God didn’t just give us souls—He gave us bodies, and He designed them to move. In this episode, Janet and Jono explore how physical movement fits into the ordinary Christian life and why exercise can be an act of faithful, joyful stewardship rather than guilt or vanity.

Our bodies are intentional creations and gifts “on loan” from God. Movement can honor Christ, cultivate joy, and even train our souls through small, daily acts of endurance.

The conversation blends theology with physiology, unpacking how God designed the human body to move—muscles, brain, heart, and mind working together for strength, clarity, and long-term flourishing. They also address modern challenges like sedentary lifestyles, the intimidation of starting an exercise habit, and the importance of movement for children’s development.

Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to reframe it spiritually, this episode offers practical encouragement: start small, be consistent, and enjoy God as you move. Above all, it’s an invitation to steward your body with gratitude and honor God in it—today.

Referenced:

"A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying God in Body and Soul" by David Mathis"

"Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" by Dr. John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman

"The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt

1000 Hours Outdoors

In this episode, we take a big-picture look at stewardship—what it means to care for all that God has entrusted to us—and how that calling extends even to the food we eat.

Together, we’ll consider how food is a gift to be managed for His glory—and why our daily decisions about food and nourishment actually matter in light of eternity. We will look at:

• What the Bible shows us about food as God’s good gift in creation
• How sin has distorted our relationship with food and the land
• What is food? And how we can faithfully redeem our habits and choices
• Practical ways to think about nutrition, stewardship, and grace in a modern world full of processed foods and mixed messages

We hope this conversation will encourage you to approach food with gratitude, wisdom, and worship. Because in the end, stewardship isn’t about perfection, it’s about faithfulness with what we’ve been given, one small step (or one bite) at a time.

Referenced:

"In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan

"Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health" by Casey Means and Calley Means

"A Bite Sized Theology of Food" (Desiring God)

"Food Rules: How God Reshapes Our Appetites" (Desiring God)

Dutch Bros Nutrition Facts

What does it look like to grow older while staying rooted in purpose, faith, and gratitude? In this episode of Body and Soul, Janet and Jono reflect on aging as an opportunity to serve, grow, and glorify God. They explore how to steward our bodies well, even in later years — and why every stage of life holds meaning in God's kingdom. Whether you're 25 or 85, this conversation will encourage you to embrace the aging journey.

They also dive into how physical health plays a vital role in our spiritual calling, especially as we age. From biblical truths to practical habits that promote longevity, they explore how honoring God includes caring for the bodies He’s given us.

Referenced:

"Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture" by Sharon W. Betters & Susan Hunt

"Finishing Our Course with Joy: Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging" by J.I. Packer

"Forever (Doesn't Quite Seem Long Enough)" (song) by Ben Rector

"In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan

"Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford

"The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest" by Dan Buettner

"How Mandela Stayed Fit: from his 'matchbox' Soweto home to a prison cell" by Gavin Evans

Nelson Mandela 

In this episode, Jono and Janet explore how even good things—like health, fitness, and discipline—can become idols when they take the place of God in our hearts. Building on their previous conversation about sloth and gluttony, they discuss the subtle dangers of making wellness our identity or ultimate pursuit. 

They help listeners reflect on where their true hope lies and share personal stories of wrong heart motivations. The episode closes with questions to assess whether our health habits are glorifying God—or replacing Him.

Reflection Questions:

1) In what ways can a good pursuit—like health or fitness—subtly shift from being wise stewardship to becoming an idol in our lives?

2) How can we practically evaluate whether our goals (health, fitness, etc.) are truly for God's glory—or rooted in our desire for control, identity, or praise?

Referenced:

"What Is An Idol?" (Desiring God)

"Is Body Image My Idol?" (Desiring God)

"Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters" by Timothy Keller

"Soul Idolatry Excludes Men Out of Heaven" by David Clarkson

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What does it truly mean to pursue holiness? In this episode, we explore the believer’s call to live a godly, disciplined life—one that reflects Christ’s lordship in every area, including our bodies and health.

Drawing from Joel Beeke and Michael Barrett’s A Radical and Comprehensive Call to Holiness, we discuss how grace not only saves but transforms. As Beeke writes, “Grace never leaves a man where it finds him.” We’ll focus specifically on progressive holiness—how sanctification plays out practically in the Christian life.

We dive into scripture passages from 2 Timothy, Titus, Ephesians, and Colossians, and examine how godliness is not passive but an active pursuit. From sloth and gluttony to physical discipline and spiritual formation, we consider how our daily choices and habits either aid or hinder our sanctification.

