All in All

Things are not always what they seem. That's what Sarah Airriess discovered after working for Disney as an animator and character designer, including as part of an Oscar-winning team. Rather than abandon her artistic ambitions when things didn't go as planned, she set a course from sunny LA to the frozen Antarctic, inspired by a historical account titled The Worst Journey in the World. Combining her artistic skills with years of research into the Heroic Age of Polar Exploration, Sarah created an award-winning graphic novel and introduced a new generation to polar research through a new medium. Listen as James and Sarah discuss their shared haunt in Cambridge and their mutual love of the coldest place on Earth.

Where stories were once told aloud, later committed to paper, and eventually brought to the screen, animator and filmmaker Lukas Rooney has combined elements of historic narratives to produce moving stories that capture both the heart and imagination. Listen as Lukas tells James about his short film, Lost Sheep, winner of the 2023 Cannes Short Film Festival and a Silver Medalist at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Discover what sets this compelling short apart in today’s fast-paced digital world not only given its ancient story, but what literally makes up its stars.

The question is no longer whether we should use media, but how—and what effect it has on our minds and future generations. Emily Harrison has spent years exploring those questions, advocating not for abandoning screens, but rather for using them less and seeing what happens when we do. A Colson Fellow and presenter to tough audiences ranging from high school students to state legislators, Emily joins James to thoughtfully consider what it means to look up from our screens even—even in the 21st century.

As the US celebrates its 250th anniversary and recognizes the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, this special episode features a true patriot whose life and calling were shaped by that pivotal day in September. Tim Miner’s journey of service, leadership, and faith reflects a remarkable life of many roles from Air Force officer to airline captain and beyond. Join James as he sits down with his mentor and fellow “sky pilot” to hear Captain Miner humbly share his story of navigating life at the highest altitudes while discovering a deeper purpose grounded in faith.

For Jim Tarter, doing what seemed "normal" by the world's standards was never his path. Where science and tragedy might have driven many far from faith, they drew him closer. Though his exceptional academic record and advanced degrees could have led to a major research institute, he chose to teach at an inner-city public school. When retirement may have meant slowing down, Dr. Tarter has written books and traveled to developing countries to share the Good News. Join James as he sits down with his former physics teacher and friend of more than 20 years to explore a life doing the abnormal.

Retiring in your early 40s might sound like a life of ease, but for Melanie Presuto, it marked the beginning of a new adventure. After an honorable career of service, she embraced new challenges with the same curiosity and resilience that have defined her journey. Join James as he sits down with one of his former supervisors from their time in uniform to reflect on lessons Dr. Presuto has gained through a life of service and exploration. From the Air Force Academy to homesteading in Idaho, she shares how adaptability and a spirit of exploration continue shaping this new chapter of life.​

After a year-long break since the last episode of All in All was published, Season 3 opens in a unique way. Not only does it feature a popular returning guest—Preston Visser—but this time Dr. Visser steps into the role of guest host, turning the tables to ask James some thoughtful and probing questions of his own. In this conversation, James and his long-time friend reflect on what led to his year-long hiatus from the podcast and shares what he’s been focused on in that season of life. James and Preston also talk memories as well as look ahead to the coming months and exciting plans for the summer.

In this season finale, the intriguing world of Christian apologetics as tied to the likes of C.S. Lewis and Alister McGrath, comes to life in a new and fascinating way from theologian and international speaker, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing. In a world filled with many 'grey areas' when it comes to spirituality and even critical thinking, Dr. Orr-Ewing relays clarifying ideas in talking to James based on her years of research which has produced books like Lead Like the Real You, Mary's Voice, and Why Trust the Bible? 

While career changes are sometimes frowned upon, switching roles has put a smile on the face of Dr. Dwight Holland. From engineering and geophysics work in the Antarctic to serving as US military pilot-physician, Dr. Holland has learned a lot and literally lived the Star Trek catchphrase, "to boldly go where no man (or at least very few) has gone before!" Tune in as James and Dwight's conversation covers everything from their mutual flying friends to the ancient roots of the Order of St. John.

Some folks are business savvy, others are creative and artistic. South Carolina native, Sterling Crawford, is uniquely both and has wonderfully blended her talents to produce paintings which both tell a story and serve a purpose. After taking her degree in finance from the College of Charleston, Sterling has not only gone on to capture everything from African rhinos to her astronaut grandad but also championed the cause of others with her art too. Listen as Sterling shares her story with James.