Podcast Archive ·

Episode 144 – Gail Song Bantum & Brian Bantum

Gail Song Bantum, lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle, WA and Brian Bantum, Theologian in Residence, joined me in a conversation on their newest book, Choosing Us. Having been married 25 years and in vocational ministry almost as long, they have learned a thing or two about navigating their relationship in this "world of … Continue reading Episode 144 – Gail Song Bantum & Brian Bantum

Episode 143 – J.W. Buck

J.W. (Josh) Buck is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Pax, a Christian organization designed to inspire and equip the next generation through slow, beautiful, Jesus-centered content created by people of color. While his first book is available for pre-order now (!), in this interview, we focused on his dissertation work on the … Continue reading Episode 143 – J.W. Buck

Episode 140 – Don’t Cling

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

Episode 139 – Ines Franklin

Ines Franklin is a speaker, pastor, ministry leader, and graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary. All of these roles are ones her abuelita would have hoped and dreamed for Ines, but in her early adult life, they seemed unlikely. It wasn't until she had turned 40, with failed marriages behind her, that she found herself back … Continue reading Episode 139 – Ines Franklin

Episode 138 – Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley

On March 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the "Emmett Till Antilynching Act." While this is historic, it is also over 100 years and 200 failed votes in the making. There are mixed emotions following the bill's unanimous passing in the Senate and in light of the moment, I'm taking this opportunity to re-air … Continue reading Episode 138 – Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley

Episode 136 – Shane Blackshear

Shane Blackshear is the host of Seminary Dropout podcast and the author of a new book full of wisdom from the life of civil rights leader and co-author John Perkins. Go and Do is a wonderful mingling of stories from the lives of John and Shane as well as practical, solid content to help us … Continue reading Episode 136 – Shane Blackshear

Episode 135 – Alicia Akins

Alicia Akins has written a beautiful book called Invitations to Abundance and came on the podcast to talk about it! Alicia serves as a deaconess at her church, is a biblical studies graduate student at Reformed Theological Seminary, and works in international education in Washington D.C. Her gorgeous book narrates the feasts of the Bible … Continue reading Episode 135 – Alicia Akins

Episode 132 – Dennis Edwards

Dr. Dennis Edwards, professor of New Testament at North Park Seminary in Chicago, is on the podcast! His book, Might From the Margins, specifically addresses and encourages Christians who have found themselves marginalized within American Evangelicalism, including Christians of color and women. One of the things I appreciate most about this text and conversation is … Continue reading Episode 132 – Dennis Edwards

Episode 131 – Young-Sam Won

Dr. Young-Sam Won is the Associate Director of Ministry Formation and an Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary. He's also a hoot to follow on Twitter! Sam loves to explore the topics of justice and ethnicity from a biblical (specifically Old Testament) perspective and I am here for it. In this conversation, … Continue reading Episode 131 – Young-Sam Won

Episode 129 – Natalia Kohn Rivera

Natalia Kohn Rivera is a pastor with InterVarsity's LeFe ministry and co-author of Hermanas. This beautiful book takes the journeys of 12 biblical women and explores them through the lenses of Latina women. In this conversation, Natalia and I discuss the importance of our ethnic identities and our faith as well as what it means … Continue reading Episode 129 – Natalia Kohn Rivera

Episode 128 – Ashley Hales

Ashley Hales is the author of A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits. When I read this book, I felt myself give a big exhale. You mean we're not meant to do it all? Limits are God's design for goodness for our lives? Yes! If you have found yourself overwhelmed … Continue reading Episode 128 – Ashley Hales

Episode 127 – Sandra Maria Van Opstal

You do not have to be an Enneagram 8 (or even know what the Enneagram is) to enjoy this episode! Sandra Maria Van Opstal has written an incredible devotional as part of a series published by InterVarsity Press called Forty Days on Being an Eight. The point of our conversation in this episode was not … Continue reading Episode 127 – Sandra Maria Van Opstal

Episode 126 – April Fiet

April Fiet is a pastor and author of The Sacred Pulse: Holy Rhythms for Overwhelmed Souls. In this conversation we explore the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of life. God has given us this sacred pulse in his generosity, both modeled in creation and, in order to help us sustain this abundant life. From the … Continue reading Episode 126 – April Fiet

Episode 125 – New Year, New Growth

As the new year rolls in, I'm as tempted as the next person to spend a brief time celebrating and then lean into the expectations. Expectations of myself, people close to me, circumstances...a new year means a new beginning, right? So it's time to turn over a new leaf as they say and hit the … Continue reading Episode 125 – New Year, New Growth

