CrossCurrent Podcasts

What actually holds a nation together when everything feels like it’s coming apart?This week, Jenn sits down with Tim Goeglein to unpack the convictions behind his new book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and FamilyDrawing from history, culture, and personal experience, Goeglein makes a clear case: the future of freedom rises or falls on the strength of faith, family, and character.He challenges the quiet erosion of the American family, pointing out that when marriage weakens, everything downstream feels it. Strong families don’t just benefit children. They stabilize communities, shape responsible men, and preserve the conditions where liberty can survive.You’ll hear why restoring fatherhood is central to rebuilding culture, how faith once anchored public life in ways we’ve largely forgotten, and what it takes to recover a legacy worth handing down.If you’re looking for clarity in a noisy moment and a vision that looks beyond headlines to long-term cultural health, this conversation delivers.Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4moiGsa---------------------------------------------------------Bio: Tim Goeglein is Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family. Formerly, he served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as a deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. He was the President’s principal outreach contact for conservative and faith-based groups. Tim’s extensive resumé includes serving as a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation and as a communications director for U.S. Senator Dan Coats of Indiana and Gary Bauer at the Campaign for Working Families. Tim has authored a memoir, The Man in the Middle: Faith and Politics in the George W. Bush Era, and his latest book is titled American Restoration. He and his wife, Jenny, have two sons.

John and Maria talk about the Artemis II mission. A new study finds mental health worsens after gender transitions. And what's behind the falling teen pregnancy rate?

Segment 1 – Seeing God from Space

• Artemis and Human exceptionalism

• Victor Glover article

Segment 2 – Finland Study on Gender Dysphoria

• Finland Transgender Study

• City Journal article

"We are not machines; we are living things. And the church is not a factory; it is a garden."

What are the images that shape your ministry? For many leaders, the dominant metaphors are often corporate or industrial—efficiency, scale, and production. But as the cultural landscape shifts, many pastors are finding these images are no longer sufficient for the soul-work of the local church.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Matt Erickson, Senior Pastor of Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Matt brings a unique blend of urban pastoral experience and a deep commitment to the Christian imagination. A graduate of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, Matt has spent years thinking through how the metaphors we use dictate the health of our leadership.

We discuss his new book, The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry (releasing at the end of March). Matt shares why he believes the image of the gardener offers a more resilient, organic, and faithful way to lead in a complex world.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why the "CEO" or "Manager" metaphors are failing the modern pastor.
• The patient, rhythmic work of "tending the soil" in an urban, multiracial context.
• How the Eugene Peterson Center influenced his vision for pastoral ministry.
• Practical ways to shift your leadership from a mindset of production to one of cultivation.

About Matt Erickson

Matt Erickson has served as the Senior Pastor at Eastbrook Church since 2011. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Western Theological Seminary. Matt and his wife, Kelly, live in Milwaukee and are the parents of three adult children.

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What gives a story lasting impact? It’s not just the plot—it’s the emotional core.

In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, we explore how to write stories that handle pain, trauma, and healing with honesty, empathy, and purpose. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, create authentic emotional depth, and craft redemptive arcs that resonate—without feeling preachy.

If you want your stories to connect on a deeper level and reflect truth with grace, this episode is for you.

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30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts:
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Learn more about the hosts…
Jamie: https://writingshorts.net/
Jenifer: https://jenifercarlltong.com/
Tina: https://christinacattane.com/

Sprint Prompt: “You’re not seeing the whole picture yet.”

Two-time Masters champion and golf hall of famer Bernhard Langer shares about his mom and dad’s decision to go ahead with an at-risk pregnancy to give him life. He also talks about his successful career and how he and his family committed their lives to Christ.

We all love rooting for our favorite sports teams, but the stadium is only part of a larger arena in life: God’s kingdom. What does faith look like both on and off the playing field? In this special collection, you’ll hear powerful testimonies from athletes with memorable track records in sports and an even greater legacy in faith. Featuring guests like John Smoltz, Darrell Waltrip, Scott Hamilton, Benjamin Watson and more!

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The mystery of love and our created specialness from space. 

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Recorded live at NRB 2026 in Nashville, this episode of Liberty Spenders features Margaret Iuculano, CEO of the Christian Employers Alliance, in a powerful conversation about what it means to lead boldly as a faith-driven business owner in today’s legal and cultural environment.

Margaret shares the mission behind the Christian Employers Alliance and how the organization is equipping business leaders with both legal protection and a proactive voice in public policy. From landmark legal victories to emerging challenges facing Christian employers, this episode dives into the real-world pressures CEOs are navigating right now.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to think about integrating faith into your leadership, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a clear call to action.

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Liberty Spenders™ Podcast

Join Kurt and Kristen, founders of Liberty Spenders™ on a groundbreaking podcast that unveils the secrets to tapping into the immense potential of the faith-based conservative market. With an estimated $5 trillion in annual spending power, this loyal and engaged consumer base represents a golden opportunity for businesses seeking rapid growth and increased customer loyalty. In each episode, Kurt and Kristen share their deep insights and proven strategies for authentically connecting with the Liberty Spender audience. Drawing from their extensive experience in political campaigns and their unique, data-driven approach, they guide listeners through the 5 Ps process: People, Positioning, Passion, Proof, and Product Launch.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices