Episode 173 – Kelly Flanagan

Generally speaking, I am *not* a novel-reading, fiction-loving kind of girl, but....I loved Kelly Flanagan's new release The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell! And, I am so thrilled to welcome Kelly back to the podcast. He first came on to speak about his book, True Companions which was a game-changer for me as well. Kelly is … Continue reading Episode 173 – Kelly Flanagan

Episode 172 – Marlena Graves

Three words at the top of Marlena Grave's website sum it up: Jesus. Formation. Justice. These are the foci of what she does as a writer, professor, thinker, mother, wife, community activist, advocate, speaker, and so much more. She and her husband, Shawn, have co-edited a book along those lines called The Gospel of Peace … Continue reading Episode 172 – Marlena Graves

Episode 169 – Soong-Chan Rah

Soong-Chan Rah is a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary (I took a course with him and it was a total blast!). He has also served in ministry as a pastor and studied American Evangelicalism. One of the topics Soong-Chan is known for is the church and social justice. In Return to Justice, he explores the … Continue reading Episode 169 – Soong-Chan Rah

Episode 168 – Bob Smietana

If you've read anything from the Religion News Service, chances are you've already been introduced to Bob Smietana. Bob is a journalist and author of the book Reorganized Religion. Politics, demographics, and lifestyle are all affecting our churches and how they look and feel in America. In this episode, we talk about organized religion, American … Continue reading Episode 168 – Bob Smietana

Episode 167 – Jim Wallis

The one and only Jim Wallis is on the podcast! Most recently Jim came on as the director of the Center on Faith + Justice at Georgetown University. He and I met over the summer when the Center hosted its inaugural summer academy and I was blessed enough to attend. For those who may not … Continue reading Episode 167 – Jim Wallis

Episode 166 – Jennifer Tucker

It was only a few years ago that I was introduced to breath prayers. In the beginning of the pandemic, Osheta Moore, spiritual director and pastor, hosted morning times of Scripture-reading and breath prayers and these practices were so much of what kept me during those times. Now, we have another resource to encourage us … Continue reading Episode 166 – Jennifer Tucker

Episode 165 – Jasmin Shupper

Jasmin Shupper is the founder and president of Greenline Housing Foundation. Educated in business and a licensed realtor, Jasmin has always been fascinated by and drawn to homes. She is aware though, that due to our country's intentional legislation and policies, people of color have consistently and systemically been denied the opportunity to participate in … Continue reading Episode 165 – Jasmin Shupper

Episode 163 – Kat Armas

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are re-playing this amazing episode with Kat Armas. Enjoy! Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. … Continue reading Episode 163 – Kat Armas

Episode 162 – Karen González

I am so delighted to welcome Karen González back on the podcast! Her new book, Beyond Welcome, is a beautiful combination of biblical investigation, personal narrative, and the edification we need, especially in the United States, today. We hit the current news right away, with talk of Florida and Texas governors flying and bussing immigrants … Continue reading Episode 162 – Karen González

Episode 160 – Scott Sunquist

Scott Sunquist and I just missed crossing each other's paths at Fuller Theological Seminary. Shortly before I registered as a student, Scott wrapped up his time as the Dean of Intercultural Studies at Fuller where he also was a professor of church history. Now, Scott serves as president of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he … Continue reading Episode 160 – Scott Sunquist

Episode 159 – Steven Harris

Steven Harris has a resume that could fill this screen, including positions at prestigious institutions you may recognize like Harvard and Georgetown, but I was first introduced to him as the guy who helped my friends and I carry our luggage after a late-night flight to D.C. As the Senior Director of Academic Programs at … Continue reading Episode 159 – Steven Harris

Episode 156 – Amy Sherman

Amy Sherman, Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute, has written an exquisite book called Agents of Flourishing. Looking at the biblical mandate for believers to seek the flourishing of our communities, Amy delves into half a dozen endowments, think areas or spheres, where we can focus our energies to contribute to that happening. Each section … Continue reading Episode 156 – Amy Sherman

Episode 153 – Lamar Hardwick

This is a re-release of an incredible conversation I had with pastor Lamar Hardwick in February of 2021. In honor of Disability Pride Month, I wanted to share this episode again because Lamar's work in this space challenged me in my theology like nothing else had until that point. Lamar Hardwick, aka The Autism Pastor, is … Continue reading Episode 153 – Lamar Hardwick

Episode 152 – Phil Allen, Jr.

To say I am moved by this conversation and project by Phil Allen, Jr. would be an understatement. Phil Allen, Jr. is an author, speaker, filmmaker, PhD candidate, friend, and incredibly generous advocate. When, as an adult, he first heard the truth about his grandfather's tragic death that took place in 1953, he knew the … Continue reading Episode 152 – Phil Allen, Jr.

