Explore every episode of the podcast Shifting Culture
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 394 Jason Green - Building Community in a Divided World | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:51:09 | |
Jason Green was serving in the Obama White House when a phone call from his mother sent him home to sit with his grandmother in the hospital — and into a story he never knew was his. In this conversation, we talk about the hidden history of Quince Orchard, a Black community founded after emancipation, and three segregated churches that chose to merge in 1968 after Dr. King’s assassination. We explore remembrance before reconciliation, the communal strength of the Black church, breaking cycles of harm, and what it actually costs to build resilient, integrated community in a divided time. If you’re asking where we go from here — chaos or community — this episode is for you. Jason G. Green is a Maryland-born community organizer, attorney, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of economic opportunity, community trust-building, and democratic renewal. He is the author of the forthcoming book Too Precious to Lose (One World | Penguin Random House, 2026), an intimate narrative that blends a personal, community history with a broader call to repair the connections that bind us together. Green served as Special Assistant to the President and Associate White House Counsel to President Obama, advising on domestic and economic policy during the recovery from the Great Recession. He later co-founded SkillSmart, a pioneering workforce and economic-impact software company that has helped quantify more than $100 billion in economic development activity and supported a talent pipeline of more than 50,000 skilled workers across the United States. A civic leader deeply committed to history, memory, and reconciliation, Green is a trustee of the Pleasant View Historic Association and a founding commissioner and former chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation. His award-winning PBS documentary, Finding Fellowship, explores the intertwined Black and white history of Quince Orchard and the community-led fight to preserve its legacy Green has served several corporate and nonprofit boards, including Daivergent, Flare, Clear Impact, Per Scholas, the Arena, the Washington University Alumni Board of Governors and Regional Cabinet, and the Yale Law School Executive Committee and is a non-resident fellow at the Urban Institute. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis. Jason's Book: Jason's Recommendation: Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 393 Hannah Miller King - Feasting on Hope | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:47:39 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Miller King to talk about hope when life doesn’t resolve neatly. We explore what it means to live in the now and the not yet, how grief, loss, and unanswered prayers shape our faith, and why Christian hope isn’t the same thing as optimism. We talk about the table, the Eucharist, and the idea that salvation is less about transaction and more about union with God. This conversation wrestles honestly with suffering, expectancy versus expectation, and the courage it takes to keep loving and hoping in a broken world - without rushing past the pain. Hannah Miller King is an Anglican priest and writer in western North Carolina. She is the associate pastor of the vine Anglican Church and author of “Feasting On Hope: How God Sets a Table in thr Wilderness” (IVP) Hannah's Book: Hannah's Recommendations: Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 384 Nathan Clarkson - I'm the Worst: How Freedom Is Found in Admitting Our Faults | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:52:44 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Clarkson, author of I’m the Worst, for an honest conversation about brokenness, shame, confession, and freedom. Nathan shares what it was like growing up in a well-known Christian family, learning how to perform moral goodness while hiding the parts of himself he didn’t know how to face, and how confronting that reality became the beginning of healing rather than the end of the story. We talk about moral superiority, cancel culture, and the ways fear turns both politics and church life into tribes instead of communities. We also dig into the difference between shame and conviction, why confession and forgiveness matter so much for spiritual formation, and how dehumanization always leads to harm. This conversation is for anyone who is tired of polarized Christianity and is looking for a more honest, freeing, and love-shaped way forward. Nathan Clarkson is the author of I’m the Worst, and an award-winning actor, a Netflix-trending filmmaker, and best-selling author of several books, including Different and Uniquely You. He is a podcast philosopher on the award-winning show The Overthinkers. Nathan writes regularly on the intersection of faith and culture for the Patheos column Cross Cultural and has been featured in outlets such as the Today Show, LA Times, Variety, and Relevant Magazine. Find out more at nathanclarkson.me. Nathan's Book: Nathan's Recommendation: Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 296 Mary Marantz - Underestimated | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:52:56 | |
There's a geography of limitation that exists not on any map, but in the quiet territories of our own making. Stories that whisper: this is as far as you'll go. Today, we are talking with Mary Marantz - a woman who understands that our beginnings are not our boundaries. Growing up in a single-wide trailer on the tippy top of Fenwick Mountain, she learned something profound: that grace isn't about erasing your history, but making peace with it. Imagine a young girl watching the world from that precipice, learning that survival isn't just about enduring, but reimagining. Mary's journey from that trailer to Yale Law School isn't a bootstrapping narrative of triumph, but a meditation on grace, on the way unexpected paths unfold when we listen carefully to the whispers of our own potential. How do we create space between who we were told we could be and who we are actually called to become? How do we recognize that the most revolutionary act might be showing up, day after day, for the work that won't let go of us? Mary writes about fear like an old friend - not something to vanquish, but to understand. She knows that the stories we tell ourselves are powerful, that they can either keep us small or become the very ground from which we grow. So join us as we walk through those stories together - not as a roadmap, but as an invitation. Here’s my conversation with Mary Marantz. Mary Marantz is the bestselling author of Dirt and Underestimated, as well as the host of the popular podcast The Mary Marantz Show. She grew up in a trailer in rural West Virginia and was the first in her family to go to college before going on to Yale for law school. Her work has been featured on CNN, MSN, Business Insider, Bustle, Thrive Global, Southern Living, Hallmark Home & Family and more. She and her husband Justin live in an 1880s fixer-upper by the sea in New Haven, Connecticut, with their two very fluffy golden retrievers, Goodspeed and Atticus. Learn more at MaryMarantz.com. Mary's Book: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 295 David Zahl Returns - The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:51:19 | |
Today, we’re getting into the raw, unvarnished terrain of human longing - that aching space where despair meets unexpected grace. I’m excited to welcome back David Zahl on the podcast. He isn't here to offer another self-help platitude, but to explore something far more profound: how we find relief in a world that constantly demands more, faster, better. Imagine grace not as a churchy concept, but as a radical interruption - a surprising breath of fresh air in a culture suffocating on its own expectations. We'll talk about play, productivity, regret, and those moments when God whispers, "You are more than your achievements." This conversation is a map for the weary, a compass for those feeling crushed by life's relentless pressures. We'll explore how grace shows up in unexpected places - through music, through suffering, through the simple act of truly listening. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're perpetually running on an endless treadmill, this conversation is your permission to breathe. To rest. To receive. So join us as we figure out what it means to be human in a world that rarely slows down. David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries, editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website (www.mbird.com), and co-host of both The Mockingcast and The Brothers Zahl podcasts. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. Zahl is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself). His next book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World comes out in April 2025 from Brazos Press. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and The Guardian, among other venues. David's Book: David's Recommendations: Evangelism in an Age of Despair Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 294 Jared Brock Returns - Right-Sizing the Devil: Who is He Really? | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:49:23 | |
Today, we're having a conversation that will challenge what you think you know about the devil, evil, temptation, and spiritual warfare. Jared Brock is back with us - if you remember our last incredible conversation about Jesus, where we unpacked the human life of Christ and the political imagination of his time, you know Jared brings profound theological insights that challenge our perceptions. This time, we're exploring a figure who's been misunderstood, mythologized, and frankly, given way too much credit: the devil. Who is he really? What's his actual role in the cosmic story of redemption? Jared's new book, "A Devil Named Lucifer," promises to right-size our understanding - minimizing the devil and magnifying the true King. If you're ready to see spiritual reality through a lens of hope, kingdom advancement, and radical trust in God's ultimate victory, then this episode is for you. So join us as we right-size the devil. Jared Brock is an award-winning author and director of several films including PBS's acclaimed Redeeming Uncle Tom with Danny Glover. His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The Guardian, Smithsonian, USA Today, Huffington Post, Relevant, and TIME. He has traveled to more than forty countries, including North Korea, Transnistria, and the Vatican. Learn more at jaredbrock.com. Jared's Book: Jared's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 293 Sister Monica Clare - From the Ad Agency and Stand-Up Comedy to Becoming a Nun | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:48:31 | |
