Talking about money is basically everyone’s worst nightmare, even for people who have a lot of it. It’s not “just paper” -- it can corrupt hearts, dissolve marriages and take people to the depths of themselves as they chase fulfillment or simply survival.

Studies show that millennials make less than their parents did and costs are higher. College debt is skyrocketing while homeownership is plummeting. And because school didn’t teach us how to do our taxes or navigate retirement saving, we’re often stumbling around just trying to make the right decisions for our future.

The Bible says you can’t love both God and money. But what does “loving money” mean? Can you follow God’s leading and still climb the corporate ladder? Is it possible to release the stress of money in our lives, even though we need it to function?

Today we’re talking about finances - How to be wise with our money, live a life not chained to it, and how to honor God with the gifts He’s given us.

Episode 8 Transcript

Social media is an unstoppable force that has shaped every layer of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. It has sparked movements, destroyed careers and created an escape from our normal lives. It is both a powerful tool for good, and a black hole that can breed jealousy, comparison and a need for constant new information. 

So how do we handle it in a balanced way? What are the mental, emotional and spiritual implications of using social media, and are there moments when it’s healthiest to take a step back? 

In an age when hardly any conversations go by without somebody saying, “Let me pull this up on Instagram,” we take a look at how we’ve navigated the pitfalls and the benefits of the vast social media universe. 

Episode 7 transcript 

The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

Tune in as Brit interviews Sarah about her most recent trip to Uganda and all things travel.

Most young people we know have two life speeds: Absolute chaos, or passed out in bed, exhausted.

Most people in their 20s and 30s are trying to hold down a job while managing side hustles, volunteering or activism, a social life, a partner or family, and staying healthy. 

We’re told all these things are “good for us.” There’s pressure to say yes to each and every opportunity. But sometimes it feels like no one knows or cares that we’re burning ourselves out in the process. 

“Work/life balance” has become the buzzword we think will save us, but is saying we care about that actually helping us feel less stressed in our day-to-day lives? The key may be those seemingly small lifestyle choices that help us get off the hamster wheel and into a life where we’re present and grateful. 

Episode 6 transcript

Got ideas or comments? We want to hear from you. Message or tag us on Instagram or Facebook at But First, Listen, or send us an email at [email protected]. 

But First Listen is hosted and produced by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo, and edited by Brittany Bantle. Music is Boxing Day Last Year by Empyreal Glow. Photography by Taylor Benedict. Cover art design by Brittany Catlin and Deanna Spiotta. Special thanks to Nate Bantle.  

**Disclaimer**The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

As a woman, do you ever feel like you’re being “too much”? Do you feel the incessant need to apologize? Do you feel like you can’t be assertive while also being kind? 

As women we’re constantly towing the line in day-to-day life. We don’t want to be too bossy, but we also don’t want to be steamrolled. We’re constantly worried about being labeled as bossy, a “strong personality” (which is never said in a nice way), or too opinionated. 

Women are often labeled as assertive, emotional, or bossy when we tell others what we need and want, while men are often simply labeled as “men”. In this episode we share our experiences and balance being assertive while also being kind. Being assertive and kind don’t have to be in competition, you can choose both.

Ep. 5 Transcript

Got ideas or comments? We want to hear from you. Message or tag us on Instagram or Facebook at But First, Listen, or send us an email at [email protected]. 

**Disclaimer**The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

Singleness - it’s a meme, it’s a comedy punchline, it’s a movie pitch (that usually ends with said single person finding love and living happily ever after. Thanks Disney.) 

But what is day-to-day life as singles really like? We’ve all been there. Sometimes it’s fulfilling, sometimes it’s deeply lonely. In the church, it can feel like you’re the only one who missed the train everyone else caught right after college. 

Meanwhile, there’s online dating to navigate, weddings to attend alone and uncomfortable holiday conversations with that aunt who always asks why you’re not settled down yet. 

Some of us love flying solo, some of us hate it. But not very many of us talk about it. Let’s change that. 

Got ideas or comments? We want to hear from you. Message or tag us on Instagram or Facebook at But First, Listen, or send us an email at [email protected]. 

But First Listen is hosted and produced by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo, and edited by Brittany Bantle. Music is Boxing Day Last Year by Empyreal Glow. Photography by Taylor Benedict. Cover art design by Brittany Catlin and Deanna Spiotta. Special thanks to Nate Bantle.  

**Disclaimer**The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

What comes to mind when you hear the term worship leader? Did you just immediately think of a man? A woman? Did gender not enter your mind at all? Today, there are countless prominent women in the Christian worship scene; to name a few - we have Lauren Daigle, Kari Jobe, Audrey Assad, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Brooke Fraser, Naomi Raine - I could go on and on. 

