Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Lisa Fields is a renowned Christian apologist, recognized for her significant contributions to the African American community. She is the CEO of Jude 3 Project, which is dedicated to helping Black Christians understand their faith. Lisa is an accomplished documentary producer, known for "Unspoken" and "Juneteenth, Faith and Freedom". She is also the author of "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap between What We Believe and What We Experience".

Episode Summary:
Rebecca welcomes back Christian apologist Lisa Fields to discuss her new book, "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience." Lisa shares her journey in founding the Jude 3 Project and addresses the challenges of faith within the African American community. They explore the common struggles around faith, suffering, and identity, and emphasize the importance of wrestling with God through pain and doubt.

Key Takeaways:

• Lisa discusses the core mission of the Jude 3 Project as it relates to empowering Black Christians to understand and articulate their faith.
• The episode tackles the provocative question of whether Christianity is a "white man's religion" and explores its implications in the African American context.
• Lisa's new book, "When Faith Disappoints", addresses the intersection of pain and faith, offering solace and guidance through personal and theological insights.
• The conversation highlights the significance of grappling with personal disappointments in God and the pivotal role of vulnerability and authenticity in spiritual dialogue.
• The prosperity gospel is critiqued, emphasizing the biblical perspective of suffering and God's presence in the midst of trials.

Notable Quotes:

• "One of the things that I love about the gospel is the incarnational nature of it." - Lisa Fields
• "Lay all your cards on the table before God, even if you're like, am I talking to an imaginary person?" - Lisa Fields

Resources:

• Jude 3 Project: jude3project.org
• Lisa Fields' book: "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap between What We Believe and What We Experience"

Follow Lisa on Instagram and X

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glenn Scrivener is a prominent pastor and communicator based in Eastbourne, UK, known for his dynamic approach to evangelism. Having lived in England for decades after growing up in Australia, Glen uses his cross-cultural experiences to enrich his ministry efforts. He is deeply involved in digital outreach through his organization, Speak Life, which offers resources and insights on sharing the Christian faith in contemporary contexts. Glen is also an accomplished author, with his latest book being "How to Speak Life: Sharing Your Faith in 3, 2, 1."

Episode Summary:
Rebecca and Glen Scrivener discuess the art of evangelism, using Jesus' parable of the sower as a guiding framework. Explore how Christians can share their faith effectively, embracing the joy of scattered seeds while surrendering results to God.

Key Takeaways:

• Evangelism is about sowing seeds of faith and allowing God's word to work, not forcing interactions or analyzing potential.
• The Parable of the Sower serves as a foundational model for understanding evangelistic success and its variable outcomes.
• People today are increasingly seeking community and spiritual truth, offering a ripe opportunity for sharing the gospel in both structured and spontaneous settings.
• True discipleship involves embracing the messy, complex journeys of individuals as they explore faith, requiring patience and understanding.
• Evangelism and discipleship often overlap; providing spiritual care for non-Christians and fostering ongoing gospel engagement for believers.

Notable Quotes:

• "What grips your heart wags your tongue." - Australian Saying
• "The ministry of evangelism is not about battering down doors but sowing the seed." - Glen Scrivener
• "Evangelism is pastoring non Christians and pastoral care is evangelizing Christians." - Glen Scrivener

Resources:

• Follow Glen on Instagram and X

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
Instagram | X

Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sean McDowell is an associate professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University. He is a bestselling author and co-author of more than twenty books, specializing in cultural apologetics and addressing the concerns of Gen Z. Sean is also the co-host of the Think Biblically podcast and runs a popular YouTube channel.

Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at Biola University and co-director of Biola's Winsome Conviction Project. An accomplished author, Tim co-hosts the Winsome Conviction podcast, focusing on fostering dialogue between people with differing viewpoints.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca is joined by Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff as they explore the complexities of navigating cancel culture and political polarization through their book, "End the Stalemate." Discussing communication breakdowns, rivalry, and the allure of demonizing opponents, they offer insights on maintaining meaningful conversations without sacrificing convictions.

