At the Frontier

Both science and Scripture agree on something powerful: generosity is good for you.

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley found that generosity leads to better health, longer life, stronger relationships and yes, greater happiness. And long before researchers confirmed it, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

That's the heart of this series—and of this season. At Christmastime, the spirit of generosity shines brightest. One study found that people are 14 percent more likely to make a donation in December than in any other month of the year.

But here's the thing: giving isn't just about what we give. It's about how we give. And that's why we're calling it: Give With Joy.

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In a world that glorifies busyness, what if rest is actually the most faithful thing you can do?

In this final episode of our Slowing Down series on The Do Gooders Podcast, Christin Thieme talks with Alyson Pryor—marriage and family therapist, spiritual director and author of the forthcoming book "Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats."

With wisdom drawn from her own story of burnout as a mom of five and her work guiding ministry leaders, Alyson offers practical steps for creating space for silence, solitude and rest right where you are.

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What if slowing down isn't lazy, but holy?

Hear Jodi Grubbs—author of "Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale"—share why our bodies and souls weren't designed for hustle culture, and how embracing slower rhythms can help us live with presence, peace and purpose.

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What if the good life isn't about having it all, but about embracing our limits?

Dr. Ashley Hales, author of "A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits," invites us to rethink freedom, not as endless choice, but as life within God's loving boundaries.

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What if slowing down wasn't selfish—but essential?

In this episode, holistic nurse educator and author Tracie Braylock talks about her new book "Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry."

Drawing from her background as a surgical nurse and over 15 years in holistic wellness, Tracie shares how stress isn't just unpleasant—it makes us sick. She offers both scientific insight and spiritual wisdom to help us recognize the signs of unhealthy stress and embrace relaxation as God intended.

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Do you ever feel like busyness is running your life? What if slowing down could actually make you more effective in doing good?

Author and spiritual director Alan Fadling talks about living unhurried—not as laziness, but as faithful discipleship. Learn why presence matters more than productivity, how Jesus' rhythms of rest and work offer a better way and what it looks like to serve from overflow instead of exhaustion.

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What's the real state of the Church today—and how is The Salvation Army positioned within it?

Jim Sparks, Western Territorial Mission Strategist, joins Christin Thieme to unpack surprising new data about spiritual commitment in America, why Gen Z and Millennials are leading a revival, and how corps can connect with people who are open to Jesus but hesitant about organized religion.

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For more than 30 years, Maria Rodriguez has been the heart of The Salvation Army Los Angeles Day Care Center—supporting children and families in LA's fashion, produce and flower districts.

In this episode, Christin Thieme talks with Maria about how she went from high school volunteer to director, why safe, affordable childcare matters more than ever, and how a parent committee has transformed the center into a true community hub.

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Discover how the Big Five personality traits shape the way you see the world—and your relationships.

Dr. Jack Anderson joins Christin Thieme to share practical ways to bridge differences, build trust and bring out the best in others.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Today, we're covering one of America's most pressing challenges: homelessness. But this isn't an episode drowning you in statistics. Instead, we're going to explore real solutions happening right now across the western United States—ways The Salvation Army is helping to truly change lives, one person at a time.

Of course, the numbers are sobering. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness increased by 18 percent between 2023 and 2024. That's approximately 770,000 people experiencing homelessness in our country. But behind every statistic is a person's story, and that's what we're focusing on today.

Christopher Hogan, The Salvation Army's Territorial Social Services Director for the Western Territory, puts it perfectly: addressing homelessness requires "programs of excellence" that combine spiritual care, best practices, clear purpose, strong operations and meaningful outcomes.

He wrote a piece on how The Salvation Army is ensuring excellence in our recent issue of Caring Magazine, themed "Hope in Action," which you can find at caringmagazine.org/hope.

So what does it look like in practice? Let me take you on a journey from Alaska to Arizona, showcasing nine different approaches that are working.

EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more.

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DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.