You’ll hear thought provoking quotes from John Calvin, John MacArthur, John Piper, Gary Thomas, and C.S. Lewis on things such as the importance of bodily discipline, spiritual maturity, and resisting worldly comforts.

Our mission is to help you think biblically about your health so you can wisely number your days, care for others well, and live wholeheartedly for Christ in every season of life.

Discussion Questions:

1) How does understanding sanctification as an ongoing, grace-driven process change the way you approach your daily habits—both spiritual and physical?

2) What are some specific areas in your life where comfort or complacency may be hindering your pursuit of holiness? How might God's grace help you move forward in those areas?

3) In what ways can bodily discipline serve as a spiritual practice that supports your growth in godliness?

Referenced:

“A Radical, Comprehensive Call to Holiness” by Beeke and Barrett

“Every Body Matters” by Gary Thomas

John Macarthur on 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (we mistakenly said 1 Timothy)

John Piper quote on Gluttony

"Good Energy" by Casey Means

"The Weight of Glory" by C.S. Lewis

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How do we hold together the truths of God’s sovereignty and our human responsibility? In this episode, we explore the beautiful mystery of these two doctrines—truths that may seem to be in tension but we believe are fully compatible in Scripture.

We walk through a few passages that affirm God's ultimate authority over all things and our personal accountability before Him. Then we bring the discussion down to earth: What does it look like when we fall into a ditch too far on either side? What does this mean for how we treat our bodies, make health decisions, and avoid the common ditches of complacency or self-reliance? 

If you’ve ever wondered how trusting God aligns with making wise choices, this episode will encourage you to embrace both. Yes, God numbers your days—and yes—you should drink water, go outside and get some sunshine, move your body, and steward your health well.

Discussion Questions:

1) Where do you personally tend to lean—toward passivity ("God will take care of it") or over-control ("It’s all up to me")? How does Scripture challenge or correct that tendency?

2) What practical rhythms can help you stay balanced between trusting God fully and actively stewarding your responsibilities well?

Referenced:

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

Spurgeon quote (page 242)

Conscience by Andrew Naselli

Graph explaining weak/strong conscience from Conscience by Andrew Naselli book

Why doughnuts may not be the best breakfast food (at typically 15-30g of sugar they lead to a large blood sugar spike and then crash)

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What does it mean to be both body and soul—created intentionally by a wise and loving God? In this episode, we will look at different scripture passages, and explore the biblical truth that we are whole beings, both physical and spiritual, designed in the image of God. 

We will reflect on the beauty and complexity of the human body, the effects of sin on our physical form, and how God's care extends to every part of us. This episode encourages us to reject the idea that our spiritual life is separate from our physical life and instead embrace a holistic view of ourselves as created and deeply known by God.

From the Incarnation of Christ to God’s provision in our everyday needs, we’re reminded that our bodies matter—and that caring for one another in tangible ways reflects the heart of God. Whether you're studying human anatomy or simply seeking deeper wholeness, this conversation will inspire you to see yourself and others as wonderfully made.

Discussion Questions: 

1) How does understanding that we are both body and soul—created in God’s image—impact the way we view our physical, spiritual, relational, and mental health?

2) In what ways have we, personally or culturally, separated the spiritual from the physical—and how can embracing a biblical, whole-person view help restore balance in how we live and care for others?

Referenced:

Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley

Systematic Theology by Robert Letham

"Heaven" by Randy Alcorn

"God With Us" Spurgeon Sermon (1875)

"Love Thy Body" by Nancy Pearcey

Studies/Articles related to food dye and its exposure on children:

1) "Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence"

2) "Toxicology of food dyes"

3) "Artificial food dyes are toxic: Neurobehavioral implications in children"

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In this introductory episode, hosts Janet and Jono share their background in healthcare—from their early days at Mayo Clinic to life now as parents teaching their kids about the body. Their passion? Helping Christians think biblically about what it means to live as embodied followers of Christ.

Body and Soul explores the connection between physical health, theology, and Christian witness. In a church culture where conversations about the body are often prescriptive—or missing altogether—this podcast offers something different: thoughtful, biblical reflection on how to faithfully steward both body and soul.

Join us for future episodes as we build a theological framework for health and explore how to steward various aspects of our health and bodies for God's glory. No formulas—just honest, biblical conversations about living fully human to the glory of God.

Referenced:

"The End For Which God Created the World" by Jonathan Edwards

The Heidelburg Catechism, Q&A #1

Novera Headache Center

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