's aggression. You'll see below that Collin has recently published on the topic, but we didn't stick to the text … Continue reading Episode 272 – Collin Cornell

One of my favorite podcast guests is back to talk about his new book! David Swanson's Plundered is absolutely beautiful. In it, he explores the history of environmental and racial injustice in the U.S. and how they are intertwined. He also shares some of his own personal and communal journey, inviting us to imagine what … Continue reading Episode 271 – David Swanson

In honor of Indigenous People's Day, we're re-playing my conversation with Terry Wildman! Terry Wildman is the lead translator and project manager of the First Nations Version of the New Testament. In this conversation, Terry talks about the intersection of being Christian and Native and what that has meant for him as he has explored the two, … Continue reading Episode 270 – Terry Wildman (re-release!)

Confession time - I'm not a big history buff. As critical as I know it is, it's never really been my thing, but...when I came across this title by Elesha Coffman, I knew I had to get it in my hands and read it! And I'm so glad I did! Turning Points in American Church … Continue reading Episode 269 – Elesha Coffman

A few years ago, offline, a guest mentioned a term that represented a concept that put a metaphorical pebble in my shoe - "philanthropic redlining." I knew a bit of the history of redlining from real estate practices in the U.S., and of course I also knew, generally, what philanthropy was, but to hear them … Continue reading Episode 268 – Erin Weber-Johnson

This conversation is (checks notes) the first where I talked with a husband and wife together, in this case, co-authors! Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon joined me to celebrate the release of their illustrated children's book, Penny Preaches, which chronicles a fictional little girl (representative of so many women who feel called to preaching ministry, … Continue reading Episode 267 – Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon

This week I was joined by theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Her newest book (she's published so many!) is When God Became White. If you're intrigued by the title already, you're not alone. Grace writes, not only as a scholar and theologian, but also from her perspective as a Korean immigrant who grew up in Canada … Continue reading Episode 261 – Grace Ji-Sun Kim

I am so thrilled to host Jim Wallis again on the podcast! (It's a special bonus for me because the date of this release marks 5 YEARS THE PODCAST!) Jim and I first met in Washington D.C. at the inaugural Summer Academy at the Center on Faith & Justice at Georgetown University, though his work … Continue reading Episode 265 – Jim Wallis

Andrew Krinks has been on the podcast before and both times, he has managed to take a topic I have thought about often and deeply and add depth and breadth that I hadn't yet considered. (His wife, Lindsey did the same thing for me with this conversation on homelessness.) The first time, Andrew and I … Continue reading Episode 264 – Andrew Krinks

This conversation is over a year in the making. When I first heard about this project last spring, I was intrigued and completely unprepared to read this book, much less do an interview. What Sarah Stankorb has done in Disobedient Women is extraordinary. For fans of Kristen Kobes Du Mez's Jesus and John Wayne, you'll … Continue reading Episode 263 – Sarah Stankorb

Reading through Sarah Westfall's book, The Way of Belonging, felt like making an instant friend! It felt like making a friend who also struggles with new friendships, what it means to belong, and who is also a huge fan of Henri Nouwan (more on that in the episode!). Sarah is asking questions I think many … Continue reading Episode 262 – Sarah Westfall

Welcome back to the podcast, to my friend, Jasmine Bellamy! Jasmine has been up to a lot since the last time we chatted, including beginning a doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a business leader and joyful disrupter, as we'll chat about, and she is concerned with how we can be more loving … Continue reading Episode 261 – Jasmine Bellamy

This is a vacay replay! Our fam was out on one last getaway of the summer, so we picked one of our favorites (also happens to be a fan favorite!) to replay this week. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! It’s hard to describe how I felt reading Norman Wirzba‘s book, This Sacred … Continue reading Episode 260 – Norman Wirzba (replay!)