Today, we're diving into the journey of Sister Monica Clare - a woman who went from working in advertising and doing stand-up comedy to becoming a nun. Her story is a powerful testament to finding who you truly are and discovering a deeper connection with God. We'll explore her path of discernment, her experiences in religious community, and how she's now using TikTok to break down misconceptions about religious life. Sister Monica Clare will share insights on prayer, community, and finding your true calling - revealing that spiritual life isn't about perfection, but about genuine human connection and love. We explore a lot in her story, so join us. Sister Monica Clare is the Sister Superior at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal convent based in New Jersey, and a spiritual counselor specializing in religious trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Before becoming a nun in 2012, she worked as a photo editor in L.A. and performed in an acoustic rock duo and an improv comedy troupe. Sister Monica's Book: Sister Monica's Recommendation: God Didn't Make Us to Hates Us Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 292 Isaac Villegas - Migrant God | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:57:07 | |
We live in a world often defined by borders, fear, and division, but what if we could reimagine migration not as a threat, but as a sacred journey? Today, we're diving into a conversation that challenges what we think we know about immigrants, hospitality, and what it truly means to love our neighbor. I'm sitting down with Isaac Villegas, a Mennonite pastor and author of "Migrant God," who will take us on a transformative exploration of how faith calls us to see strangers not as enemies, but as gifts from God. We'll unpack powerful stories of hope, discuss the biblical foundations of migration, and discover how resurrection life can defeat our culture of fear. From sanctuary churches protecting undocumented families to profound moments of unexpected hospitality, this conversation will challenge you to see the world - and your neighbors - through a lens of radical love. So join us as we navigate how we love our neighbors no matter who they are. Isaac is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA. His pastoral vocation has involved him in community organizing for immigrant justice. Isaac's Book: Isaac's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 291 John Kasich - How Faith Communities are Building Hope From the Bottom Up | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:48:34 | |
Today, we're sitting down with John Kasich, former Governor of Ohio and a passionate advocate for community-driven change. In his new book 'Heaven Help Us', Kasich explores how faith institutions can be powerful catalysts for solving local problems. We'll dive into stories of everyday people who are making real differences in their communities, from fighting human trafficking to supporting refugees. This conversation is about hope, grassroots action, and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change when they work together. John shares personal stories and insights about bottom-up problem solving, the role of faith communities, and why believing in our collective potential matters more than ever. So join us as we join together with faith communities to make a real difference in our society. John Kasich is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leave the world around them just a little bit better than they found it. Kasich served as the 69th governor of Ohio and ran for President during the 2016 GOP primary. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense, and the importance of our international alliances. Today, he runs the Kasich Company and serves as a political analyst for NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers: Courage Is Contagious; Stand for Something; Every Other Monday; Two Paths, and It’s Up to Us. His most recent book, Heaven Help Us is available April 8. He is married to Karen Kasich and is the proud father of adult twin daughters. John's Book: John's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Bonus: Joshua Johnson on Follow 2 Lead | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:41:26 | |
We have a bonus episode for you today. I was recently on the Follow 2 Lead podcast hosted by Tony Miltenberger. And Tony was recently on Shifting Culture, so we decided to give you a glimpse of each other's shows by airing our episodes. So, enjoy. Let me know what you think. Find the Follow 2 Lead podcast anywhere you get podcasts. Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 290 Aimee Byrd Returns - Unmasking the Faces We Hide Behind | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:53:17 | |
Today, I'm talking with Aimee Byrd—an author who often pushes us to question norms we usually take for granted. If you've ever felt the pressure to put on a mask or hide parts of who you really are, you'll find this conversation meaningful. In her latest book, "Saving Face," Aimee dives into the masks we all wear, the ways we conceal ourselves, and what it takes to discover our authentic selves underneath it all. We'll unpack some thoughtful questions: What stories do our faces reveal? What changes when we drop the act and allow ourselves to be seen? Aimee shares honestly from her experiences with spiritual abuse, theological reflection, and her personal journey toward healing and authenticity. We also discuss journaling, encountering Jesus in surprising moments, and why truly seeing each other might hold answers for a deeply divided society. If you're navigating issues of faith, identity, or just interested in genuine connection, I think you'll find this episode insightful and practical. Let's get into it—this is about what it means to save face by choosing to show our real faces. Aimee Byrd is author, speaker, blogger, podcaster and former coffee shop owner. Aimee is the author of several books, including Saving Face, The Hope in Our Scars, Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and Sexual Reformation. Her articles have appeared in First Things, Table Talk, Modern Reformation, By Faith, New Horizons, Ordained Servant, Harvest USA, and Credo Magazine and she has been interviewed and quoted in Christianity Today and The Atlantic. Aimee's Book: Aimee's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 289 Tony Miltenberger - Intentional, Relational, and Reproducible Disciple Making | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:47:06 | |
In today's episode, we're diving deep with Tony Miltenberger - a bi-vocational pastor, executive coach, and passionate disciple maker who's on a mission to transform how we understand disciple making in the modern world. Tony isn't just talking about faith from a pulpit; he's living it out in the marketplace, challenging the traditional church model and showing how discipleship isn't confined to Sunday mornings, but can revolutionize every aspect of our lives. We'll explore what true disciple-making looks like beyond programs and buildings - it's about intentional, relational, and reproducible connections that can literally change the world. Tony brings a unique perspective from his military background, coaching experience, and pastoral work, offering practical insights on how we can move from passive church attendance to active, transformative faith. If you've ever felt stuck in a consumer-driven spiritual experience, wondered how to genuinely follow Jesus in your workplace, or want to understand how discipleship can be a powerful tool for personal and collective growth, this episode is for you. So join us. Tony Miltenberger is the founder of Follow2Lead Coaching. He is a veteran, podcast host, executive coach, author, and the associate pastor of disciple making at Centerville Grace Church. Throughout the years, Tony has traveled the globe taking deployments in Kuwait, El Salvador, and numerous marriage retreats throughout the US. He has consulted with churches in the deep south and multi-million dollar organizations in the Midwest. He has done hundreds of hours of pastoral counseling and executive coaching. Each conversation helps people uncover their true potential by taking a deep look at their past as well as their hopes for the future. He is genuinely curious and passionate about pursuing the mission of making disciples who make disciples. His proudest accomplishment is being the father to three amazing kids and being married to his high school sweetheart (Karen) for over 20 years. Tony's Website: Tony's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 288 Liz Walker - How Community Helps Us Heal | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:58:05 | |
Look, we've all got pain. We've all got stories we're afraid to tell. But what if there was a space where you could actually share those stories without judgment, without fear, and find healing in the process? Today, I'm sitting down with Liz Walker - a former news anchor turned pastor who discovered something powerful: when we create safe spaces for people to truly be heard, something miraculous happens. In the heart of Roxbury, she started a movement called "Can We Talk" that's transforming how communities process trauma, grief, and healing. This isn't just another feel-good story. This is about real people - mothers who've lost children, young men caught in cycles of violence, entire communities learning to heal together. Liz's journey will challenge how you think about pain, community, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Here’s the hope: healing is possible, and it starts with being brave enough to tell your story. So join us, so no one is left alone. Liz Walker is a minister, journalist, activist, and sought-after speaker. She leads the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing. As Boston's first Black evening television news anchor, Walker received two Emmys and an Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in her field. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Walker served as pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church. She helped found the Jane Doe Safety Fund, has done humanitarian work in South Sudan, and has served on the boards of Boston Medical Center and Andover Newton Theological Seminary. The mother of three and grandmother of two, Walker now lives in Sarasota, Florida. Liz's Book: Liz's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 383 Winfield Bevins - How Beauty Will Save the World | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:53:39 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Winfield Bevins to talk about beauty and why it matters for everyday life, the church, and spiritual formation. We discuss his book How Beauty Will Save the World and how beauty shapes attention, formation, and the way we live, work, and follow Jesus. Winfield shares his own story, including seasons of burnout and vocational transition, and how art and creativity became central to his faith and calling. We talk about creativity beyond the arts, the pace of modern life, and how beauty helps form us spiritually, reorient our desires, and shape communities of faith. This is a grounded conversation about renewal, formation, and learning to see the world with care and hope. Winfield Bevins is an internationally recognized author, artist, and the founding director of Creo Arts, which is a non-profit that exists to bring beauty, goodness, and truth to the world through the arts. Winfield is also artist-in-residence at Asbury Theological Seminary where he champions the integration of art, theology, and mission. Over the past decade, he has helped start numerous initiatives and academic programs that have trained leaders from around the world. He is the author of several books, including, How Beauty Will Save the World: Recovering the Power of the Arts for the Christian Life. Winfield's Book: How Beauty Will Save the World Winfield's Recommendation: Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 287 Sheila Gregoire - The Marriage You Want | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:51:28 | |
Today we're talking about marriage - specifically, how Christian marriages might be missing the mark. I'm sitting down with Sheila Gregoire, a researcher who's spent years studying what actually makes relationships work. And here's something interesting: the biggest threat to marital satisfaction isn't what most people think. It's not sex or money - it's housework. Sheila isn't just another marriage author. She's surveyed 7,000 people to understand the dynamics of healthy relationships. Her work challenges a lot of the traditional evangelical advice that's been circulating for decades - advice that often creates more distance than connection. We're going to explore how Christian marriage books have sometimes gotten it wrong. How messages about leadership, submission, and roles can actually harm the very relationships they're trying to protect. We'll talk about what real partnership looks like, how couples can communicate better, and what it means to truly see each other. This conversation is about reimagining marriage - not as a power structure, but as a genuine partnership that reflects mutual respect and love. So if you're curious about building a healthier relationship, or if you're tired of the same old marriage advice, this episode is for you. Sheila Wray Gregoire is the face behind BareMarriage.com as well as a sought-after speaker and an award-winning author of nine books, including The Great Sex Rescue and She Deserves Better. With her humorous, no-nonsense approach, Sheila is passionate about changing the evangelical conversation about sex and marriage to make it healthy, evidence-based, and biblical. She and her husband, Keith, live in Ontario, Canada, near their two adult daughters and three grandbabies. Sheila also knits. Even in line at the grocery store. Sheila's Book: Sheila's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 286 Carey Wallace - Inspiration from Beyond: Encountering God in Creativity | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:55:23 | |
Today, we're diving into something profound: how creativity connects us to the divine. I'm talking with Carey Wallace about inspiration—not just as an artistic concept, but as a spiritual practice. What if art isn't something we manufacture, but something we receive? What if creativity is actually a way of following God, even when we don't realize it? Wallace argues that inspiration comes from outside ourselves—that it's a gesture of surrender, a way of opening ourselves to something greater. We're going to explore how every act of creation can be an encounter with the divine. Whether you're a painter, a writer, someone working a nine-to-five job, or just someone trying to live creatively—this conversation is about discovering that we're all makers, created in the image of a creative God. We'll talk about how inspiration works, why art can be worship, and how surrendering to something beyond ourselves might be the most powerful creative act we can make. If you've ever felt stuck, wondered about your creative potential, or sensed there's something more to making art than just skill, lean in. This is a conversation about seeing the world—and yourself—differently. Carey Wallace is the author of The Discipline of Inspiration: The Mysterious Encounter With God At The Heart of Creativity (Eerdmans), The Blind Contessa’s New Machine (Penguin), and The Ghost In The Glass House (Clarion). She works to help people from all walks of life find inspiration and build strong creative habits to sustain a lifetime of creation. She performs as a songwriter, exhibits her own fine art, and has spoken on art, faith, and justice with students at Princeton, Julliard, Emory, Pratt, and Yale. Her articles and poems have appeared in Time, Detroit’s Metro Times, and America. She is the founder of a retreat for artists in Michigan, and the Creative Discipline Class to form strong creative habits, which has been in operation for over a decade across the US and internationally. She grew up in small towns in Michigan, and lives and works in Brooklyn. Carey's Book: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 285 Zach Meerkreebs - The Asbury Outpouring and the Cultivation of Humility | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:52:57 | |
What if humility isn't about shrinking, but about seeing clearly? Zach Meerkreebs knows something about unexpected transformations. A Jewish kid from the East Coast who became a Christian pastor, he found himself at the epicenter of the Asbury outpouring - a spiritual moment that swept through a small Kentucky campus, touching 100,000 people - after delivering what he initially thought was a "stinker" of a sermon. In this episode, Zach takes us on a deeply personal journey through grief, faith, and the radical nature of Jesus' humility. From losing a daughter to navigating a profound spiritual awakening, he offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to walk with God when life doesn't make sense. We'll explore how true humility isn't about being small, but about understanding who we are in relationship with God. Get ready for a conversation that may reshape the way you think about pride, pain, and the transformative power of seeing yourself through God's eyes. This is an invitation to a different way of living - one marked by grace, honesty, and unexpected hope. So join us as we go lower. Zach Meerkreebs is the proud husband of Kristin and father to three little girls: Eden, Esther, and Mercy. He is thankful for the opportunity to have served within churches by coaching and catalyzing church plants, traveling and speaking, and most recently had the gift of a lifetime as he preached on February 8, 2023, where he had a front row seat to see God moving amidst the Asbury outpouring where a small town and university experienced sixteen days of unending prayer and worship. More than one hundred thousand guests from around the country--and the world--experienced the peace and power of God. Zach's Book: Zach's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 284 Jeff Chu - Cultivating Good Soil: What Composting Reveals About Transformation | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:53:12 | |
In a world that often feels overwhelming, where systemic challenges can paralyze us into inaction, I sat down with Jeff Chu - a journalist, preacher and storyteller who understands that transformation happens through small, beautiful acts of grace. Jeff's journey is anything but ordinary. From the bustling newsrooms of Time and Fast Company to the contemplative acres of Princeton's farminary, he discovered profound wisdom in the most unexpected place: a messy, rotting compost pile. There, amid liquefying spinach and decomposing vegetables, Jeff learned that death and resurrection aren't just theological concepts - they're living, breathing realities happening beneath our feet. Jeff, like all of us navigating this world, has every reason to be cynical. Instead, he chooses love. He chooses curiosity. He invites us to channel our anger not into destruction, but into small, ordinary graces that can fundamentally reshape our world. In this conversation, we'll explore how we might move from transactional relationships - with land, with each other, with God - to something more beautiful. We'll talk about rest, about poetry, about seeing each other as God's beloved creation. So join us, open your heart, and prepare to be transformed by a radical vision of grace. Jeff Chu is an award-winning journalist and editor-at-large at Travel+Leisure. He is the author of Does Jesus Really Love Me? and the co-author, with the late Rachel Held Evans, of the New York Times bestseller Wholehearted Faith. Chu is a former Time staff writer and Fast Company editor whose work has also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Modern Farmer. In his weekly newsletter, “Notes of a Make-Believe Farmer,” Chu writes about spirituality, gardening, food, travel, and culture. He lives with his husband, Tristan, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeff's Book: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 283 Kara Powell - Future-Focused Church | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:49:53 | |
