Curious Curmudgeons

Imagine waking up to the chaos of a house fire ignited by a hoverboard and the whirlwind of emotions that ensue. Join us in this deeply personal episode of the Curious Curmudgeons podcast as Barnabas Piper and Adam Read recount the harrowing night that changed Adam’s life, complete with frantic trips to the ER for smoke inhalation. At the same time, Barnabas shares the rollercoaster of emotions as he celebrates both his daughter's high school graduation and the birth of his new baby boy, painting a vivid picture of life's unpredictability.

We dive into the profound sense of divine protection felt amidst such trials and the overwhelming support from our community. Listen as we reflect on the delicate balance between acknowledging the trauma of events like a house fire and recognizing the protective hand of God. Hear the inspiring stories of church members coming together, stepping up to meet immediate needs, and demonstrating Christ-like love that has left an indelible mark on our families and our faith.

Parenting transitions take center stage as we explore the challenges and emotional journey of seeing children grow up and leave the nest. From the bittersweet moments of preparing an 18-year-old for college to the humorous chaos of a household filled with women, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, community, and faith. Tune in for a blend of laughter, poignant reflections, and the invaluable lessons we’ve learned along the way. Don't miss the spirited debate on driving habits and the exciting announcement about season two that promises more engaging content ahead!

What happens when faith becomes more than just a family tradition? Join us in the final episode of the Curious Curmudgeon podcast's inaugural season, as we explore the profound journey of personal conviction in Christ. We'll share Adam's transformative experience at 16, shedding light on how to make faith truly personal and authentic. We also express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout our journey and invite you to share this episode with friends who might find solace and inspiration.

Navigate the intricate path of faith through periods of doubt and personal failure with us. Discover the transformative power of scripture, particularly a poignant verse from Mark 9, and learn how wise mentors and a supportive church community can be pivotal during times of spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction. Hear personal stories, including the lasting impact of a sixth-grade teacher's humility and biblical wisdom, that have shaped our understanding of faith.

In our final segment, we explore the awakening to genuine faith and the significant impact of mentorship. Understand how encounters with authentic Christian living shift faith from fear-based to love-grounded. We also reminisce about our favorite quotable movies from our youth and share our frustration with podcast banter that often strays from the main topic. Thank you for journeying with us, and stay tuned for more exciting themes and topics in the next season!

What happens when the unexpected storms of life turn your world upside down? In this emotionally charged episode, we promise you'll gain insights into navigating life's most challenging transitions. Adam opens up about his harrowing experience with multiple lung collapses and surgeries during a time he least expected it. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how unplanned events can alter our life's path, and how finding wisdom and comfort during these times can be transformative.

As we move forward, we delve into the raw and often painful journey of life after divorce. We candidly address the complex emotional aftermath, including reorienting one’s identity and decisions in the wake of such significant change.

In the concluding chapters, we explore finding purpose amidst suffering, the significance of supportive relationships, and the importance of walking in obedience towards redemption. Psalm 138:8 becomes a cornerstone of comfort, emphasizing that God's plans prevail even in the face of chronic illness and pain. We also highlight the critical role of community and friendships, urging listeners to focus on embodying the fruits of the spirit. Through poignant examples and heartfelt reflections, this episode offers hope and encouragement for anyone grappling with the unpredictable challenges life throws their way.

Join us on the Curious Curmudgeon podcast as we explore the multifaceted journey of parenting through life transitions. With nearly two decades of experience raising children, we reflect on our transition into parenthood and the continuous evolution that comes with each stage of our children's lives. From the sleepless nights of infancy to the bittersweet moments of preparing our children for college, we share invaluable lessons learned, the shifting priorities over time, and the wisdom and humility gained along the way. Discover the relentless changes that define parenting and the values that have become more precious to us, along with our hopes for the future.

Listen in as we discuss the steep learning curve and shift in responsibilities that accompany early parenthood, highlighting the importance of teamwork and mutual support. As our children grow, we explore the dynamics of parenting through their elementary and middle school years, focusing on the challenges and joys of guiding them through social situations, developmental changes, and the quest for self-identity. We emphasize the significance of maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and balancing high standards with forgiveness and mercy. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight the meaningful conversations that provide glimpses of growth and grace amidst the chaos.