As a therapist and pastor, working with and ministering to women from all over the globe for years, Dieula Previlon understands trauma and the effects it can have on women and their communities. She also understands how when women begin to heal from trauma, it has a huge impact on the people around them as … Continue reading Episode 259 – Dieula Previlon

One of my absolute favorite things about studying in seminary has been the exposure to new and different theological perspectives! As members of the Body of Christ, we are truly all built in unique ways, having had different personal experiences that teach us about God, God's world, and our place in it. Khristi Adams brings … Continue reading Episode 258 – Khristi Lauren Adams

Producer's Pick! As some of you may know, the Houston area was hit hard this past week by a hurricane. The category 1 storm, Beryl, wreaked havoc on the infrastructure here, leaving more than 2 million homes and places of business without power. We were among those affected, having lost power for almost 6 days … Continue reading Episode 257 – Michael Wear (re-release!)

With the 4th of July coming up this week, I wanted to share this conversation with you again. It is good to celebrate our country and it is also good to critique it. In this episode, Jemar and I spoke with each other literally less than a week after the insurrection on the Capitol on … Continue reading Episode 255 – Jemar Tisby (re-release!)

Growing up inside American evangelicalism, I can see now that there was definitely a taste of Christian nationalism thrown into the cultural mix (though I certainly couldn't name it at the time). If you grew up culturally Chrisitan in the U.S., the same is probably true for you, too. What Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood … Continue reading Episode 254 – Brian Kaylor

There is a lot of talk these days about the hurts and abuses taking place inside of churches. Unfortunately, that is true because such instances are not uncommon. Not only does it seem like every week a new story breaks of pastor or other Christian leader failing in his (usually these awful stories feature men) … Continue reading Episode 253 – Jenai Auman

As soon as I saw Bekah McNeel had a new book coming out, I was lining up to talk with her (and I didn't even know the subject, lol!). When I learned it was about suffering and our response to it, I was certain this was a conversation I'd want to have (that's mostly because, … Continue reading Episode 252 – Bekah McNeel

Anna Broadway is an author who has literally traveled around the world to bring her newest book to us! And, oh yeah, she's a single Christian. In Solo Planet, which was the basis for this conversation, Anna explores what it's like to be single in Christian communities all over the globe. In addition to sharing … Continue reading Ep. 251 – Anna Broadway

Any time I get to talk with Dr. Brenda, I consider it to be a good day (and this recording day was a good day!). We chatted about her newest book, Empowered to Repair, which takes its themes from the story surrounding Ezra and Nehemiah (don't worry if it's been a minute since you've read … Continue reading Ep. 250 – Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil

The subject matter of Scott Coley's new book might be familiar to many of us, but the way in which he presents it was new for me! Scott is a philosopher and professor, so he comes at many of the questions (and problems) we see within the religious right, especially in the United States, from … Continue reading Episode 249 – Scott Coley

Talking with Courtney Ellis about, of all things, grief and birds was so wonderfully rich! Before I read her newest book, Looking Up, I had no idea how beautiful vultures could be, for example, and how God's plans for creation, life and death included, could reveal so much about God's character and our relationships to … Continue reading Episode 248 – Courtney Ellis

It is an absolute joy to share space with Ashlee Eiland! She was brave enough to come on the podcast during my first year and gracious enough to join me again. This time our conversation centered around her newest book, Say Good. We all know we're navigating (often, whether we like it or not) difficult … Continue reading Episode 247 – Ashlee Eiland

April marks genocide awareness month, bringing attention to all the atrocities the world has witnessed in the past and offering a collective never again to any present or future threats. This April also marks 30 years since the Rwandan genocide, which began in April of 1994 where one million Tutsi people lost their lives at … Continue reading Episode 246 – Henriette Mutegwaraba

What a pleasure to have the chance to talk with Jenny McGee, the founder of Starfish Project! A few pieces from the jewelry collection at Starfish Project have found their way into my personal collection over the years (okay, I specifically picked them out and asked for them for Christmases, birthdays, etc.) and ever since … Continue reading Episode 245 – Jenny McGee

This conversation with Pastor Trey Ferguson easily and quickly became one of my favorites. Not did our time together feel life-giving, akin to having a cup (or many cups) of coffee with a dear friend, but his theological explorations were encouraging and, in some instances, challenging. Trey's new book, Theologizin' Bigger is not your typical … Continue reading Episode 244 – Trey Ferguson

It's not very often that I ask my kids to preview a book I receive for the podcast, but it's also not very often that I am preparing to interview the authors of a children's book (including a teenage co-author)! Zion Learns to See by Zion Lester and her father Terence covers the difficult topic … Continue reading Episode 243 – Zion Lester & Terence Lester