Today, I'm sitting down with Kara Powell, researcher and co-author of "Future Focused Church," to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing churches right now. We'll explore how churches can better connect with younger generations, what real discipleship looks like, and how communities of faith can adapt in a rapidly changing world. Kara brings insights from her research at Fuller Youth Institute about identity, belonging, and purpose - key questions that are driving how people, especially young people, think about faith. We'll discuss practical strategies for church leaders, the importance of listening to younger generations, and how churches can become more outward-focused and missional. We'll also dig into some of the current challenges - like pastor burnout, church transitions, and the shifting religious landscape - but with a hopeful perspective on what's possible. If you're a church leader, ministry worker, or just someone interested in how faith communities might evolve, this conversation is for you. So join us. Kara Powell, PhD, is the chief of leadership formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara speaks regularly at national parenting and leadership conferences. Kara has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, Growing With, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, and the entire Sticky Faith series. Kara and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by the learning and laughter that come from their three young adult children. Kara's Book: Kara's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 282 Ross Douthat - Why Everyone Should Be Religious | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:57:04 | |
In a world that often feels fragmented, uncertain, and spiritually empty, what if belief isn't just possible - but essential? Today, I'm sitting down with Ross Douthat, New York Times columnist and one of our most nuanced cultural thinkers, to explore a radical proposition: Why everyone should be religious in an age of growing skepticism. We're going beyond the debates of belief versus non-belief. This conversation dives into the mysteries at the heart of human experience - from quantum physics that suggests the universe might be more intentional than we thought, to near-death experiences that challenge everything we understand about consciousness. Douthat brings a provocative, intellectually rigorous perspective that defies easy categorization. We'll explore how ancient spiritual wisdom might hold profound answers for our hyper-individualized, technology-driven world. How can religious thinking help us navigate complexity, find meaning, and reconnect with something larger than ourselves? Expect surprises. We'll uncover scientific discoveries that point toward design, discuss supernatural experiences that defy materialist explanations, and wrestle with life's deepest questions. Whether you're a committed believer, a curious skeptic, or someone feeling spiritually lost, this episode promises to expand your understanding and offer a message of hope. We're not just talking about belief - we're reimagining what it means to be human in a mysterious universe. Ross Douthat is a columnist for The New York Times op-ed page. He is the author of Believe, The Deep Places, The Decadent Society, To Change The Church, Privilege, and Grand New Party. Before joining the Times he was a senior editor for The Atlantic. He is the film critic for National Review, and he has appeared regularly on television, including Charlie Rose, PBS Newshour, and Real Time with Bill Maher. Ross' Book: Ross' Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 281 Beth Allison Barr - Becoming the Pastor's Wife | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:57:28 | |
Today, we're exploring the hidden history of women in ministry through the lens of the pastor's wife role. Historian Beth Allison Barr takes us on a journey that challenges everything we think we know about women's leadership in the church. We'll trace how women went from being active leaders in the early Christian church to being systematically pushed out of ministry. Barr reveals how the pastor's wife role evolved from a radical act of Protestant resistance to a complex system that both empowered and constrained women. The conversation digs into some tough terrain - how complementarian theology has created environments where women's ministry is limited, and in some cases, where abuse has been hidden. But it's not just a story of limitation. It's a powerful call for reimagining how men and women can work together in ministry. At its heart, this is a conversation about breaking down barriers, recognizing historical complicity, and creating spaces where all people can fully express their calling - regardless of gender. We'll explore how the Southern Baptist Convention became a flashpoint for these debates, why ordination became a weapon against women's leadership, and most importantly, how we might move forward toward mutual flourishing in church communities. Get ready for a conversation that challenges, enlightens, and offers a hopeful vision for the future of ministry. Beth Allison Barr (PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is James Vardaman Endowed Chair of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. She is the author of the USA Today bestseller The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. Her work has been featured by NPR and the New Yorker, and she has written for Christianity Today, the Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News, Sojourners, and Baptist News Global. Barr lives in Texas with her husband, a Baptist pastor, and their two children. Beth's Book: Beth's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 280 Andrew Root - Hope Beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:53:58 | |
In our current moment of cultural fragmentation and existential anxiety, the traditional frameworks of engagement feel increasingly inadequate. Andrew Root's latest work, “Evangelism in an Age of Despair” isn't just a theological treatise, or a how-to evangelism book, but a profound meditation on human connection in an age of profound disconnection. What happens when we shift our understanding of evangelism from a transactional model of belief to a relational practice of genuine with-ness? Andy suggests something more radical than conversion: a form of spiritual presence that honors the complexity of human suffering. We're living through an era where loneliness has become a systemic condition, where happiness is marketed as a consumable product, and where genuine human vulnerability is increasingly rare. Root's approach doesn't offer easy solutions, but instead proposes a more nuanced engagement with our collective pain. This conversation is less about religious doctrine and more about the fundamental human need for meaningful connection - a need that transcends ideological boundaries and touches something more elemental about how we understand ourselves and each other. Join us as we seek the consolation of Christ in the desolation of our lives. Andrew Root (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations. His most recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline (Baker, 2022), The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018). Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies. Andrew's Book: Andrew's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 279 Matthew Bates - What Does the Bible Really Say About Salvation? | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:57:54 | |
Matthew Bates joins us today to work out salvation. What is it? What have we got wrong? In our contemporary moment, we find ourselves wrestling with a profound misunderstanding of the gospel - a narrative that has been truncated, individualized, and stripped of its royal, communal essence. The gospel is not merely a personal transaction about individual salvation, but a comprehensive royal announcement about Jesus the Christ. For too long, both Protestant and Catholic traditions have inadvertently narrowed the expansive biblical vision of salvation. We've reduced faith to mental assent or ritualistic practice, when in reality, faith is fundamentally about allegiance - a comprehensive, embodied loyalty to King Jesus that transforms not just individuals, but entire communities and, ultimately, all of creation. Matthew seeks to recover a more holistic understanding. We are saved not just from something, but for something: the full restoration of our image-bearing capacity, the renewal of God's glory in and through us. This isn't about personal spiritual escapism, but about participating in a cosmic restoration project. In our conversation today, we'll explore how reimagining salvation as allegiance can bridge denominational divides, challenge our narcissistic cultural assumptions, and invite us into a more profound understanding of discipleship. We're not just talking about theological abstractions, but about a transformative way of being in the world. Prepare to have your understanding of the gospel radically expanded. Matthew W. Bates is Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. His books have won top honors from Christianity Today, Outreach Magazine, Jesus Creed, and Englewood Review. When he isn't hiking, baseballing, or chasing his seven children, he co-hosts the OnScript podcast. A Protestant by conviction, Bates holds a PhD in theology (New Testament) from the University of Notre Dame. His popular titles include Salvation by Allegiance Alone, Why the Gospel?, The Gospel Precisely, and The Birth of the Trinity. He lives with his family in Quincy, Illinois. Learn more about his books, lectures, or conference-speaking at MatthewWBates.com. Matthew's Book: Matthew's Recommendations: The Affections of Christ Jesus Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 278 John Eldredge - Experience Jesus. Really. | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:50:17 | |
John Eldredge joins us today. We're living in a moment where most people report either a lack of or no experience of Jesus in their daily lives. The war right now is for your attention. Every algorithm, every notification, every distraction is designed to keep you from the one thing your soul is actually craving: intimacy with Jesus. We've been grandchildren of the Enlightenment, disciples of the internet, consuming endless content about faith without actually experiencing the living, breathing presence of Christ. But what if - and this might sound wild - what if Jesus is actually waiting to meet you right now? Not in some distant, theological concept, but in the very moment you're listening to this. Your soul is wired for connection. You were created for intimacy with the Father, with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit. This isn't just for special saints or mystics - this is for you. Ordinary people can become ordinary mystics, experiencing God's presence in the most mundane moments of life. So buckle up. We're about to dive into a conversation that isn't just information - it's an invitation. An invitation to turn your heart, to create sacred space, and to encounter the living Jesus in a way that will absolutely transform everything. Are you ready? John Eldredge is a New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and teacher who has inspired millions to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. John and his wife, Stasi, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To learn more, visit www.wildatheart.org. John's Book: John's Recommendations: Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ The Practice of the Presence of God Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 382 David Dault - The Accessorized Bible: How We Use the Bible For Harm or For Life | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:56:33 | |