Key Takeaways:

• The cultural climate is characterized by increased polarization and cancel culture, greatly impacting public discourse.
• Effective communication that fosters mutual understanding and respect is crucial in bridging divides and engaging others constructively.
• The principles of listening, understanding, and finding common ground are emphasized as essential in maintaining relationships amid disagreement.
• The guests encourage Christians to lead with love and respect, demonstrating these traits in public discourse reflective of their faith.
• Raising young individuals to engage thoughtfully on controversial issues through perspective-taking and mutual respect are seen as valuable life skills.

Notable Quotes:

• "I want to be as charitable towards people as I can be without violating my conscience and without violating scripture." — Sean McDowell
• "The second great commandment says, 'Love your neighbor,' and it applies to all our interactions, including those who disagree with us politically." — Tim Muehlhoff
• "Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you, but share that with all gentleness and respect." — Tim Muehlhoff

Resources:

• Biola University's Winsome Conviction Project
• End the Stalemate: Move Past Cancel Culture to Meaningful Conversations website for engaging with varied political perspectives
• Follow Sean on Instagram and YouTube
• Follow Tim on X

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Blair Linne is an accomplished author and the author of "Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness." She serves as a Bible teacher, actress, and spoken word artist, with experience sharing the gospel through various platforms, including prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. She is the creator of Glo with The Gospel Coalition. Blair resides in Portland with her husband Shai Linne and their three children, continuing her impactful work in teaching and performing across the world.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca sits down with Blair Linne to explore themes of faith, fatherhood, and the transformative power of the gospel. Blair opens up about her personal journey from growing up in a fatherless household to finding solace and identity through her faith in Christ. She shares intimate details from her life story, revealing how an unexpected turn of events led her to discover her biological father, and more importantly, her spiritual Father.

Key Takeaways:

• The episode underscores the importance of viewing God as the ultimate Father, extending beyond earthly familial deficiencies.
• Blair emphasizes the critical need for churches to support single mothers and vulnerable populations, promoting the church as a refuge.
• Think responsibly about societal roles in pro-life debates, infusing compassion and support for women in difficult situations.
• It offers a message of hope and forgiveness to individuals who have experienced abortion, emphasizing the limitless grace of God.

Notable Quotes:

• "I remember going from a place of so much shame and sorrow to complete joy because I realized for the first time, oh, wow, okay. That's why it's good news." – Blair Linne
• "No other religion speaks of God as father in a very personal way, like we see in Christianity." – Blair Linne

Resources:

• Follow Blair on Instagram

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stephen Foster is the leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford, a dynamic and expanding community with a diverse congregation of young adults, students, and families. Stephen holds a law degree from Oxford and a theology degree from Cambridge, reflecting both his academic prowess and spiritual dedication. Before entering full-time ministry, he worked as a barrister in the UK, gaining extensive experience in criminal defense.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca speaks with Stephen Foster, the leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford, to discuss the intriguing question: Is Jesus believable at Oxford? With Stephen's dynamic background in both law and theology, he offers unique insights on the compatibility of faith with rigorous academic pursuits.
Together they explore how the modern world, particularly in academic centers, is experiencing a resurgent curiosity in Christianity, despite running parallel to vastly secular ideologies. They reflect on the increasing spiritual quests among Gen Z, contrasting it with previous generations' post-Christian perspectives. This episode invites listeners to reconsider entrenched notions about faith in the face of evidence that suggests a vibrant interest in exploring Jesus and Christianity.

Key Takeaways:

• Christianity is experiencing a resurgence of interest among young adults, even within elite academic environments like Oxford.
• There is a noticeable shift from a post-Christian to a pre-Christian context, where people have little knowledge of the gospel yet show deep curiosity.
• The interaction between faith and academic disciplines, such as theoretical physics, is explored, revealing a surprising harmony and intellectual grounding.
• Modern societal crises have catalyzed a spiritual openness, with many seeking truth and meaning beyond secular constructs.
• Spiritual exploration is palpable among younger generations, who are increasingly predisposed to discovering faith in Jesus.

