A Godzillion and One

A recent study found that 50% of US adults read the Bible less than twice a year. In my conversation today with Raechel Myers we talk about this spiritual famine many Christians are facing, especially after the last few years.

As the CEO/Founder of She Reads Truth, He Reads Truth, and Kids Read Truth, Raechel is passionate about helping people personally connect with the living Word of God. Raechel’s passion for the Bible is evident but you will also appreciate her honesty in discussing the struggles and the pressures people sometimes face when it comes to diving into Scripture. I hope you get to the end of this episode feeling encouraged about your next step.

As we wrap up season 2 of the podcast, I couldn’t think of a better episode to keep ringing in our ears over the summer.

PS. Join us in wishing She Reads Truth a happy 10th year anniversary!

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Want to know what terms like cryptocurrency, Bitcoin mining, decentralization, and blockchain really mean? Not sure where to begin? Today's conversation with Daniel Hwang is a great place to start. Daniel is the Special Projects Lead at F2Pool and the Head of Protocols at stakefish. 

With degrees in computer science and cryptography, Daniel has participated in mining, remittances, and developed cryptocurrency education. With years of experience in this space, Daniel brings a unique perspective to the conversation as he explains the building blocks of what crypto is and the unique opportunities it provides in supporting social good. 

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I know I've said it before, but truly this is one of my favorite interviews to date. Poignant. Honest. Hopeful.

Gloria Umanah is a spoken word artist, gifted communicator, and the founder/executive director of the Ex-Nihilo Collective, an organization raising up high capacity creatives and leaders. Their latest initiative, the Hope Booth, is a 3-minute immersive experience that delivers messages of hope in the form of remodeled phone booths stationed in cities around the world.

In everything she does, Gloria is passionate about reaching people that feel invisible and reminding them that they are seen and known. I hope you walk away from this episode reminded of the impact your life can have on this world.

(Note: this episode includes topics of mental health, including the mention of suicide. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255)

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Over 1.6 billion people around the world are living with inadequate housing and New Story Charity is taking on the challenge of shifting that reality. I recently caught up with Josh Young, Chief of Staff at New Story, an organization that is leading the way in pioneering solutions to end global homelessness.

We talked about everything from Josh's decision to decline Harvard grad school, Bitcoin beach, what a 3D housing community is really like, and the future we're heading into. Josh has a passion for ending homelessness and leveraging cutting-edge technology to better serve people. I think you'll learn a lot in this episode but you'll also walk away encouraged to take on the next challenge you see.

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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I had an honest conversation about suicide with Dr. Matthew Sleeth. As a former emergency room physician and minister, Dr. Sleeth has a heart for offering practical and spiritual tools to people who are struggling with depression and suicide. 

His recent book, Hope Always: How to be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide, provides unique Biblical insight into depression and suicide, and provides practical encouragement on how individuals, organizations, and churches can be a part of the solution.

(Note: this episode includes topics of mental health, suicide, and depression. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255)

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You were made in the image of God. This declaration is the foundation for today's conversation with Trillia Newbell. Trillia is a mom, advocate, Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers, and author of several books that dive into the intersection of faith and life. One of her passions is equipping and encouraging families to have conversations about diversity, inclusion, and God's plan for His people.

We talk about two of her recent books, God's Very Good Idea and Creative God, Colorful Us. Trillia is rooted in the Word and gives such practical advice and encouragement.

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We can hardly contain this guest's passion to one episode, so listen in and get to know Jordan Raynor. He is a serial entrepreneur, podcast host, twice selected Google fellow, and author. Jordan's an accomplished guy but he's not naive to the pressures of our world. Despite the numerous resources on time management and work-life balance, many people still feel overwhelmed with to-do lists, busy schedules, the constant notifications... Jordan’s book, Redeeming Your Time is a practical answer to how Christians can approach the topic of work while maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations. I loved hearing Jordan's passion, his Biblical wisdom, and his memorable anecdotes (wait until you hear about "the mailman").

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We're swimming in the deep end of the pool but don't let that scare you away. Dr. Craig Keener is a noted New Testament scholar, author, speaker, professor, and one of the foremost experts on historical and modern-day miracles. Dr. Keener is the author of the two-volume book, Miracles, and his latest release, Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World. This new book gives a shorter, accessible, concise overview of one of Keener's most significant research topics - the existence of miracles. 

If you've ever wondered if the miracles in the Bible were true or if God is still in the business of the miraculous, you'll want to listen in. Dr. Keener shares his own story of being an atheist and struggling with the Christian faith. We unpack the philosophy of David Hume, common questions people have about miracles, and hear personal stories of God at work in the modern-world. 

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Today’s guest, Andre Norman went from being one of the most feared prison gang leaders in the United States to an author, speaker, and dynamic agent of change. His childhood experiences paved the way for a life of crime which eventually led him to be sentenced to over 100 years in prison, including two and a half years in solitary confinement. In an unlikely place, after a profound epiphany, Andre decided to pursue a life of hope and purpose. Working 20+ hours a day on his dream, and after serving 14 years in prison, he walked out of prison a free man.

Andre has now dedicated his life to helping others in similar situations. Through the Academy of Hope, and his book Ambassador of Hope, Andre is a real-life example of what it looks like to break the cycle and forge a new path forward.

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