In this episode, I talk with David Dault about his book The Accessorized Bible and the ways the Bible is actually used in our churches, institutions, and public life. We wrestle with how the Bible can be taken seriously without being turned into a prop, a weapon, or a justification for harm. Our conversation moves through questions of power, responsibility, and interpretation, and keeps returning to a simple but difficult concern: whether or not our ways of using the Bible are making life more possible for the people around us. David Dault is an assistant professor of Christian spirituality in the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University of Chicago. His previous faculty appointments were at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, and at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN. He began his teaching career at American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, where he served as chair of the department of theology and biblical studies. He is the host and executive producer of Things Not Seen: Conversations about Culture and Faith, an award-winning radio show and podcast, and is the podcast editor for Commonweal magazine, the Paulist Fathers, and GIA Publications. David received his Ph.D. in religion from Vanderbilt University, and he holds an M.A in religion from Vanderbilt, as well as an M.A. in theological studies from Columbia Theological Seminary. He lives with his family in Hyde Park, a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. David's Book: David's Recommendations: Midnight Mass The Essays of James Baldwin Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 277 Alissa Wilkinson - We Tell Ourselves Stories | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:59:22 | |
This conversation with Alissa Wilkinson is a fascinating exploration of how the stories we tell ourselves - through Hollywood, through politics, through the media - shape the very fabric of our culture and our history. Wilkinson's work on the iconic writer Joan Didion provides a powerful lens to examine how the narratives we construct, often unconsciously, can profoundly influence the way we see the world and the decisions we make as individuals and as a society. What's so compelling about this discussion is the way it peels back the layers on these deeply ingrained stories - the myths of the American West, the heroic narratives of World War II, the celebrity-driven politics of the Reagan era. Wilkinson shows how these cultural touchstones don't just reflect our values, but actively shape them, often in ways that obscure uncomfortable truths or justify harmful actions. In an age where the very notion of objective reality is under assault, this conversation reminds us of the vital importance of interrogating the stories we tell ourselves. Because the stories we choose to believe - whether about our national identity, our political leaders, or our own personal histories - have real consequences. They determine how we see the world, how we make decisions, and ultimately, the kind of future we create for ourselves. So I encourage you to listen closely, to wrestle with the questions Wilkinson raises about the power of narrative, and to consider how the stories you've internalized might be shaping your own understanding of the world. It's a conversation that gets to the heart of what it means to be human in a complex, ever-shifting cultural landscape. Alissa Wilkinson is a movie critic at the New York Times and the author of "We Tell Ourselves Stories: Joan Didion and the American Dream Machine," which will be published by Liveright on March 11, 2025. Alissa's Book: Alissa's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 276 Reward Sibanda - Why and How We Should Fast | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:59:52 | |
My conversation with Reward Sibanda is a deep dive into the spiritual practice of fasting. Reward grew up immersed in fasting as a cultural and religious tradition in Zimbabwe. But it wasn't until later that he grasped the profound theological significance behind it. Fasting is about aligning our whole being - body, mind, and spirit - with the will and presence of God. It's not some outdated ritual, but a powerful spiritual discipline. When we fast, we quiet the noise of our physical appetites and mental chatter, allowing our spirit to ascend and commune with God. This realignment is what enables the kind of faith and prayer that Jesus says can move mountains. Fasting humbles our soul, elevates our spirit, and puts us in a posture to help with unbelief. Reward's insights challenge us to see fasting not as a chore, but as a gift God has given us. In an age of constant distraction and self-centeredness, fasting offers a way to reorient ourselves towards the holiness and mystery of God. It has the power to revive our souls, renew our minds, and cleanse our bodies. This is a conversation that just may change the way you approach your relationship with God. Reward lays out a compelling case for why fasting should be a regular part of the Christian life today. So join us as we learn why and how to fast. Reward Sibanda is a Speaker, Author, Teaching Pastor at Saddleback Church, and Senior Director for National Church Partnerships, World Vision. Reward's Book: Reward's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 275 Adam Young - Make Sense of Your Story | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:53:45 | |
Today, we dive into the power of reckoning with our personal stories - the formative experiences and wounds from our past that shape who we are today, often in ways we don't fully understand. My guest, Adam Young, has spent years helping people make sense of their stories, to find freedom and wholeness. As Adam shares, the truth is, our past isn't just the past - it's deeply woven into our present. The feelings, fears, and patterns we carry from childhood can profoundly impact our relationships, our mental health, even our sense of calling. But the good news is, our brains have an incredible capacity for change and integration. Through curiosity, kindness, and the support of others, we can begin to uncover the hidden narratives that have been subtly steering the course of our lives. And in doing so, we open the door to a deeper, truer version of ourselves - one that can finally step into the unique purpose we were made for. This is a conversation about the transformative power of reckoning with our stories, no matter how messy or painful they may be. It's about finding the courage to face our past, so we can step more fully into our future. So join us as we make sense of our stories. Adam Young is a therapist who focuses on trauma and abuse, and the host of The Place We Find Ourselves podcast. Adam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master degree in Social Work (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Divinity (Emory University). Adam's Book: Adam's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 274 Nijay Gupta - Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:57:19 | |
When we think of the Apostle Paul, we often picture a stern, unyielding figure - the finger-wagging scold, laying down the law for the early Christian communities. But my guest today, Nijay Gupta, is here to shatter that perception and reveal the beating heart at the center of Paul's theology. In Nijay's new book, "The Affections of Christ Jesus," he makes a captivating case that what truly animates Paul's writings is an overwhelming, spilling-over affection - a profound, personal love that should reorient our entire understanding of the gospel message. As we dive into this conversation, Nijay makes the case that the dominant theological frameworks we've used to interpret Paul's work - the camps of justification by faith, the apocalyptic Paul, salvation history are missing something. He argues that what's been missing is a central focus on love, on the emotional, relational dimension that lies at the core of Paul's vision. And Nijay doesn't stop there. He also brings in the insights of Augustine, the great theologian of love, exploring how our deepest loves - not just our intellectual beliefs - are what truly shape the trajectory of our lives. So join me as we explore the affections that lie at the center of Paul's writings - the love that should be the starting point, not the afterthought, of our theology. Nijay Gupta (DPhil, University of Durham) has written several academic books including Paul and the Language of Faith, and Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, and The State of Pauline Studies. Nijay co-chairs the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research and serves as a senior translator for the New Living Translation. Nijay's Book: The Affections of Christ Jesus Nijay's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 273 Derwin Gray - Lit Up With Love | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:52:54 | |
There's a crisis of good news in our world today. The message of the gospel - the radical, transformative love of God poured out through Jesus Christ - has become muted, obscured by the noise of culture wars and the bitter taste of Christendom's failures. For many, the idea of "evangelism" conjures up images of slick preachers and aggressive door-to-door campaigns, leaving a sour note where there should be a jubilant melody. But my guest today, Derwin Gray, is on a mission to reclaim that melody - to help believers rediscover the joy and power of sharing the good news, not as a chore or a weapon, but as an overflow of the love that has set their own hearts ablaze. As the founding pastor of Transformation Church, Derwin has witnessed firsthand the way a community can be "lit up with love" - a people so captivated by the grace of God that it spills out into every corner of their lives. In our conversation, he unpacks a vision of evangelism that is relational, empathetic, and rooted in the overwhelming reality of God's affection. It's a perspective that has the potential to rekindle our passion for the gospel and reshape how we engage a world that is, in many ways, starving for the good news. So join me as we dive into Derwin's story, and discover how the simple act of receiving God's love can transform us into everyday missionaries, compelled to share the most life-giving news the world has ever known. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, NC. He is also the author of several books, including “How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation." You can follow him at @derwinlgray on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as www.derwinlgray.com. Derwin's Book: Derwin's Recommendation: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 272 Daniel Schwabauer - The God of Story | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:55:02 | |