As our children transition to high school and beyond, we address the unique challenges of nurturing their independence while fostering critical thinking and individuality. We share our experiences of parenting with humility and prayer, emphasizing the importance of consistent faith and openness about our shortcomings. Tune in for engaging discussions about the pressures of air travel with toddlers, the need for understanding and grace towards parents, and the importance of supporting children in discovering their identities. Join us for thought-provoking insights and a bit of entertainment on the Curious Curmudgeon podcast.

Leaving a church is never a simple decision. Remember when we had to make that tough call? We felt the emotional and spiritual weight bearing down on us, wrestling with whether it was the right time to move on. This episode is all about those moments—whether you're leaving due to painful experiences or positive life changes, we’ve got strategies to ensure a Christ-honoring exit. We share personal stories to reveal the complex dynamics of quietly disappearing versus formally saying goodbye, and how one’s role in the church and its size can influence these decisions.

Before deciding to leave, approaching church leadership with questions rather than accusations can be a game-changer. We delve into the importance of open, humble communication and how a leadership's response can reflect the church's culture. If you're married, we talk about the crucial role of prayer and thoughtful consideration with your spouse before making such a significant decision. Personal anecdotes underscore the ongoing struggle to forgive and the profound impact of God’s grace in healing and forgiveness, illuminating the path to moving forward with a clear conscience.

Once you’ve decided to leave, the next step is finding a new church that feels like home. We discuss the essential elements to look for, from gospel-centered preaching to genuine community warmth. Be prepared for some honest reflections on making a commitment to a new church, exploring beyond the services to truly gauge its focus and alignment with Christ. And for a bit of fun, we wrap up with a conversation about music preferences—our nostalgic ties to old favorites and how those early influences shape our current tastes. Join us for a heartfelt blend of practical advice and personal stories aimed at helping you navigate this pivotal journey.

In this episode of the Curious Curmudgeon Podcast, Barnabas Piper and co-curmudgeon, Adam Read, take a stroll through their church histories, examining the fabric of their faith from childhood to the present. They reflect on their formative years in the pews, the nuances of congregational life across different geographies, and the profound impact of long-term church relationships. From San Diego's sun-soaked sanctuaries to the Bible Belt's abundance of worship, listen in as they unpack the beauty and trials that come with being entrenched in the Body of Christ.

In this heartfelt conversation, Barnabas and Adam navigate the ebb and flow of church life and the intricate dance of church transitions. With personal stories of denominational shifts, crises of faith, and the grappling with the realities of church politics, they explore the landscape of church involvement. You'll hear how journeys through job losses, divorce, and a call to ministry have been underpinned by the support of local church families. This is a narrative of resilience, demonstrating how, even amid life's upheavals, the grace of God maintains our connection to this unique community.

Lastly, they delve into the complex dynamics of church membership, from the challenges of over-politicization within congregations to the role of church music and community engagement. The conversation also offers a contemplative pause, inviting you to imagine witnessing pivotal historical events. So tune in for an episode that's as much about the heart and soul of the church experience as it is about the soul-stirring moments that define our faith journey. Whether you're rooted in a church, searching for one, or somewhere in between, this episode speaks to the enduring quest for a vibrant, Christ-centered fellowship.

Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane, exploring the evolution of friendship through the various stages of life. We start with childhood, reminiscing about the constant companionship of siblings and the golden days of high school with its bands and mild mischief. As we move through the timeline, we laugh over the social minefield of middle school and the burgeoning emotional connections of high school. Listen in as we reflect on the unique environment of college, where conversations deepened, yet the weight of adult responsibilities hadn't quite landed on our shoulders.

This conversation address the hurdles of cultivating friendships in adulthood, especially in the aftermath of 2020. The year was a litmus test for relationships, distinguishing between fleeting interactions and the profound sharing of life's trials. We discuss the challenges and the necessity of intentional effort to maintain and build friendships that truly matter. We explore the critical roles of empathy, vulnerability, and mutual support in these enduring connections, emphasizing how shared experiences bond us in ways that are irreplaceable.

We wrap up the episode with a couple of light-hearted segments that bring humor and introspection to our discussion on friendships. We debate the realities of friendship and its potential impact on our wider social circles, even considering how Jesus's approach to friendship can guide our own. Then, shifting gears, we revel in our Curmudgeon Moment, ranting about the self-checkout experience and its place in our modern world. This episode is a heartfelt mix of nostalgia, insight, and laughter, perfect for anyone who cherishes the friends they've made along the way.

