In this bonus episode of A Burden for the Times, Aaron and his wife Erin Burden sit down at their kitchen table for a fun, honest, book-lover’s conversation. Together, they walk through ten questions about their 2025 reading year — with twenty very different answers.

You’ll hear how many books each finished (spoiler: the numbers are wild), which stories made them laugh, what shaped them spiritually and personally, and which titles didn’t make the cut. From leadership and spiritual formation to historical fiction, juvenile fantasy, and social issues, this episode is a relaxed, thoughtful look at what they loved — and what they didn’t — in 2025.

In This Episode:

• How many books did Aaron (113+) and Erin (218+) finish this year?
• Which book made them laugh out loud as a family?
• The most formative books — from church leadership to marriage, justice, and race.
• Which popular books they completely forgot they read.
• Book recommendations they’d gladly hand to a friend.
• The biggest surprises (good and bad).
• Books they kept thinking about long after finishing.
• What they’d reread again… and again.
• Titles outside their usual genres — from Russian literature to tech & AI.
• The rare books Erin didn’t finish… and the ones Aaron quit without hesitation.

Plus: each shares their Top 5 Books of the Year, bonus honorable mentions, and a few great audiobook tips.

Whether you love reading or just want some next-read inspiration, this episode is a warm, real conversation about books, growth, marriage, and what shaped their year.

Get the full list of books here:

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In this final part of our Charlie Kirk trilogy, the Burden brothers wrestle with the hardest question yet: Has his influence been better or worse for American society?

After two episodes examining his rhetoric and platform, we now face the aftermath of his assassination. Did polarized political discourse create the conditions for this tragedy? What should the church's response have been? And when we weigh all the variables—the conversions, the controversies, the patriotism, the divisiveness—where do we land?

Anton, Aaron, and Adrian find surprising agreement on some points and sharp division on others. From soundbite culture to Christian nationalism, from David the warrior to Peter the hothead, this conversation refuses easy answers. One of us separates his verdict into two parts: better for America, questionable for Christianity. The others push back hard.

Along the way, we reveal what quote should go on each brother's t-shirt (hint: context is everything), debate whether imperfect people can still be heroes, and reflect on what it means to die with honor in a culture that demands perfection.

Key themes:

• Rhetoric, algorithms, and the polarization greenhouse
• The evangelical response to tragedy vs. political opportunity
• Better vs. perfect: Can flawed people make kingdom impact?
• American exceptionalism vs. kingdom-mindedness
• What kind of influence actually honors Christ

Listen if you've ever asked: "Can we celebrate someone's good without endorsing everything they did?"

Season Finale

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In this second part of our Charlie Kirk conversation, the Burden brothers continue an unfiltered discussion about faith, conviction, and tone.

Is “hard truth” automatically harsh? Can strength and gentleness coexist in public witness? And what happens when political identity gets tangled with Christian belief?

Anton, Aaron, and Adrian unpack how conservative voices have shaped college campuses, why tone matters as much as truth, and what real masculinity looks like when it’s governed by the Spirit rather than ego. From Turning Point USA to Philippians 4:5, this episode wrestles with the tension between boldness and humility—and asks what kind of strength actually honors Christ.

Key themes:

• The effectiveness and limits of platformed debate
• Masculinity vs. toxic masculinity in Christian culture
• Political conservatism and Christian witness
• Gentleness as strength under control
• How to engage convictionally without losing compassion

Listen if you’ve ever asked:

“How do we stand firm in truth without losing grace?”

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In this episode, we dive into one of the most volatile cultural conversations of the year—the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Rather than rushing to react, we stepped back to ask the deeper questions: What made him such a polarizing yet influential voice? How does bold speech intersect with biblical conviction? And when does “masculine strength” cross into moral compromise?