What if the way we've been reading the Bible has been missing something essential? What if the Scriptures aren't just a collection of propositional truths, but a grand narrative - a story that Jesus Himself used to unveil the deepest realities of the Kingdom of God? That's the argument made by author and storyteller Daniel Schwabauer as we dive into the power of story in this conversation. Dan points us to a pivotal moment in the Gospels - when Jesus tells the parable of the sower in Mark 4. Here, he reveals a secret about the Kingdom, saying "The secret of the Kingdom of God has been given to you." But why parables? Why not just lay out the truth plainly? Well, Jesus was doing something profound - He was inviting His disciples, and us, into a narrative journey. One that requires engagement, interpretation, and the work of the Holy Spirit to truly understand. By recovering this narrative lens, the church can rediscover the true power of the gospel message. It's a fascinating exploration of how the way we communicate shapes what we communicate - and how applying the principles of great storytelling can breathe new life into the ancient story of redemption. Join us as we discover the God of story. Daniel Schwabauer, ThD, teaches English at MidAmerica Nazarene University and writes award-winning fantasy and science fiction novels. He earned an MA in creative writing under science fiction legend James Gunn and completed his doctoral work in semiotic theology with Leonard Sweet. He lives in Olathe, Kansas, with his wife and dogs. Dan's Book: Dan's Recommendations: The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 271 Skye Jethani Returns - What If Jesus Was Serious About Justice? | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:58:09 | |
I’m excited to have Skye Jethani back on the podcast. When we talk about justice, we often think in binary terms - judgment or mercy, punishment or forgiveness. But as Skye argues, the biblical vision of justice is far more nuanced and holistic. At its core, justice is about the proper ordering of relationships - between humanity and God, as well as between individuals and communities. It's not just about retribution, but about restoring the shalom, the wholeness and flourishing, that God intended for his creation. This understanding upends many of our assumptions about justice, both in the church and in society. He challenges the popular American Christian idea that justice is something the government does, not the church. And he unpacks how this bifurcation between the "vertical" and "horizontal" dimensions of justice has deeply distorted our theology and our engagement with the world. But Skye also offers a compelling alternative - a vision of justice that holds together judgment and mercy, individual transformation and systemic change. It's a vision rooted in the cosmic victory of Christ on the cross, where the powers of evil were defeated and a new order was established. This is a conversation that spans creation, Christology, and the church's role in pursuing righteousness. Skye draws on Scripture, church history, and his own experience to paint a rich, nuanced portrait of justice that challenges us to rethink our assumptions and expand our imaginations. So join us as we reckon with justice. Skye Jethani is an award-winning author, speaker, and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast and co-founder of Holy Post Media. Skye has written more than a dozen books and served as an editor and executive at Christianity Today for more than a decade. Raised in a religiously and ethnically diverse family, his curiosity about faith led him to study comparative religion before entering seminary and pastoral ministry. With a unique ability to connect Christian thought and contemporary culture, his voice has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and The Washington Post, and he’s spoken to audiences throughout the world as diverse as the U.S. Naval Academy, The Chautauqua Institution, and the Lausanne Movement. Skye's Book: What If Jesus Was Serious About Justice? Skye's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 270 Malcolm Foley - The Anti-Greed Gospel | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:48:09 | |
Malcolm Foley has written a book that addresses some of the deepest and most intractable problems in American life - racism, violence, and greed. But his diagnosis is not what you might expect. Foley argues that the root of these evils is not just racial animus or a lust for power, but something far more fundamental - the worship of Mammon, the love of money and material wealth. In this conversation, Foley takes us on a sweeping journey, from the history of lynching in America to the cosmic battle between God and the idolatry of riches. He shows how greed has fueled the construction of race, the cycles of violence, and the unjust structures that continue to oppress the vulnerable. But he also offers a radical vision of how the church can model an alternative way of living - one defined by economic solidarity, creative nonviolence, and prophetic truth-telling. This is a conversation that addresses some of the most pressing moral and spiritual challenges of our time. Foley's insights are both unsettling and profoundly hopeful, pointing the way towards the redemption and reconciliation of all things. So join us and discover the anti-greed gospel. Malcolm Foley is Pastor at Mosaic Waco, Special advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement at Baylor University and author of The Anti-Greed Gospel. Malcom received his MDiv at Yale Divinity School and his PhD in Religion at Baylor. Malcolm's Book: Malcom's Recommendations: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 269 Michael Frost & Alan Hirsch - The Faith of Leap | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:58:40 | |
This is a conversation with Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost that gets to the heart of what the church is called to be - a community of adventure, risk, and mission. Alan and Mike have revised and re-released their book "The Faith of Leap" that challenges the church to shed its obsession with safety and security, and instead embrace the risky, liminal spaces where the kingdom of God breaks through. We'll explore how the church has become too inwardly focused, too preoccupied with maintaining its own institutions, when it should be a sent people, a missional movement unleashed into the world. Alan and Michael will share powerful stories of ordinary believers taking courageous leaps of faith, and how their example can inspire us all. This is a conversation about rediscovering the church's essential calling - to be a community that encounters the living God, and then boldly steps out in response, ready to see the reign of God extended in our neighborhoods and cities. It's a call to adventure, to risk, to the kind of faith that changes everything. This conversation will challenge our assumptions about what the church is supposed to be. Too often, we've allowed the church to become a place of comfort and security, when it's meant to be a launching pad for mission and transformation. Alan and Michael are inviting us to rethink everything, to let the call of the kingdom reshape our understanding of ecclesiology. This is a conversation that I believe has profound implications, not just for the church, but for the way we engage the world around us. So join us and recover the faith of leap. Michael and Alan's Book: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 268 Charlie Peacock - Roots and Rhythm | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:52:54 | |
Today, I am excited to welcome you to this conversation with Charlie Peacock. Charlie is a gifted musician, producer, and storyteller whose life and art intertwine in the most captivating way. In this episode, we're going to dive deep into the roots and rhythms that have shaped Charlie's remarkable journey. We'll uncover the hidden history of his family's racial identity, explore the formative experiences that forged his singular musical talent, and trace the sacred dance between his spirituality and artistry. This is a winding, improvisational odyssey - filled with moments of reckoning, redemption, and the irrepressible drive to create. And in sharing it with us, Charlie invites us to reflect on our own roots, to listen for the rhythms that course through our veins, and to consider how the very things that make us who we are might also be the wellspring of our most profound expressions. So get ready because we're about to embark on a journey through the landscape of a life fully, beautifully lived. So join us as we discover roots and rhythm. Charlie Peacock is a 6x Grammy Award–winning, Billboard Chart–topping music producer, composer, and recording artist. He is responsible for developing and producing the Americana-Folk duo The Civil Wars and the bands Switchfoot and The Lone Bellow. Charlie is a co-founder of the Art House, Wedgwood Circle, and founder/director Emeritus of the Commercial Music Program at Lipscomb University. He has produced music for film and television, including A Walk to Remember, Chris Cornell's "Misery Chain" from the soundtrack of 12 Years a Slave, and "Hush," the title theme to the AMC drama Turn: Washington’s Spies. Named by Billboard’s Encyclopedia of Record Producers as one of the 500 most important producers in music history, Charlie is also a three-time recipient of the Gospel Music Award for Producer of the Year. His songwriter credits include two multiplatinum evergreen songs, “Every Heartbeat” (Amy Grant) and “In the Light” (DC Talk). His books include Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much, New Way to Be Human, At the Crossroads, and a contribution to It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God. Charlie is the Sr. Music Editor for Christianity Today and host of the Christianity Today Podcast, Music and Meaning. Notably, Charlie’s songs and productions exceed 25 million sales. Eerdmans will publish his memoir, Roots & Rhythm, on February 4, 2025. He has been married to author Andi Ashworth for nearly fifty years and they have two grown, married children and four grandchildren. Charlie's Book: Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture | |||