Episode 124 – Dan Stringer

Dan Stringer is a pastor in Hawai'i and the author of Struggling with Evangelicalism. Like many of us who grew up in American evangelicalism, Dan recognizes the problems. But he doesn't stop there; he challenges us to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly and encourages us to locate ourselves in relationship with … Continue reading Episode 124 – Dan Stringer

Episode 122 – Robert Chao Romero

Robert Chao Romero is a professor, pastor, and attorney. At heart, he is an evangelist. He is also the author of Brown Church (a book that had me teary-eyed in the introduction). In this conversation, Robert and I discuss the birth and history of what he calls the Brown Church as well as the origins … Continue reading Episode 122 – Robert Chao Romero

Episode 119 – Alan Noble

Alan Noble joins me to talk about his latest book, You Are Not Your Own. The concept is simple, but as we know simple does not usually mean easy to live out. As believers we understand that we belong to Christ and to each other, not to ourselves, but culture tells us something very different. … Continue reading Episode 119 – Alan Noble

Episode 117 – The Substance Podcast

Oh how the tables have turned! Philip, Vince, and Trevor over at The Substance podcast asked me to come on their show. This host ended up on the other side of the interview and...it was so much fun! These three friends and theology buffs have produced dozens of episodes aiming at being biblical, thoughtful, and … Continue reading Episode 117 – The Substance Podcast

Episode 115 – Karen González

Karen González joins me on the podcast to talk about immigration and the Bible. Karen's experiences as an immigrant and her seminary education bring unique perspectives I hope we will all take the time and space to consider. As a child, Karen immigrated to the U.S. with her family from Guatemala. In her book, The … Continue reading Episode 115 – Karen González

Episode 114 – A Word on Feelings

This week on the podcast, I offer a little reflection on feelings. Sometimes it's hard to comprehend that God actually cares about our emotions. We may have been discipled into a tradition or church culture where we learned God expects us to be happy all the time or he only cares about our circumstances not … Continue reading Episode 114 – A Word on Feelings

Episode 113 – Michaela O’Donnell

Michaela O'Donnell is the Executive Director of the Max De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. She also works with her husband, Daniel, in their company Long Winter Media. On the podcast today, we talked about her new book Make Work Matter and more generally about vocational formation. Michaela's work and research the … Continue reading Episode 113 – Michaela O’Donnell

Episode 112 – 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, personally and in community. Cultural context in worship has received pushback … Continue reading Episode 112 – Terry Wildman

Episode 111 – Danté Stewart

This conversation with Danté Stewart was almost a year in the making, but it was well worth the wait! Danté's first book, a memoir, comes out on October 12 and it is a gift! Shoutin' in the Fire: An American Epistle tells the story of a faith journey that has become all too familiar in … Continue reading Episode 111 – Danté Stewart

Episode 106 – Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith is a pastor, speaker, and author and her latest book, Unfettered, nearly wrecked me (in the best possible way!). In the book and our conversation, Mandy unpacks the baggage of Western culture and how it is impacting our faith. Mandy's journey in this season began with a sabbatical, observing a flock of geese, … Continue reading Episode 106 – Mandy Smith

Episode 105 – Casey Church

Casey Church is the pastor of Good Medicine Way in Albuquerque, NM. He has been in ministry for three decades as a Native American encouraging a contextualized way of worship. In his personal history, he has had painful experiences of being reprimanded and shunned for expressing his love for God in ways familiar to his … Continue reading Episode 105 – Casey Church

Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette

Mark Scandrette is an author, pastor, theologian, and gifted teacher. During this conversation, we talk about his newest book, The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes. When we read the "blessed are the...." in the Beatitudes it can sometimes feel overwhelming. We ask ourselves how we can do or be all of … Continue reading Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette

Episode 103 – Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Dr. Kelly Flanagan, author, psychologist, speaker, and consultant, joined me for this episode of the podcast. The subject of our conversation is companionship in the context of philia, the kind of love that walks alongside others through the good and the gritty parts of life. His new book, True Companions, highlights this journey in ways … Continue reading Episode 103 – Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Episode 102 – Elsie Tshimunyi McKee

Dr. Elsie Tshimunyi McKee, retired professor of Reformed Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, joins me on the podcast today. She has co-written a lovely book with her friend Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna, whom you'll hear us refer to as Maman Monique during the course of our conversation. Both ladies grew up in the Democratic Republic … Continue reading Episode 102 – Elsie Tshimunyi McKee

Episode 101 – Dominique Dubois Gilliard

"We are a nation that has become addicted to incarceration." Dominique Gilliard is an author, speaker, teacher, and the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Love Mercy Do Justice initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church. His first book, Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores was the topic of our conversation today. The … Continue reading Episode 101 – Dominique Dubois Gilliard