We explore the tension between conviction and compassion, leadership and gentleness, and what it really means to represent Christ in the public square. This isn’t an easy episode—but it’s an honest one. (Part 1)

Listen for:

• A candid discussion on faith, masculinity, and free speech
• The spiritual lessons behind a cultural crisis
• How Christians can engage culture without losing their witness

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In this candid and timely episode, the guys pause their usual cultural commentary to tackle an overlooked and deeply personal topic—men’s health. With striking stats and real-life admissions (including a confession about not seeing a doctor in over four years), they unpack why so many men—especially ages 18–44—avoid preventative care.

The episode doesn’t just diagnose the problem; it explores the roots—pride, finances, trust issues, cultural messaging, and spiritual stewardship—and offers practical and biblical perspectives on how to change the narrative.

From awkward doctor visits to reflections on fatherhood, mentorship, and manhood, this conversation invites listeners to consider: 

 Is neglecting your health actually neglecting your calling?

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The nine-to-five workday doesn’t just shape our jobs—it’s reshaping our churches, communities, and even our view of discipleship. In this episode, we wrap up our Labor Day series by asking:

• How has the nine-to-five mindset influenced the way churches operate?
• Has consumerism and corporate structure replaced community and discipleship?
• What does the Bible say about work as worship, and how does Sabbath fit into our rhythms?

From sunrise photography to corporate professionalism, from Sabbath trust to consumerist tendencies, we wrestle with how Christians can live faithfully in a culture dominated by the grind. Join us as we reflect on how to see our work—and our worship—through the eyes of our Creator.

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In this follow-up to our Labor Day conversation, we dive deeper into the meaning of work, labor, and the “nine-to-five” mindset. Are work and labor the same—or is there a biblical and cultural distinction? Has the nine-to-five schedule helped us thrive or quietly reshaped our families, communities, and faith? We wrestle with the tension between efficiency and purpose, predictability and freedom, labor and calling. This thought-provoking episode will challenge you to reflect on how you view your job, your time, and your stewardship before God.

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Labor Day is often seen as the unofficial end of summer, a day for cookouts and one last long weekend before school begins. But is that really all it is? In this episode, we pause to reflect on the meaning of Labor Day, its history, and what it says about our culture’s view of work.

Aaron, Anton, and Adrian take the conversation from lighthearted dream jobs to serious reflections on layoffs, unions, and how technology has changed our relationship with work. Along the way, they wrestle with big questions:

• Has the original spirit of Labor Day honoring everyday workers been lost?

• How has the meaning of work shifted in recent years?

• Will AI and cultural shifts reshape how we value labor in the future?

With stories, personal reflections, and even a few surprises (astronaut, anyone?), this episode challenges us to think about the dignity of work, the value of every role, and what it means to honor God in our labor.

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Sports are everywhere in our culture—from Friday night lights to the Super Bowl, from youth leagues to Olympic glory. They inspire, entertain, and even unite communities. But they also come with pitfalls: idolatry, misplaced identity, and unhealthy priorities.

In this episode, we dig into:

• The positives of sports: discipline, teamwork, fitness, and community
• The darker side: idolatry, misplaced identity, and overemphasis in family life
• How to engage with sports as followers of Christ—keeping them in their proper place as a gift from God
• Practical wisdom for parents raising kids in competitive sports
• Why balance, stewardship, and perspective matter more than championships

We also share personal stories, biblical insights, and even a few lighthearted moments (yes, golf and fishing made the list).

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this conversation invites you to think deeply about how sports shape our culture and our faith.

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In this episode of A Burden for the Times, we take a deep dive into the rise of “viral villains” — those caught in a moment and broadcast to millions. From a CEO’s public downfall at a Coldplay concert to the culture of internet outrage, we ask:

• Why are we so quick to shame?
• When does justice become entertainment?
• Can we separate news from noise?

We explore the culture of instant judgment, the role of social media in amplifying shame, and how believers can respond with wisdom and grace. This episode challenges us to think deeper about sin, justice, and the gospel in an era where everything — even our worst moments — can become someone else’s content.

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