| Ep. 381 Best of 2025: Top 10 Movies of the Year | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:25:25 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by Craig Detweiler and Elijah Davidson for our Best Movies of 2025 conversation. We count down our top films of the year and explain why each one made our list. We talk about the themes that stood out in 2025 movies, including grief, violence, faith, memory, creativity, and what it means to be human. We also discuss overlooked films, shrinking theatrical releases, genre storytelling, and how personal experiences shaped the way we watched and ranked these movies. This episode offers a thoughtful, honest look at the year in film and the cultural moment behind it. Elijah’s List: 10. Hamnet/Predator: Badlands 9. Frankenstein 8. Avatar: Fire and Ash 7. Train Dreams 6. Sinners 5. Presence 4. One Battle After Another 3. Black Bag 2. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning 1. 28 Years Later
Craig’s List: 10. The Phoenician Scheme 9. Roofman 8. Weapons 7. Wake Up Dead Man 6. The Ballad of Wallis Island 5. It Was Just an Accident 4. Train Dreams 3. Sinners 2. One Battle After Another 1. The Testament of Ann Lee
Joshua’s List: 10. The Ballad of Wallis Island 9. The Life of Chuck 8. Blue Moon 7. 28 Years Later 6. Sinners 5. Train Dreams 4. One Battle After Another 3. Sentimental Value 2. It Was Just an Accident 1. Wake Up Dead Man Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 267 Emily Hunter McGowin - Apprenticed to Love: Reimagining Family in the Kingdom of God | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:54:01 | |
What does it mean to be a family in the kingdom of God? Not the idealized, airbrushed version we so often see, but the messy, beautiful, ever-evolving reality of what it means to be bound together in love. Too often, we approach family life with a set of assumptions - a blueprint we've been handed, a script we feel we must follow. But what if the way of Jesus calls us to something deeper, something more improvisational? What if being a family in the kingdom means being apprenticed to love, learning moment by moment how to will the good of one another, how to discern what faithful living looks like in our particular context? That's the invitation we'll be exploring today with my guest, Emily Hunter McGowin. Emily has thought deeply about these questions, not just in the abstract, but in the crucible of her own family story - a story of brokenness and redemption, of unlearning old ways and embracing the subversive, liberating vision of Jesus. So let's dive in. Let's wrestle with what it means to be a family that reflects the upside-down values of God's reign. To move beyond simplistic formulas and enter into the holy, gritty work of loving one another as we've been loved. The journey won't be easy, but I believe it's one that holds the promise of true, lasting freedom. So join us. | |||
| Ep. 266 Erin Hicks Moon - Having it out with God: Questions, Doubts, Uncertainty, and Faith | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:54:35 | |
Erin Hicks Moon is here with us today, and I'm thrilled to have her. Erin has a new book coming out called "I've Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God," and it delves right into the tension at the core of so many of our spiritual lives - the push and pull between our faith and our doubts, our certainty and our questions. You know, we often treat faith as this neat, tidy package. We're supposed to have it all figured out, no loose ends, no messy questions. But Erin makes the case that true faith, the kind that really matters, is forged in the crucible of our doubts and our struggles. It's about wrestling with God, having the courage to look under the hood of our beliefs and ask the hard questions. Because the truth is, the world is a complicated place. Our lives are messy and uncertain. And if our faith can't withstand that, if it can't hold up under the weight of our questions, then what's the point? Erin is going to take us on a journey today, exploring how we can cultivate a faith that is vibrant, authentic, and unafraid to grapple with the big stuff. This is sure to be a thought-provoking conversation. So join us as we learn to be okay with asking questions. | |||
| Ep. 265 Andrew Bauman - Guarding Against Sexism and Abuse in the Church | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:53:34 | |
What if the very institutions meant to uplift us are the ones holding us back? That's the question at the heart of my conversation today with therapist and author Andrew Bauman. Through years of research and interviews, Andrew has uncovered a troubling reality within the church, one where women often feel marginalized, silenced and forced to make themselves smaller just to keep the peace, one where sexism, abuse and misogyny are happening. This stands in stark contrast to the vision of the Church that Jesus proclaimed, a community of radical equality, justice and love. So how did we get here? And more importantly, how do we find a way forward? Andrew believes one of the answers lies in men like himself doing the hard work of confronting their own biases and misuse of power. It means churches created spaces for Open dialog, for elevating women's voices, for building a culture of true mutuality and respect. This is a vital conversation for the future of the church. Andrew is convinced that change is possible that men and women can work together to embody Jesus, to look more like Him. Join me and Andrew as we confront sexism and abuse in the church, and see if we can uncover a path towards the beloved community that God intends. | |||
| Ep. 264 Ian Morgan Cron - How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:56:42 | |
This is a fantastic conversation with Ian Morgan Cron about his new book "The Fix" and the transformative power of the 12 steps. Ian makes the case that the 12 steps offer a path of healing and recovery not just for addicts, but for anyone struggling with that universal human condition of feeling "not at home" in this world. The key, as Ian explains it, is starting with that crucial admission of powerlessness - that we can't fix ourselves through willpower alone. And that opens the door to surrendering to a higher power and allowing God to do for us what we can't do for ourselves. Ian gets incredibly personal, sharing his own journey of addiction and recovery, and how practices like centering prayer have helped him develop the capacity to truly bear and receive love. Ian argues the 12 steps can address the root spiritual issues underlying all kinds of compulsive behaviors and addictions, not just drugs and alcohol. He makes a compelling case that this path of transformation is available to everyone, whether you identify as an addict or not. The 12 steps offer a "program for living" that can lead to deep healing and freedom. This was a rich, nuanced, and grace-filled conversation that I think will really resonate with a lot of people struggling with that sense of not being at home in themselves or the world. Ian brings such vulnerability and wisdom to these timeless questions of how we find our way back to wholeness. It's the kind of conversation that stays with you. So join us as we find our way back home. | |||
| Ep. 263 Tori Hope Petersen Returns - Breaking the Patterns That Break You | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:58:43 | |
Tori Hope Petersen has a story to tell - one that gets to the heart of how we find our way through trauma and self-doubt to a place of self-acceptance and purpose. As someone who grew up in the foster care system, emancipating at 18 without a forever family, Tori had to navigate a lot of uncertainty and pain. But through that journey, she's learned invaluable lessons about the power of community, the necessity of vulnerability, and the freedom that comes from embracing your own worth. In our conversation, Tori unpacks the lies she used to believe - that self-love was selfish, that she wasn't worthy. These were patterns passed down, not just in her own life, but across generations. And unraveling them required immense courage. But Tori discovered that the act of sharing her story, the good and the bad, was integral to her own healing. It was a way of breaking cycles, of finding belonging, of using her voice to speak life into others facing similar struggles. Tori's story is a testament to resilience, to the transformative power of vulnerability. This is a conversation that gets at the heart of how we overcome the lies we've internalized, how we learn to love ourselves, and how we step into the fullness of who we're called to be. | |||
| Ep. 262 Maria Bowler - Beyond Productivity: Reclaiming Our Creative Selves | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:48:46 | |
You know, there's this thing that happens - we get so caught up in the doing, the productivity, the hustle. We define ourselves by what we accomplish, by the checkboxes we can tick off. But what if there's another way? What if we're not just cogs in a machine, but creative beings made in the image of a creative God? In this episode, we dive into that question with author Maria Bowler. She shares how becoming a new mom during the pandemic forced her to confront this head-on - when the doing was stripped away, who was she really? The answer, it turns out, lies not in what we produce, but in our very being. Maria invites us to consider a new vision - one where we're not just doers, but makers. Where the effort we exert isn't about forcing our will, but about deep engagement. Where we trust that our heart's desires and the things that break it open are clues to the creative work we're meant to do. So take a deep breath, my friends. This conversation just might be the permission slip you need to let go of the pressure to perform and instead embrace the freedom to create. To make time for the things that truly matter - not just what we can check off the list. The world is waiting for the unique gifts only you can bring. | |||
| Ep. 261 Keith Simon - Joyful Outsiders Pt. 2: Engaging Culture While Being Rooted in Christ | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:58:24 | |