With the body of Christ being so prominently led by these women of God, one may not even think that there is still controversy over women leading worship but for someone paying attention to the small details - could this still be causing tension?

Today we’re here to talk about women in the church, specifically those using their gifts to lead through song, and bring light to the sensitivities of women in worship. 

Got ideas or comments? We want to hear from you. Message or tag us on Instagram or Facebook at But First, Listen, or send us an email at [email protected]. 

But First Listen is hosted and produced by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta and Sarah Taddeo, and edited by Brittany Bantle. Music is Boxing Day Last Year by Empyreal Glow. Photography by Taylor Benedict. Cover art design by Brittany Catlin and Deanna Spiotta. Special thanks to Nate Bantle.

**Disclaimer** The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

Racism and white supremacy are deeply embedded in our culture and systems here in the United States and around the world. In 2020, the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd opened the eyes of many white Americans to the lethality of racism and white supremacy. 

Jesus’s love shows no favoritism and, as Christians, we are called to love others as ourselves. What does love require of us? What actions are we called to take? 

The elimination of racism and dismantling of white supremacy requires ongoing commitment to love and antiracism. We invite you to continue in that work with us as we discuss racism and how to live out antiracist principles in our daily lives. 

Special Guests:

• Ms. Juliana Moore
• Mr. Timotheus Pope

Scripture references: 

• Revelation 7:9 
• Romans 13
• Matthew 7:21-27
• Matthew 25:40
• Ephesians 4:1-3
• Isaiah 1
• Philippians 1:6
• Romans 8:28-29
• Isaiah 53:3
• 2 Corinthians 13:5
• Genesis 11: 1-9
• Acts 2:1-13
• Hebrews 12:2

Episode 2 transcript link

Subscribe to But First Listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Got ideas or comments? We want to hear from you. Message or tag us on Instagram or Facebook at But First, Listen, or send us an email at [email protected]. 

But First Listen is hosted and produced by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta and Sarah Taddeo, and edited by Brittany Bantle. Music is Boxing Day Last Year by Empyreal Glow. Photography by Taylor Benedict. Cover art design by Brittany Catlin and Deanna Spiotta. Special thanks to Nate Bantle.  

**Disclaimer** The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

Is it just me, or has Instagram been hit with a colorful tsunami of activewear, acro yoga and acai bowls?

One scroll could feed you posts about how the keto diet is the weight loss fix you need, or how you’re not actually healthy if you’re skinny, fat, curvy, or athletic. Some remind you that wanting to change your body equals shaming yourself, and you should really stop doing that. The list goes on and on.

Diet and workout culture constantly tells us we’re not doing enough and leaves us chasing the elusive healthy lifestyle - but what is that, actually? And is it the same for everyone? Does weight equal worth or health? 

Today we’re talking about bodies, health and value, and how we’re still learning to cut through the lies and find rest in who God made us. 

This is But First, Listen, where we grow through uncomfortable conversations about life and the modern church. 

The quote shared by Deanna is by David Foster Wallace, "Everything I've ever let go of has claw marks on it.”

Ep. 1 Transcript

Got ideas or comments? We want to hear from you. Message or tag us on Instagram or Facebook at But First, Listen, or send us an email at [email protected]. 

But First Listen is hosted and produced by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta and Sarah Taddeo, and edited by Brittany Bantle. Music is Boxing Day Last Year by Empyreal Glow. Photography by Taylor Benedict. Cover art design by Brittany Catlin and Deanna Spiotta. Special thanks to Nate Bantle.

**Disclaimer** The content shared by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta, and Sarah Taddeo is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical or mental health professionals. This podcast represents our own opinions and lived experiences, and does not represent the views or opinions of our church, medical or psychiatric personnel, or financial advisors. 

Welcome to But First, Listen, a podcast where we grow through uncomfortable conversations about life and the modern church. 

We’re four friends - Sarah, BritJo, Brit and Deanna - who are passionate about deep conversations, with the goal of learning from each other, keeping it real and laughing together along the way. 

We all grew up in church, and faith is still an important part of our lives. But sometimes Christians shy away from addressing life’s hard questions honestly and transparently. You won’t find that here. 

We believe faith isn’t just relevant within the walls of a church. It has empowered us to get into the gritty details on things that really matter to our generation, like racism, singleness, finances, or mental health to name a few.  Sometimes we won't all agree but we value hearing each other out and seeing things through a different lens. 

We want to create and share this space with you, our listeners, to offer new perspectives and help you explore your own views.  Catch But First, Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

But First Listen is hosted and produced by Brittany Bantle, Brittany Catlin, Deanna Spiotta and Sarah Taddeo, and edited by Brittany Bantle. Music is Boxing Day Last Year by Empyreal Glow. Photography by Taylor Benedict. Cover art design by Brittany Catlin and Deanna Spiotta. Special thanks to Nate Bantle.