Episode 100 – Sho Baraka

Sho Baraka is the guest for episode 100 of the podcast! If, by chance, you don't know Sho I can't wait for you to meet him in this conversation! Sho is a recording artist, writer, activist, and educator. In his new book, He Saw That It Was Good, he challenges each of us to do … Continue reading Episode 100 – Sho Baraka

Episode 099 – Kat Armas

Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. In her book, Kat introduces us to her grandmother and other women … Continue reading Episode 099 – Kat Armas

Episode 098 – Taylor Schumann

Taylor Schumann is a survivor of gun violence and author of the book When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough: A Shooting Survivor's Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence. Like many of us in the United States, Taylor grew up seeing gun ownership as an un-problematic part of American culture. In the church, some celebrate … Continue reading Episode 098 – Taylor Schumann

Episode 097 – Duke Kwon

As Christians, what responsibility do we have if we know a crime has been committed? Specifically, what about a theft? Authors and pastors Duke Kwon and Gregory Thompson address those questions in their new book, Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair. Pastor Kwon joined me for this episode of the podcast to talk … Continue reading Episode 097 – Duke Kwon

Episode 096 – Michelle Reyes

Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes is an author, church-planter, and the co-founder and Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. Her new book, Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures is a rich, beautiful resource for Christians navigating multi-cultural spaces and relationships (which is all of us!). Follow along and … Continue reading Episode 096 – Michelle Reyes

Episode 095 – Kitti Murray

Kitti Murray is the founder and CEO of Refuge Coffee Co. in Clarkston, GA, which has been dubbed the most diverse square mile in America. With more than 50% of the population in this suburb of Atlanta being foreign born, Kitti and her husband found themselves intentionally among people who were very different from themselves … Continue reading Episode 095 – Kitti Murray

Episode 094 – Raymond Chang

Raymond Chang is the co-founder and president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC). Following the shootings in Atlanta, GA in the spring of 2021 and in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the AACC issued statements regarding racism targeted towards Asian Americans. Each of the statements received thousands of signatures of support … Continue reading Episode 094 – Raymond Chang

Episode 093 – Osheta Moore

Osheta Moore is a pastor and peacemaker bent on demolishing the hold white supremacy has had on God's children. Her brand new book Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism With Grit and Grace is the book I would hand to so many of my White friends contemplating how they can move forward in their journeys of … Continue reading Episode 093 – Osheta Moore

Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk

For this episode, I had the chance to interview my professor, Dr. Matthew Kaemingk. Matt teaches classes on faith and public life, including the areas of politics and the workplace. A few years ago, Matt wrote an article on Christian political hospitality viewed through the lens of Holy Week. At the heart of the issue … Continue reading Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk

Episode 091 – Andrew Krinks

Andrew Krinks has a particular academic interest in topics surrounding the intersection of race, religion, and criminalization. Since completing his PhD at Vanderbilt, he is teaching and working on a project concerning how Covid-19 has effected individuals imprisoned in New Jersey. The essay we drew from for today's conversation is one Andrew wrote for a … Continue reading Episode 091 – Andrew Krinks

Episode 089 – Lynda MacGibbon

Lynda MacGibbon traded her small town farm house and community for a high-rise on the other side of the continent and with the move took on a challenge. What would it look like for her to intentionally live out the commandment of Jesus to love her neighbors? Not just the people she came into contact … Continue reading Episode 089 – Lynda MacGibbon

Episode 087 – Phil Armstrong

Phil Armstrong is the Program Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. As a native Oklahoman I was shocked when, in my mid-30's, I first heard about the events in the Greenwood District of Tulsa for the first time. In this last year in our country race relations have been brought to the … Continue reading Episode 087 – Phil Armstrong

Episode 086 – Jeffrey Bilbro

Jeff Bilbro is an English professor and author of the book Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News releasing in May 2021. We all want to be better consumers of the news, but as Jeff puts it, "belonging well precedes thinking well." Reading and responding to the news are communal acts, … Continue reading Episode 086 – Jeffrey Bilbro

Episode 084 – Lindsey Krinks

Lindsey Krinks is the Co-Founder and Director of Education and Advocacy at Open Table Nashville. Her new book, Praying With Our Feet: Pursuing Justice and Healing On the Streets, recounts her journey from college student to interfaith street chaplain. In her journey, Lindsey has not shied away from asking the tough questions about faith, homelessness, … Continue reading Episode 084 – Lindsey Krinks

Episode 083 – Tish Harrison Warren

Tish Harrison Warren is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. Her most recent book, Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep, I recently finished literally in the dark, mostly by candle and flashlight, in the midst of the Texas blackout and freeze. Tish tackles the theological concept … Continue reading Episode 083 – Tish Harrison Warren