What does it look like to engage culture as a Christian in today's world? Is it a battle to be won, a system to be escaped, or something else entirely? In this thought-provoking discussion, Keith Simon lays out a vision for what he calls "joyful outsiders" - Christians who embrace their identity as outsiders, but who engage the culture in diverse and creative ways. Keith draws from Scripture to show how the Bible presents a range of approaches - from the "advisor" who works from within, to the "protester" who calls out injustice, to the "builder" who cultivates new institutions. The key, he argues, is for Christians to resist the temptation to find our identity in political power or cultural influence, and instead root ourselves firmly in Christ. It's a perspective that acknowledges the real challenges and tensions of living as followers of Jesus in a disoriented world. But rather than despair or withdrawal, Simon casts a vision of Christians working together in unity, respecting each other's diverse callings and roles. Whether you see yourself as more of a "trainer" or an "ambassador," Simon's insights offer a compelling alternative to the tired culture war narratives that have done so much damage. He invites us to embrace our identity as outsiders, to engage creatively, and to do so with joy - because our hope is not in the shifting sands of politics or public opinion, but in the unshakable foundation of Christ's love and victory. It's a conversation that gets to the heart of some of the most pressing questions facing the church today. And it just might unlock new possibilities for how we can faithfully and fruitfully live out our faith in the world. | |||
| Ep. 260 Patrick Miller - Joyful Outsiders Pt. 1: Living in the Tension of Resistance and Cultivation of Culture | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:59:21 | |
This is a conversation about how to faithfully engage culture as a Christian in a disorienting time. Our guest is Patrick Miller. He is a Pastor, Podcast host, and co-author of the book "Joyful Outsiders." In this conversation, Patrick shares how he was drawn to a church that was actively engaged in the community - supporting nonprofits, influencing local businesses, and making a real impact. As he's grown in his faith, he's had to wrestle with the tension of resisting the culture around us, while also cultivating and caring for that culture. The world has changed a lot, Patrick says. Christianity has gone from an insider position to more of an outsider status in America. And that creates a challenge - how do we live like Jesus in the midst of this? Do we hunker down and resist? Do we try to conform and fit in? Or is there a third way? Patrick lays out six different approaches - the Trainer, the Advisor, the Protester, the Ambassador, the Artist, the Builder. Each one represents a different way of engaging the world around us. And he argues we need all of these voices, working together in harmony, if we're going to faithfully follow Jesus. It's a nuanced, thoughtful conversation about an issue that's causing a lot of division and angst in the church today. But Patrick offers a hopeful vision - one where we embrace the tension, value our diversity, and work together to build something lasting for the next generation. It's a conversation I think you'll find really compelling. So join us as we learn to live in the tension of resistance and cultivation. | |||
| Ep. 259 Trevor Hudson - Discerning God's Will in Our Lives | 10 Jan 2025 | 00:43:12 | |
This is a conversation about discernment - about how we listen for and respond to the quiet, persistent voice of God in our lives. Our guest today is Trevor Hudson, a pastor and spiritual director who has spent decades wrestling with this question. As Trevor puts it, when we open our lives to Christ, he brings his whole family with him. Our faith is never just a private, individual thing - it's deeply communal. But at the same time, God has a unique calling for each of our lives. The challenge is figuring out how to hold that tension, to discern both the general will of God and his specific purpose for us. Trevor shares that for him, the foundation of discernment has been surrender - a daily yielding of his life to God, an opening of his hands to receive God's leading. It's about learning to recognize the movements of the Spirit, the subtle stirrings towards greater faith, hope and love. And it's about doing that work in community, with friends and mentors who can help us see what we might be missing. This is not always an easy path. Trevor acknowledges that God's will often involves a kind of dying and rising, a willingness to walk into difficult circumstances. But he insists that there is a deep peace that accompanies it, even amidst the struggle. So how do we tune our ears to hear that still, small voice? How do we learn to live into the unique purpose God has for our lives, while also staying rooted in community? Trevor offers wisdom hard-won over decades of faithful following. It's a conversation that just might change the way you approach the big questions of your life. He is married to Debbie and is the father of two children, Joni married to James, and Mark married to Marike. | |||
| Ep. 258 Liz Charlotte Grant - Encountering the Divine in Genesis | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:52:14 | |
This is a conversation about certainty, mystery, and the divine. Our guest today is Liz Charlotte Grant, author of the book "Knock at the Sky." Liz takes us on a journey through her own life, from growing up in the certainty of white American evangelicalism, to encountering the mystery and presence of God in powerful experiences. As Liz dives into the book of Genesis, she shows us how reading the scriptures through a literary lens can breathe new life into these ancient stories. We explore the idea of God as a generous host, setting the table for humanity, and the importance of encountering the divine, even when it challenges our preconceptions. Liz encourages us to approach these texts with curiosity and humility, allowing our questions to guide us rather than clinging to rigid certainty. She reminds us that God is not afraid of our questions - in fact, engaging with the mystery may be the path to a deeper, more vibrant faith. This is a conversation that invites us to expand our imaginations, to see God in new ways, and to welcome others as fellow image-bearers. So join us as we knock at the sky, seeking to encounter the divine in fresh and surprising ways. | |||
| Ep. 380 Ryan Burge - The Vanishing Church and the Cost of Polarization | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:57:56 | |
What’s actually happening to the church in America and why does it matter beyond Sunday morning? In this episode I’m joined by Ryan Burge, a social scientist who studies religion in the U.S. and brings long-term data, charts, and lived pastoral experience into a conversation often driven by fear or nostalgia. We discuss his book The Vanishing Church, the quiet decline of the moderate church, the rise of polarization inside Christianity, and how broader cultural tribalism has reshaped faith communities. We also explore the growth of the religious “nones,” why church closures are happening steadily but largely unnoticed, and what’s lost when the church can no longer function as a space where people learn how to live together across difference. Ryan Burge is professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Before that he was an associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, and was also the graduate coordinator. He has authored over thirty peer-reviewed articles and book chapters alongside four books about religion and politics in the United States. He has written for the New York Times, POLITICO, and the Wall Street Journal. He has also appeared in an NBC Documentary, on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, as well as 60 Minutes which called him, “one of the country’s leading data analysts on religion and politics.” He served as a pastor in the American Baptist Church for over twenty years, leading First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, IL for 17.5 years until its closure in July 2024. He has been married to his wife Jacqueline for over seventeen years. They have two boys. Ryan's Book: Ryan's Recommendation: Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com | |||
| Ep. 257 Michael John Cusick - Sacred Attachment | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:57:45 | |
Today, I'm excited to bring you a conversation that gets to the core of what it means to be human - to grapple with pain, trauma, and the longing to be truly seen and loved. My guest is Michael John Cusick, author of the new book "Sacred Attachment," and he's here to share his deeply personal journey of moving from a place of fear and shame into an embodied experience of God's love and security. Michael reframes the concept of sin, not as moral failure, but as the mishandling of our pain. This shift opens up a whole new avenue for understanding the human condition and the path to healing. He unpacks the five "W's" of brokenness - wretchedness, weakness, woundedness, warfare, and wiring - illuminating the complex, multi-layered nature of the struggles we all face. But this isn't just an intellectual exercise. Michael grounds his insights in his own life story. His life became a journey, as he wrestled with the fear that God was displeased with him, only to be met with an unexpected embrace of love and acceptance. Michael's exploration of Jesus' own secure attachment to the Father, and how that provides a model for us to follow, even in the midst of our own pain and trauma was particularly insightful. He emphasizes the importance of relational encounter, of being seen, soothed and held, in order to move from intellectual belief to embodied experience of God's love. This is a rich, nuanced conversation that challenges us to confront the deepest parts of ourselves, to acknowledge our brokenness, and to open ourselves up to the transformative power of love. There is profound wisdom here for anyone seeking to live a more whole, integrated life. Get ready to receive the love of God. | |||
| Ep. 256 Best of 2024: Most Listened to Episodes of the Year | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:52:44 | |
In this episode, we are counting down our ten most listened to episodes of the year. You will hear clips from: | |||
| Ep. 255 Best of 2024: Favorite Movies with Elijah Davidson and Craig Detweiler | 27 Dec 2024 | 01:38:35 | |
In this episode we are counting down our ten favorite movies of 2024 with guests Elijah Davidson and Craig Detweiler. | |||