Episode 151 – Paul D. Miller

Paul D. Miller is a scholar and professor at Georgetown University. He is a veteran and also served on the National Security Council. As a Christian, and deeply patriotic, Paul's is a valuable voice on the topic of Christian nationalism. His most recent book, The Religion of American Greatness is the topic of our conversation … Continue reading Episode 151 – Paul D. Miller

Episode 149 – Andre Henry

I always love it when I get to interview someone associated with Fuller Seminary and this conversation with Andre Henry is definitely no exception! Andre is a musician, artist, activist, and author of All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but some of the highlights for … Continue reading Episode 149 – Andre Henry

Episode 148 – Eric Costanzo

Eric Costanzo is a pastor in my home state of Oklahoma! Together with previous guest, Matt Soerens, and Daniel Yang, he has written a fantastic book called Inalienable about how imperative it is for the American church to engage and learn from the global church, especially from voices we have historically sought to marginalize. We … Continue reading Episode 148 – Eric Costanzo

Episode 147 – Amy Kenny

Amy Kenny is a disabled scholar and author of the new book, My Body Is Not a Prayer Request. I am incredibly thankful for Amy and her voice on disability, diversity, and justice in the church. From "prayerful perpetrators," to ableism, to designing spaces for disabled people actually being the more inclusive way, we covered … Continue reading Episode 147 – Amy Kenny

Episode 146 – Claude Atcho

Pastor and author Claude Atcho joined me for this podcast episode to discuss his debut book, Reading Black Books. On this journey into novels and poetry from Black authors, Claude brings voices from Black literature and theology together to explore Black American experiences and the result is rich! What Claude does through his work in … Continue reading Episode 146 – Claude Atcho

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 142 – Idelette McVicker

Idelette McVicker is a native of South Africa, currently living in Canada with her family, and ministering to Christians like me (in America and globally) on how to fight against white supremacy in our societies. She is the author of Recovering Racists, the founder of She Loves Media Society, and the Dangerous Women community. In … Continue reading Episode 142 – Idelette McVicker

Episode 141 – Stephen Mattson

For the past couple of months, I have been reading my way through an incredible book in my morning prayer time, On Love & Mercy: A Social Justice Devotional. In this beautiful work, Stephen Mattson takes the time to define social justice for Christians and touches on dozens of areas where our attention is needed. … Continue reading Episode 141 – Stephen Mattson

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 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 134 – Paul Zach

Paul Zach is a music minister who loves writing music for the church to sing. And I, for one, love singing his music! Full time, Paul serves at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He also collaborates with other artists, musicians, and song writers for projects like those released by The Porter's Gate. In this … Continue reading Episode 134 – Paul Zach

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 130 – David Swanson

David Swanson is back on the podcast! David is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Chicago, the author of Rediscipling the White Church, and regularly speaks and writes on matters of racial justice and reconciliation. The last time David and I recorded was in October of 2020 and as you know a lot … Continue reading Episode 130 – David Swanson

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 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 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 123 – Sarah Quezada

Sarah Quezada, author of Love Undocumented joins me on the podcast this week! With Christmas coming, what better way to begin our week than with a story from the beautiful tradition of Las Posadas? If you're not familiar, it is a Latin American Christmas tradition where friends, family, and neighbors reenact Mary and Joseph looking … Continue reading Episode 123 – Sarah Quezada

Episode 120 – Cindy Wu

My guest this week is fellow Houstonian, Cindy Wu, Program Manager with Houston Welcomes Refugees. Cindy studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has written an incredible workbook for believers looking to expand their practical theology on the topic of refugees called A Better Country. Cindy's passion for serving refugees was birthed in her at a … Continue reading Episode 120 – Cindy Wu

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 118 – Matthew Soerens

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table joins me today on the podcast to talk about immigration from a biblical perspective. Welcoming the Stranger, one of the books Matt co-authored on the subject, was recently released in a revised and updated edition in order to stay current with the laws and policies … Continue reading Episode 118 – Matthew Soerens

Episode 116 – Jasmine Bellamy

Jasmine Bellamy, was just named in Sports Illustrated's series Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports! She works with Reebok as the lead for the U.S. Direct to Consumer department and most recently as the Head of Change Management for Reebok's United Against Racism. In that role, Jasmine has initiated Courageous Conversations as a way … Continue reading Episode 116 – Jasmine Bellamy

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 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 110 – Drew Jackson

Drew Jackson is a pastor in NYC, the president of Pax, and author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God's Unexpected Coming. This book is a beautiful journey through the first eight chapters of the Gospel of Luke in poetic form. Drew captures the humanity of Jesus in these pages: his marginalization, his incarnation, … Continue reading Episode 110 – Drew Jackson

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 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 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 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 069 – Mae Elise Cannon

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Her most recent book Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a must-read for anyone who wants to pursue justice, but is having a hard time figuring out where to start. In our conversation we touched on … Continue reading Episode 069 – Mae Elise Cannon

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 065 – Drew G.I. Hart

Dr. Drew G.I. Hart is a theology professor at Messiah University and author of the new book Who Will Be a Witness? Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance, which was the basis for much of our discussion in this episode. Ultimately, if we are taking our discipleship of Jesus seriously, we have to … Continue reading Episode 065 – Drew G.I. Hart

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 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

anbusetti Faith, Family Finances, Financial Coaching, Wealth

Being Faithful in the Small Things – and Money is a Small Thing

By Alexis Busetti You’re at a backyard barbeque on a sweltering Texas summer evening.  You’re chatting with friends, happily enjoying yourself, sipping your tea when all of a sudden your tablemate smacks you on the back of the arm.  You spin around and before you can get out what you want to say, she claims … Continue reading Being Faithful in the Small Things – and Money is a Small Thing

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

sbusetti Dreams and Goals, Family Finances, Financial Coaching, Generosity, Wealth

10 Ways to Create a Faith Based Wealth Mindset

By Seth Busetti Is wealth the same thing as having money? There are many families who live so modestly that money brings them no joy and offers little reward. For them money is utilitarian, it simply pays the bills and that’s it. On the other hand, there are many people in America with ample cash … Continue reading 10 Ways to Create a Faith Based Wealth Mindset