Episode 082 – Shannon Polk

The Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk is an attorney, teacher, pastor, speaker, and the Executive Director of The Witness Foundation. In this conversation we tackle the topic of philanthropic redlining. Similar to the real estate phenomenon that bars people of color from purchasing homes in certain neighborhoods, charitable giving has also been effected by the practice … Continue reading Episode 082 – Shannon Polk

Episode 081 – A.D. Thomason

A.D. "Lumkile" Thomason has a vast resume. He is a husband, father, holds a doctorate, studied fashion, spoken word artist, filmmaker, former pastor and basketball player. His new book is out called Permission to Be Black: My Journey with Jay-Z and Jesus and it is deep. Throughout his life, A.D. never really processed the trauma … Continue reading Episode 081 – A.D. Thomason

Episode 080 – Lamar Hardwick

Lamar Hardwick, aka The Autism Pastor, is the lead pastor of a congregation in the Atlanta, GA area. At the age of 36, after years of struggling with symptoms, Lamar was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His new book, Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion, is a call to the church … Continue reading Episode 080 – Lamar Hardwick

Episode 079 – Dan Kimball

Dan Kimball is one of the founders of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He is also the author of his newest book, How (Not) to Read the Bible: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Violence, Pro-Slavery & Other Crazy-Sounding Parts of Scripture. Even the subtitle covers a lot, but the birth of the … Continue reading Episode 079 – Dan Kimball

Episode 078 – Tara Beth Leach

Tara Beth Leach is a pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook in the Chicago area. She and her family recently moved back home following a time of her pastoring in Pasadena, CA at First Church of the Nazarene, a.k.a. PazNaz. As a pastor in white evangelical spaces, Tara Beth has been able to capture … Continue reading Episode 078 – Tara Beth Leach

Episode 076 – Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby, the New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise, is back on the podcast with an incredible conversation about his new book, How To Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. We recorded this episode on January 12, 2021, less than one week after the insurrection at the … Continue reading Episode 076 – Jemar Tisby

Episode 075 – Rasool Berry

This episode was recorded in late December 2020, before the attacks on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Here's my confession, I was just trying to keep up with my guest Rasool Berry on this episode (this is going to be a double-listen for me)! At the time of this recording, Rasool had just come … Continue reading Episode 075 – Rasool Berry

Episode 074 – Rondell Treviño

*This episode was recorded January 8, 2021.* Rondell Treviño is the founder and director of an incredible organization called The Immigration Coalition. Rondell and his team provide clean drinking water to communities along the Mexico-U.S. border as well as educational resources for churches and pastors about immigration in America. Listen to the end of the … Continue reading Episode 074 – Rondell Treviño

Episode 073 – Chandra Crane

Chandra Crane is the author of a book that was very personal read for me, Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity, published by InterVarsity Press with an incredible foreword by Jemar Tisby. Chandra, who is on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, is ethnically mixed. She is white American and Thai and was … Continue reading Episode 073 – Chandra Crane

Episode 071 – Alexis Busetti

As I reflect on Christmas, especially in 2020, I'm reminded that we live in a time of now and not yet. When John the Baptist came crying as a voice in the wilderness announcing the Kingdom of Heaven is here, he also had to live in the reality that the Kingdom of Heaven is not … Continue reading Episode 071 – Alexis Busetti

Episode 068 – Scott Sauls

Scott Sauls is the senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. His latest book, A Gentle Answer: Our "Secret Weapon" in an Age of Us Against Them, released this summer and it is an answer to prayer! We all realize 2020 has turned out to be more than we bargained for, but the … Continue reading Episode 068 – Scott Sauls

Episode 066 – MelindaJoy Mingo

MelindaJoy Mingo has written an incredible book called The Colors of Culture: The Beauty of Diverse Friendships and she joined me to talk about it! I don't know how many times I have had the conversation about the role diversity and relationships within the larger problem of systemic injustices. Sometimes it feels hopeless, like what … Continue reading Episode 066 – MelindaJoy Mingo

Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp

Mary Jo Sharp grew up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist, moved to the Bible Belt for college, and became a Christian. But her faith journey was not as predictable as that makes it sound. When she experienced hypocrisy in the Church she felt her budding faith getting trampled. She began studying apologetics to … Continue reading Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp

Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess

As of this airing, we are approximately one week away from the end of the 2020 election cycle. We have complicated questions, strong opinions, curated convictions, and close relationships to navigate and at times it feels impossible. Enter Kaitlyn Schiess! Her new book The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor … Continue reading Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess

Episode 062 – Scott Erickson

Advent couldn't come soon enough for me this year; and I don't think I'm alone! Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with our conversation on his book, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now. Scott is an artist, which encompasses a whole host of creative … Continue reading Episode 062 – Scott Erickson