Notable Quotes:

• "In a post-Christian context, people are inoculated with enough of the message of the gospel to immunize them against its power." - Stephen Foster
• "The gospel is not a virus, but there's a natural virality to the gospel." - Stephen Foster
• "We desperately need to have truth, and if you don't, you have no defense against power grabs." - Stephen Foster

Resources:

• Follow Stephen on Instagram

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bri Stensrud is an established author, human dignity advocate, and director of Women of Welcome. With a master's degree in biblical and theological studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, she is dedicated to equipping churches to actively and consistently engage in comprehensive human dignity issues. Bri serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Evangelicals and has penned two insightful books: "Start with the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation" and the children's book "The Biggest, Best Shining God's Light in the World Around You."

Episode Summary:
The conversation centers around the complexities of being pro-life in a broader context. Bri shares her transformative journey from traditional pro-life advocacy into a holistic pursuit that sees immigration and refugee care as extensions of the same intrinsic Christian value of life and dignity. She elaborates on the misconceptions that surround the pro-life movement and the importance of engaging with human dignity issues beyond political boundaries. She also touches on the hurdles Christians face in balancing political and scriptural obligations.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing Proximity: Bri emphasizes the influence of building relationships with people who hold different perspectives to align more closely with biblical teachings on human dignity.
• Holistic Pro-life Ethic: Embracing a consistent pro-life ethic means advocating not only for the unborn but also for vulnerable groups, such as immigrants and refugees, as equally deserving of care and compassion.
• Beyond Politics: True compassion rooted in Christianity should transcend political labels, emphasizing a Kingdom mindset that values all individuals as God's image bearers.
• Community Engagement: Practical involvement in local and global human dignity efforts, like adoption and refugee support, can allow Christians to live out their beliefs more fully and tangibly.

Notable Quotes:

• "Your compassion is not meant to be political."
• "It's our job as Christians, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to bring the Kingdom of heaven to earth."
• "People will not always understand what the love of Christ compels you to do, but you should do it anyway."

Resources:

• Bri's Books: Start with Welcome and The Biggest, Best Light
• Women of Welcome: Website

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ellie Weiner is a PhD candidate at Cambridge University, specializing in the Old Testament with a particular focus on the Book of Job. Her academic journey began at Gordon College, followed by a double MA at Gordon-Conwell in Old Testament and biblical languages. Known for her impressive feat of memorizing the entire Book of Job in Hebrew, Ellie is keen on exploring the theological and linguistic intricacies of this complex text. Her work is characterized by a joyful engagement with scripture, challenging the stereotypical perceptions of biblical academia.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca converses with Ellie Weiner, a PhD candidate from Cambridge University notable for memorizing the Book of Job in Hebrew. The episode illuminates Ellie's unique academic journey through Old Testament scholarship, focusing on her vibrant approach to studying the linguistically and theologically complex Book of Job. Ellie and Rebecca further explore the connections between Job and New Testament teachings, offering listeners a rich theological perspective. They discuss the importance of academic integrity in biblical scholarship and the distinctive call to serve in under-resourced areas, emphasizing the humility required to authentically engage with scripture.

Key Takeaways:

• Ellie Weiner's approach to biblical scholarship demonstrates that deep academic study can enhance rather than diminish personal faith.
• The Book of Job serves as a profound microcosm for the entire biblical narrative, especially in its themes of suffering and divine justice.
• Ellie's commitment to memorizing Job in Hebrew underscores her dedication to engaging scripture deeply and humbly as a student of God's word.
• There is an intrinsic value and necessity in grappling with difficult biblical texts to foster a fuller understanding of Christian doctrine and life.
• Ellie's future aspirations involve teaching in regions with limited theological resources, reflecting an expansive view of how academic biblical study serves the global church.