Join us on the Curious Curmudgeon podcast as we unpack the various suitcases that come with moving through different stages of life. We share our own nomadic journeys, spanning countless states and homes, and reflect on how these transitions have reshaped our lives. From the thrill of adventure when flying solo to the intricate dance of relocating with a family, we tackle the less discussed human costs that accompany the financial ones. Listen in as we weigh the effects of uprooting and the nuanced decisions behind the starts of new chapters.

In this week's conversation, we shine a light on the nuances of creating a new life in a new place, with a focus on Tennessee as a backdrop for discussion. Moving isn't just about a change of scenery; it's about the communities we leave behind and the ones we hope to forge. We delve into the role of faith communities, like local churches, in providing a bedrock of support for families in transition. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the importance of these spiritual havens and the 'village' we often don't realize we've lost until it's no longer there.

Finally, we navigate the what we learn as we parenting teens, finding those precious moments to impart wisdom and demonstrate Christ's love. As we extend hospitality to our neighbors and potentially invite them to join our church community, we're presented with a unique chance to make a lasting impact. But it's not all heavy topics – we also share a good old-fashioned 'curmudgeon moment,' lamenting the lost art of face-to-face interaction and the rising tide of smartphone distractions in our daily lives. So grab your headphones and get ready for a blend of heartfelt insights and lighthearted banter with your favorite co-curmudgeons, Barnabas Piper and Adam Read.

Ever wondered how a job can be more than just a paycheck, or pondered the spiritual significance behind the daily grind? Join Barnabas Piper and co-curmudgeon, Adam Read, as they unravel the tapestry of career paths, job satisfaction, and the deeper meaning of work. This inaugural flight begins with brooms in hand as church custodians, a humble start that springs into a rich dialogue about the twists and turns of their professional journeys. They explore the catalysts that prompt career changes, whether it's the financial provision, the pursuit of growth, or the alignment of personal ethics with professional endeavors.

Debating the dignity of all work, from factory floors to executive suites, Barnabas and Adam share insights on how even the most repetitive tasks can be a form of worship and a calling. These candid conversations reveal moments of mentorship and the reframing of perspectives that transformed mundane occupations into divine missions. They tackle the oft-quoted advice of chasing a passion-fueled career with a healthy dose of skepticism, diving into the reality that even the most beloved work comes with its trials and tribulations.

As Adam and Barnabas wrap up this heartfelt conversation, their curmudgeonly sides shine through with musings on career 'what-ifs' and the frenetic norms of digital communication. From the pride in coaching little league to the whimsy of managing a coffee shop, they share personal anecdotes that celebrate the work of living. And for a spirited finale, they grumble about the relentless demands of texting etiquette, hinting at the curious ways our world connects—or perhaps, disconnects—us. Tune into the Curious Curmudgeon Podcast for a blend of humor, reflection, and a refreshing look at the roles we play in the workforce and beyond.

A suburban Nashville pastor and a rural Virginia technology director coming together to stir up a heartwarming concoction of wisdom and wit. That's what you're in for as Barnabas Piper and Adam Read swing open the doors to their lives, revealing the quirks of pastoral duties and digital dilemmas, all while herding chickens and wrangling kids. Amidst the hum of family chaos and clucking poultry, we delve into the everyday realities that keep us grounded and perpetually curious. It's not every day you get to eavesdrop on two friends as they navigate life's transitions, from the pitter-patter of little feet to the proud pomp of graduation day, all through a lens that seeks to honor the Lord.

Prepare yourself for a journey beyond the Sunday sermons and screen glare, as 'The Curious Curmudgeon' podcast peels back layers of life revealing the hilariously candid, sometimes curmudgeonly, yet always enlightening perspectives of your hosts. Barnabas and Adam don't claim to have all the answers, but they're curious enough to seek to ask the right questions and want to invite you along for the ride. Whether it's building a backyard coop or building up the faith of a congregation, this eight-episode season taps into the heart of what it means to embrace life's major milestones with a dose of divine wisdom and a sprinkle of good humor. So, pull up a chair, lend an ear, and join us for a conversation that's as real as it gets.