Episode 061 – David Swanson

David Swanson is the pastor of a multiracial congregation in Chicago and author of Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity. In a world where diversity is valued and even sought after, David recognizes it is not always the answer. Racial injustice cannot be addressed by an emphasis of diversity alone; true … Continue reading Episode 061 – David Swanson

Episode 060 – Unbelievable

How important are our words? How do they compare to our actions? The Apostle John and the late Brennan Manning have similar thoughts on the subject. When we say with our mouths we love God, but deny the assertion by denying to love our neighbors, we have failed. We make ourselves liars. Listen in as … Continue reading Episode 060 – Unbelievable

Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby is the New York Times best-selling author of The Color of Compromse: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism. He is also the president and co-founder of The Witness - A Black Christian Collective. Jemar talked about the current civil rights movement, what Christians can do to educate themselves and gave … Continue reading Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby

Episode 058 – Justin Giboney

I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation with Justin Giboney. Justin is an attorney, political strategist and co-founder of the AND Campaign and talks to us about what it means to be faithfully and intellectually engaged in politics. We talk about why critical thinking in the political arena is so important and what … Continue reading Episode 058 – Justin Giboney

Episode 057 – Daniel Hill

Pastor Daniel Hill joined me to talk about his new book White Lies and it was powerful! White supremacy as an ideology has played an unfortunate role in the Church in America and we as believers have allowed it to continue on our watch for far too long. True, not everyone is intentionally promoting white … Continue reading Episode 057 – Daniel Hill

Episode 056 – Season 2 Opener!

I can't believe we've been going for a year! Thanks so much for listening! We're giving the podcast a bit of a facelift as we enter year two. We've always been about "faith, finance, and everyday life," but we're growing and evolving and as we enter Season 2 we're shifting the focus to "exploring God's … Continue reading Episode 056 – Season 2 Opener!

Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire

Today's conversation is with movement maker Terri Broussard Williams. Whether it's philanthropy, policy or building or joining a movement that aligns with your passion, Terri is here to help. This political season feels chaotic at best and hopeless at worst and I found myself succumbing to the whims of the culture. That's when I knew … Continue reading Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire

Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey

I am so excited about this episode with Chrystal! I don't know any Christian who hasn't struggled with aspects of his or her prayer life and Chrystal is no exception. Her new book The 28-Day Prayer Journey: A Daily Guide to Conversations with God began out of her own journey to see her relationship with … Continue reading Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life

Cara Meredith is an author, speaker, and conversationalist. She's also a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. But how I encountered her most meaningfully is as a student. Her spiritual memoir, The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Racial Justice tells the story of how Cara met and fell in love with her … Continue reading Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life

Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good

Megan Fate Marshman brings the encouragement in this conversation and in her new book Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You! Her joy is contagious and her teaching is challenging in the best way possible. In the book, Megan breaks down the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11, and the three … Continue reading Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good

Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity

What does it mean to affirm someone's dignity as a person? This question has been circling around in my head for months now. It seems like everywhere I turn I am hearing about it or reading about it and it's caused me to look deeper into what it means. How is our dignity inherent to … Continue reading Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity

Episode 050 – Mark Charles, Presidential Candidate and Author

Mark Charles is a speaker, author, advocate, and an independent candidate for President in the upcoming 2020 election. His new book, co-authored with Soong-Chan Rah is Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. To me, Mark is a conversation starter. His ideas bring to the forefront truths about our country and … Continue reading Episode 050 – Mark Charles, Presidential Candidate and Author

Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)

Pastor and author Ashlee Eiland and her husband, Delwin, are both on staff at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI where Delwin leads worship and Ashlee serves as a Formation and Preaching Pastor. Ashlee has a message that could not be more relevant and timely for us living in the current cultural climate … Continue reading Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)

Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth

Michael Lacy is definitely one of my favorite voices in the personal finance space today! He coaches, hosts a podcast, writes, and offers resources on all things money through his company Winning To Wealth. He also recently was laid off from his job as a result of slow downs due to the coronavirus pandemic (affectionately … Continue reading Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth

Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project

Adam and Randi Blair are the married couple behind the diversity consulting firm, The Selah Project. Their current work in helping churches create more diverse communities is birthed from their experience in being an interracial couple in ministry. I love what they say about the training they provide to leaders and congregations - that it … Continue reading Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project

Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

Sean Dietrich, better known as Sean of the South, is a popular blogger and storyteller. He hosts a podcast and is the author of his memoir and most recent book, Will the Circle Be Unbroken? A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be Okay. If you know me in real life, you know there's … Continue reading Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race

Here on the podcast, we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life. You have surely noticed that recently in our country, and really across the world, eyes have turned to racial injustice in America. I have not shied away from talking about race on the podcast because this topic definitely fits into the original premise. … Continue reading Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race

Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University

The soon to be Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley was on the podcast and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite conversations to date! Malcolm is a PhD candidate at Baylor University and his dissertation research asks the question, how Black Protestants affirmed their own dignity in the late 19th and early 20th … Continue reading Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University

Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco

This conversation with Gary was recorded on May 29, 2020. Gary Wardlaw is the founder and co-owner of The Relationship Clinic of Waco. Heholds a dual license as a Marriage and Family Therapist and as a ProfessionalCounselor in both Texas and Virginia. Gary’s skill development has come from an arrayof clinical settings. Prior to relocating … Continue reading Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco

Episode 041 – Neisha Pittman, Nothin But God

It is not everyday that I get to interview one of my closest friends for the podcast, but today you'll hear one of those times! Neisha Pittman is a believer in Jesus, wife to Michael, and owner of the apparel brand Nothin But God. Neisha's testimony of how she met Jesus is nothing short of … Continue reading Episode 041 – Neisha Pittman, Nothin But God

Episode 040 – Repenting for Racism

Join me today in a conversation and prayer of repentance for racism in our country. We look to men like Daniel and Ezra who were not afraid to call out the sins of their ancestors and repent on their behalf. They lived with integrity in their generations and are examples for us to do likewise. … Continue reading Episode 040 – Repenting for Racism

Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw

Dr. Christina Crenshaw is a full-time lecturer at Baylor University where she teaches on faith, writing, and vocational and church leadership, among other topics. She has researched, written, and spoken extensively on human trafficking and she is an advocate for biblical justice. In our conversation we used her experience in human trafficking to frame a … Continue reading Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw

Episode 038 – Shannan Martin

I had a blast talking to Shannan Martin! Shannan is a speaker, writer, mom, and wife to Cory who works as a chaplain at the local jail. I finished her first book Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted literally only moments before our interview and I'm pretty sure I'm digesting parts of … Continue reading Episode 038 – Shannan Martin

Episode 037 – Budgeting Beyond Quarantine

A good, effective budget will always reflect our values. It's one thing to get numbers on a page or inside an app, but they're just numbers if they don't actually represent what's important to you. My bet is during this quarantine time you have, almost as a reflex, started to think about what really matters … Continue reading Episode 037 – Budgeting Beyond Quarantine

Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church

It's not everyday that I get to interview such a dear, personal friend for the podcast! Through this episode, I have the absolute privilege of introducing you to Andrew Franklin. Andrew serves as the Counseling Pastor of Antioch Church in Norman, OK. Seth and I have known Andrew for around 15 years and to say … Continue reading Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church

Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble

Jeanne Bishop is an attorney, advocate, and author. Her most recent book release, Grace from the Rubble, tells the story of Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh who was convicted of bombing the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 and Bud Welch, who is the father of one of the … Continue reading Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble

Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses

This weekend we celebrated Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection far away from our loved ones, under stay-at-home orders, and inside of an epidemic. But we can still respond to His resurrection relationally. It's what we saw the women do when they found an empty tomb. It's what His disciples did when they had dinner with … Continue reading Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses

Episode 033 – Mike Hickman

Mike Hickman is hilarious! He is a comedian, actor, and musician and we first saw him perform his variety act last year and cracked up the whole time! But all of Mike's life hasn't been fun and games. He and his family suffered the tragic loss of their son just over five years ago. In … Continue reading Episode 033 – Mike Hickman

Episode 032 – Kim Harms

Kim Harms is a wife, mom, believer, and freelance writer. Kim's diagnosis of breast cancer came just one month after turning forty. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and five months of reconstruction. I'm so thankful for Kim's vulnerability and openness about her process. She's putting the finishing touches on her first … Continue reading Episode 032 – Kim Harms

Episode 031 – Giving During a Crisis

We're talking generosity during a crisis situation today with none other than (drumroll please...…) Seth Busetti! My hubs joins me on this episode to talk about how to walk out giving during a crisis, like the current coronavirus. With so many people isolated and losing jobs, how can we reach out and give money, time, … Continue reading Episode 031 – Giving During a Crisis

Episode 030 – Sam Storms

"Thou shalt not do at all what others do poorly," was a commandment Dr. Sam Storms lived by for 20 years in ministry. Sam was pastoring in my hometown of Ardmore, OK when his life was turned upside down by the person and power of the Holy Spirit. Sam and his friend Jack Deere had … Continue reading Episode 030 – Sam Storms

Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House

I can't wait for you to hear this conversation with Michael Meissner of Abba's House! Michael, who has been a pastor for 27 years, his wife Julie, and their children live right where they minister. They welcome refuge families, one at a time, into their home where they show them the love of Jesus in … Continue reading Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House

Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath

Have you noticed a curiosity regarding Sabbath reemerging in the Church lately? It's beautiful! I think we're starting to notice how worn out we are and we're seeking rest and relaxation in the form of the Sabbath. My family and I have been on a similar journey for almost two decades now and God has … Continue reading Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath

Episode 027 – Kristi Hayes of Be Strong Story

My heart melted listening to Kristi Hayes, co-founder of her family's company Be Strong Story. Yes, her family mission as we know it now began with a lunchbox note from her husband to her son encouraging him to "Be Strong. Protect the weak. Love everyone." But God was on the move in her life long … Continue reading Episode 027 – Kristi Hayes of Be Strong Story

Episode 026 – Jason Houser with Seeds Family Worship

Get ready! For those of you who don't already know Jason, please let me have the honor of introducing him to you! Jason Houser and the team at Seeds Family Worship write, sing, play, record, and produce the most amazing songs made up entirely of Scripture verses! Each track is word-for-word Bible passages set to … Continue reading Episode 026 – Jason Houser with Seeds Family Worship

Episode 025 – Brokenness

Ugh. We're all broken, but sometimes we don't realize it until we get turned upside down or, on the other hand, we see the cracks at the most inopportune time like when something new and exciting comes our way. My grandmother's coffee mug, slipped out of my hand and bounced off my hardwood kitchen floor … Continue reading Episode 025 – Brokenness

Episode 024 – Brandon Roberson, Face to Face Ministries

Whoa! Brandon Roberson and I had a blast talking worship on the podcast! It was one of those conversations where we didn't quite know what to expect going in, but by the time it was over, I felt like I had gone to school. I first met Brandon when he was playing keys for Paul … Continue reading Episode 024 – Brandon Roberson, Face to Face Ministries

Episode 023 – Seth Postell with One For Israel

"Everything you're looking for can be found in Jesus!" This is the quote Dr. Seth Postell of One For Israel shared with me when we met at a banquet in September of 2019. It's simple, but its impact has been profound in my life. Seth is a professor at Israel College of the Bible and … Continue reading Episode 023 – Seth Postell with One For Israel

Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class

God gave us a community to do this following Jesus thing with and that community is called Church. And, in some ways church is like a group exercise class at your local gym. We're together, working, and learning from each other and an instructor the art and science of following Jesus and loving Him and … Continue reading Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class

Episode 021 – Annie Lobert, Hookers for Jesus

What I love most about Annie's story is it screams REDEMPTION! Annie grew up not unlike many other girls her age in the Midwest. When she imagined what her future would hold, "call girl" wasn't included in her wildest dreams. But that's exactly where she found herself. As she tells us in this interview and … Continue reading Episode 021 – Annie Lobert, Hookers for Jesus

Episode 020 – Money Conversations with Tiffany

All the single ladies (and gentlemen)! This is a conversation you do not want to miss! Tiffany is a single client and friend and she is CRUSHING it when it comes to her relationship with money #relationshipgoals. Tiffany is a business owner, home owner, and a strong woman of God who has positioned herself to … Continue reading Episode 020 – Money Conversations with Tiffany

Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance

Mental health struggles within the church aren't usually included in the popular topics of conversation, but that is changing in no small part thanks to organizations like The Grace Alliance. In this episode I host Casey Pruet of The Grace Alliance and she talks about the importance of helping the church serve one another inside … Continue reading Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance

Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us

Emmanuel, the invisible God, being with us is a hard concept to grasp for us humans. We're used to being around things we can see, more specifically, things that look kind of like us. But God, who is entirely "other," came to earth to show us who He is, so we would never have to … Continue reading Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us

Episode 017 – The Family of God

Have you ever thought about what it means to be part of the family of God? That God Himself hand-selected you to be His son or daughter? It feels almost unbelievable - too good to be true - but it isn't! God loves you with an eternal love and He wants you to know your … Continue reading Episode 017 – The Family of God

Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2

Nathan Wilbur is back! If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen; he shared all about growing up as a son in Paul Wilbur's house. Now Nathan tells us about his role as director of Wilbur Ministries and what God is doing through First Fridays in his church in Florida. He … Continue reading Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2

Episode 015 – Nathan Wilbur Part 1 of 2

Nathan Wilbur is the director of Wilbur Ministries and son of the internationally known Christian recording artist, Paul Wilbur. In this episode, Nathan was so gracious to let me pick his brain about growing up in a home where ministry was at the forefront and the family business was on stage in public. We talk … Continue reading Episode 015 – Nathan Wilbur Part 1 of 2

Episode 014 – Money Conversations with Monica

Handling money can feel confusing. And marriage has its own challenges. So when you put the two together, usually involving two very different people no less, it can get.....complicated. Listen in on this coaching session style episode where my friend Monica Harris asks her most pressing money and marriage questions and I do my best … Continue reading Episode 014 – Money Conversations with Monica