Notable Quotes:

• "The entire theological substructure of the book is just getting me to Jesus every time."
• "How do I give myself away until Jesus comes back?"
• "I want God to master me through the scriptures."

Resources:

• Read Ellie's article on memorizing Job: Tyndale House

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sita Slavov is a professor at George Mason University. She grew up in a Hindu family in Houston, Texas. Over time, she explored different faiths, including Zen Buddhism, and eventually embraced Christianity. She has a PhD in economics from Stanford University and now lives in Virginia with her husband, leading a women's Bible study at her church.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca talks with Sita Slavov about her spiritual journey from growing up in a Hindu family to embracing Christianity. Sita shares her experiences of exploring various faiths, including her deep engagement with Zen Buddhism and her personal struggles during the pandemic. She opens up about how these challenges led her to rediscover God and ultimately accept Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual Exploration: Sita's journey shows the importance of seeking your own answers to life's big questions and being open to exploring different faiths.
• Challenges and Growth: Personal struggles, like anxiety and the pandemic, can be turning points that lead to deeper spiritual insights and transformations.
• Community Support: Engaging with a supportive church community can be crucial in one's faith journey, providing answers, support, and a sense of belonging.
• Open-Mindedness: It's important to examine evidence with an open mind when exploring faith, as initial skepticism can turn into genuine belief.

Notable Quotes:

• "Faith is really a choice. You don't have to be the same faith as your parents."
• "Despite dedicating myself to daily meditation and attending rigorous retreats, I struggled to find the answers I sought."
• "When you fully embrace the gospel, it really is life-changing."

Follow:
Sita on X.

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Alan Noble is an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He has contributed articles to prestigious publications such as The Atlantic, The Gospel Coalition, First Things, and Christianity Today. He is the author of three books, with his most recent work being "On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living." His academic interests and writings often explore the intersections of literature, faith, and mental health.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca interviews Dr. Alan Noble, an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, about his latest book "On Getting Out of Bed." They discuss the profound connections between faith, mental health, literature, and the human experience. Alan emphasizes that while contemporary culture often encourages introspection to the point of self-absorption, the Christian faith invites individuals to find meaning and purpose beyond themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Christianity provides a unique explanatory power for suffering, purpose, and human experience.
• Support from a compassionate community is crucial for those dealing with mental health issues.
• The Christian faith offers fundamental objective truths that challenge the inward focus encouraged by contemporary culture.
• Meaning and purpose in life are reaffirmed by the unchanging love and sacrifice of Jesus, providing hope for all circumstances.

Notable Quotes:

• "Anxiety and depression like to tell you to turn inward on yourself and fold in, but what you need is your world to get bigger." - Alan Noble
• "There's a profound witness in embracing life and living it for God, even in the midst of suffering." - Alan Noble
• "We can't stop being useful to God because he never made us to be useful in the first place." - Alan Noble

Follow: Alan on Instagram.

Purchase Alan's new book: On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
Instagram | X

Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Quina Aragon is an accomplished author, editor, and spoken word artist based in Orlando, Florida. She lives with her husband and their daughter. Kina has penned the children’s book trilogy—Love Made, Love Gave, and Love Can—which creatively retells biblical scripture through a trinitarian lens of love. Additionally, she is the author of Love Has A Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of God, a book exploring God's love through scripture and personal reflection. Her work bridges the gap between theological insights and everyday life experiences, engaging readers with powerful meditations and poetry.

Rebecca and Quina discuss her latest book, Love Has A Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of God. Quina shares the personal trials and spiritual insights she gained while writing her book over four years, a period marked by significant life challenges.

• Follow Quina on her social media for more updates:
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
• Purchase Quina's book: Love Has A Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of God
• Check out the children's book trilogy by Quina Aragon: Love Made, Love Gave, and Love Can

Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe

Follow Confronting Christianity:
Instagram | X

Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting!

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