A short reflection on the day after Easter...and doubt. Mentioned in this episode: Matthew 28 You might also enjoy: Ep. 191 with Alexis Busetti Ep. 150 with Jason Porterfield Ep. 140 with Alexis Busetti

Dr. Dwight Radcliff is the academic dean for the William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies at Fuller Seminary (and one of my favorite professors!). In the spring of 2022, I took his class on the Theology of Hip Hop Culture and it was life-altering (I don’t say that lightly!). As Christians, not just those … Continue reading Episode 241 – Dwight Radcliff (re-release!)

Okay. I hope you have *half* as much fun listening to this episode as Malcolm and I had recording it! We went in with no notes, no background reading material, and (almost) no filters. Malcolm first came on the podcast in 2020 and we talked about his dissertation work on the history of lynching in … Continue reading Episode 240 – Malcolm Foley

Michael Wear is one of the voices I've been listening to, regarding politics and the Christian faith, for years now. I first heard him on a podcast (linked below) where he and his friend, Justin Giboney, were speaking about politics in ways that A. resonated deeply with me and B. I hadn't heard many, if … Continue reading Episode 239 – Michael Wear

When you think about your community or the neighborhoods around you, how many church buildings do you think you pass by on a daily basis? What takes place in those buildings, both on Sundays and throughout the week? And how do those spaces serve the people in close proximity? These are questions that Mark Elsdon … Continue reading Ep. 238 – Mark Elsdon

David Fitch is a professor at Northern Seminary and the author of several books, the latest of which is on a topic I dare say most Christians have pondered, especially in the last few years...power. In Reckoning with Power David presents a brief history of how we have come to view power, especially in the … Continue reading Ep. 236 – David Fitch

Dr. Lamar Hardwick is back on the podcast! If you happened to miss our first conversation, I highly recommend you go back and listen. Lamar's book, Disability and the Church, was the topic and it challenged my theology (in all kinds of good ways!). This time around we talked about his most recent book, How Ableism … Continue reading Ep. 234 – Lamar Hardwick

And the most played episode of 2023 was...my conversation with Jon Ward! Jon Ward is a journalist who has spent the last twenty years covering American politics. He’s also a Christian. And, like so many of us, he was raised in the evangelical culture that is continuing to supply ample obstacles in the terrain as we … Continue reading Ep. 233 – Jon Ward (Top Episodes of 2023: #1)

The countdown continues with the #2 episode of 2023 - Dr. Phuc Luu! In the West, the Christian tradition we have inherited involves certain views of the God of the Bible and violence. It’s something many, if not most, of us have taken for granted in our discipleship. But what about the rich heritage of … Continue reading Ep. 232 – Phuc Luu (Top Episodes of 2023: #2)

I am pumped to continue the top five countdown from 2023 with this amazing conversation with Karen Swallow Prior! Even though the student in me was initially a bit nervous (she is an English professor after all!), I had an absolute blast talking with Karen Swallow Prior for this episode! Her newest book, and our conversation, explore the … Continue reading Episode 231 – Karen Swallow Prior (Top Episodes of 2023: #3)

To start off 2024, I am pleased to re-release the top 5, most listened to episodes of 2023! I just know you'll enjoy this first installment with Dr. Jen Rosner of Fuller Theological Seminary! It is always a joy to welcome one of my professors to the podcast! This conversation with Jen Rosner was a true gem. … Continue reading Ep. 229 – Jen Rosner (Top Episodes of 2023: #5)

This advent book (and conversation!) is not just for the Christmas season. I promise, Kelley Nikondeha‘s words will minister to you all year long! Her book, The First Advent in Palestine tells of some of the forgotten stories surrounding Jesus’ birth. We know he was born in first century occupied Palestine, but what was the political climate … Continue reading Episode 225 – Kelly Nikondeha (re-release!)