Episode 013 – Table Fellowship

Have you ever thought about Communion in the context of the Psalm 23? What about Peter's denial and redemption in the context of the first Passover out of Egypt? They have more in common than you might think. In all of these, God prepares a table to SHARE with us in the presence of our … Continue reading Episode 013 – Table Fellowship

Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2

Oh my goodness! This conversation with Sarah will get your mind spinning for all the different kinds of work that needs done in the Kingdom! Sarah shares with us about her organization Saving Moses and what they do to save and improve children's lives around the world. In this conversation, we specifically focus on their … Continue reading Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2

Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2

We all know God deeply desires for us to hear His voice, but how do we do that? Part of it comes as a gift, and part of it is learned. Listen in as Sarah Bowling tells us about growing up in a household where learning to hear from the Holy Spirit became second nature. … Continue reading Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2

Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth

Have you ever built a house? Even the thought of that kind of project makes me a little nauseous. All the details! But God built a house that got torn down and rebuilt again. Then, it got destroyed and raised up in all of us! We are the new temple of God and Jesus is … Continue reading Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth

Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie

Have you ever felt like God was moving you to a new stage or even a new state in your career? Were you completely sure or did you have some uncertainty surrounding whether you should stay or go? Well, you are not alone. Coppelia joins us this week to share her journey from Puerto Rico … Continue reading Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie

Episode 008 – Money Conversations with Rachel

Join us for the first Money Conversations episode on That Makes Total Sense! This week Alexis interviews Rachel Hendrick of Mercy Creates. As Rachel and her husband Jacob were going through their debt free journey, they were hit hard when a government program didn't pay off like they expected. So, they started to pray and … Continue reading Episode 008 – Money Conversations with Rachel

Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2

On the first episode, Bob gave us a look into his journey from aspiring educator to accidental comedian. This time, he shares how his faith foundation revealed itself when his marriage fell apart after 17 years. But don't worry, there's a happy ending! Bob's wife even texted during the interview and one of his "bonus" … Continue reading Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2

Episode 006 – Bob Smiley Part 1 of 2

You guys! Bob Smiley is hilarious! I had the privilege of meeting him at an event this summer. In this first of two episodes, Bob takes us down memory lane. Then he shares how that lane took a sharp turn from education major to stand-up comic. Episode Transcript: Intro 00:44 Welcome to that makes total … Continue reading Episode 006 – Bob Smiley Part 1 of 2

Episode 005 – Money is Like a Chainsaw

Have you ever heard the analogy that money is like a brick? It's a fine example, but not nearly dynamic enough in my opinion. Explore with me 5 ways I think money is more like a chainsaw! Episode Transcript:Intro 0:44 Hi, I'm Alexis Busetti and welcome to That Makes Total Sense! So this is the … Continue reading Episode 005 – Money is Like a Chainsaw

Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2

In the second half of my conversation with Michelle McKinney she offers us her expertise in empowering women to live their God-given dreams! She shares about her experiences of taking high-level executives from "here to there" and how we can do the same with the help of some simple steps she'll teach us. Her passion … Continue reading Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2

Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2

Listen in on this amazing conversation with Michelle McKinney! Michelle is the founder and Dream Architect of Dreams Unleashed. In Part 1, Michelle talks about losing her mother at a young age. She also shares about adopting her own daughter and how God taught her about pain, redemption, and calling from both experiences. Learn more … Continue reading Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2

Episode 002 – The Price is Right!

In college, God started really speaking to me about personal finance (or more accurately, I started really listening). From an often misinterpreted verse in the gospel of Matthew to an old, red Mitsubishi, I learned lessons about money I (and I hope, YOU) will never forget! Episode Transcript: Intro 0:44 Hi, I'm Alexis and welcome … Continue reading Episode 002 – The Price is Right!

Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure

Have you ever found yourself digging through the trash looking for something precious when there you are, up to your elbows in banana peels and dirty napkins, and God speaks a word to you? Not really? All alone out here? Well, listen in to what I heard Him say when I was doing just that. … Continue reading Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure

Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer

Welcome to the That Makes Total Sense! podcast. I'm Alexis Busetti and I'm so glad you're here! This is the place where we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life in a way that makes total sense. It's not so much about changing our convictions as it is about messing with our methods. So grab … Continue reading Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer

That Makes Total Sense!

Podcast launching September 9! Have you ever been going along in life, doing something the way you’ve always done it, and then seen someone comes beside you and does it completely differently? Maybe it’s those conversations we’ve all had – they range from deep faith issues, to parenting, to finances, to work and we’ve always … Continue reading That Makes Total Sense!