It was a wonderful privilege to chat with Dr. Jennifer Holberg. If you listened to my conversation with (the Notorious) Karen Swallow Prior, you'll remember that I get a little nervous talking with English professors, haha!, but, like KSP, Jennifer was a delight! Jennifer teaches at Calvin University where she is the chair of the … Continue reading Episode 222 – Jennifer Holberg

Robert P. Jones is the president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of several books, including his most recent The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, which is the topic of this conversation. In it, Robert connects the founding of the U.S., specifically the genocide and removal of Native peoples, with … Continue reading Episode 221 – Robert P. Jones

It was a pleasure to host Alicia Akins again on the podcast! If you missed her the first time around, I encourage you to go back and take a listen. This time, we chatted about her new book, The Gift of the Outsider. As someone who identifies as an outsider in many ways and in … Continue reading Episode 218 – Alicia Akins

Dr. Collin Cornell is a professor of Bible and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. Our conversation for this episode is based on a forthcoming article by Collin that puts some question marks over the grand biblical narrative many of us have come to take for granted. For me, the topic of fellowship as it relates … Continue reading Episode 214 – Collin Cornell

Even though the student in me was initially a bit nervous (she is an English professor after all!), I had an absolute blast talking with Karen Swallow Prior for this episode! Her newest book, and our conversation, explore the question of what is biblical/Christian versus what is just Victorian, specifically in the evangelical context. Who … Continue reading Episode 205 – Karen Swallow Prior

CNN journalist John Blake is on the podcast! His newest book, More Than I Imagined, tells his personal story. John is bi-racial, the son of a Black father and a White mother he grew up not knowing anything about. For a man who has been reporting on race for decades (and by his own admission … Continue reading Episode 202 – John Blake

I had a fabulous time talking with Tasha Jun! She has written an incredible memoir called Tell Me the Dream Again. Tasha's experiences as a biracial woman often made a challenge, including in Christian spaces. As you'll hear in our conversation, as a mixed Hispanic woman, I can totally relate to much of what Tasha … Continue reading Episode 195 – Tasha Jun

Happy Resurrection Day! Thanks for joining me as I offer a short homily on Luke 24:1-12. This is one of the gospel passages that describes the women and the other disciples' discovery that the tomb where they expected to find Jesus was empty on Sunday morning! If you've ever been left like them, wondering what … Continue reading Episode 191 – Alexis Busetti

One of the areas I have found myself exploring more in the past few years is the theology of disability. What does it mean to be embodied? What does it look like when we come to terms with the fact that most of us will face disability in our lifetimes? How do we experience God … Continue reading Episode 190 – Lyndsey Medford

A conversation on climate change straight from Texas! I am so grateful to Kyle Meyaard-Schaap for joining me on the podcast and for writing his awesome new book, Following Jesus in a Warming World. Like Kyle, I grew up inside a cultural context that largely did not encourage Christians to care about the environment. But … Continue reading Episode 185 – Kyle Meyaard-Schaap

Josh Buck is back on the podcast! The last time Josh joined me, he shared about his dissertation research into the Charleston Massacre. He also let us know he had a book set to release and now it's here! When I began reading Everyday Activism, I surprised myself at how many dog-eared pages and underlined … Continue reading Episode 171 – Josh Buck

Blaine Hogan writes, acts, directs, and was formerly on staff at a megachurch. He has also honored us in writing a book holding his deepest, darkest secrets and allowing us to learn from his experiences and reflections. In this conversation, we talk about the hard work of healing, recovery, and ministry in the midst of … Continue reading Episode 170 – Blaine Hogan

My friend Phil is back! Phil Allen has written a second book and it is incredible! The Prophetic Lens takes us back in history to the infamous racist film shown at the White House all the way through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's to Darnell Frazier's courageous capturing and posting of George Floyd's … Continue reading Episode 161 – Phil Allen, Jr.

My guest for this incredible episode is none other than Dr. Christina Edmonson of the Truth's Table podcast! Some of my all-time favorite interviews come from conversations with podcasters, but this one just may take the cake! Christina joined me to talk about the new book she co-wrote with researcher Chad Brennan, Faithful Anti-Racism. What … Continue reading Episode 158 – Christina Edmonson

Part of the story of the resurrection has bothered me as I looked back on the text this week. Why does Jesus tell Mary not to cling to him after he calls out to her outside his empty tomb? You'd think he would welcome her embrace, hold on to her with all his might and … Continue reading Episode 140 – Don’t Cling