Curious Curmudgeons

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas discuss the financial wisdom they didn’t have when they were younger and stuff they wish they’d known about finances and generosity.

• What are some basic financial principles you wish you had known earlier?
• What are some of the most common misperceptions and pitfalls associated with money?
• What is the purpose of money and how should we view it?
• What does it look like to develop habits of stewardship and generosity?

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic.

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas discuss the importance of developing godly character and how humility plays a vital role in it.

• What is “character” and why does it matter so much?
• What are the benefits of focusing on developing godly character? 
• How does pride undermine godly character?
• Is humility at odds with ambition?

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic.

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas have an honest conversation about dating, marriage, and how complicated these significant decisions are.

• What do we even have to offer here? Why should anyone listen to us?
• What are a few primary principles that apply to every person in every relationship?
• Is getting married young foolish? Is it better to wait until you are older?
• What should someone look for in a potential spouse?
• How do we maintain a healthy, right view toward members of the opposite sex so that we aren’t treating them only as prospects, rejects, or temptations? 

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic.

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas discuss the complexities of choosing a career, defining success, and following God’s will.

• How did you define success in your 20s? How do you define it now?
• What is the difference between success and achievement?
• How do we determine God’s will for our life’s direction? 
• How do we pick a career direction that is best for us?  

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic.

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas wade into some deep, murky, and seemingly not-very-fun waters to discuss the importance of discipline in life.

• What is a “discipline”? 
• What are disciplines you developed later in life you wish you had invested in earlier?
• What are the most important disciplines in your life?
• How does someone keep disciplines from feeling like drudgery (or legalism, in the case of spiritual disciplines)?
• What is a discipline you still need to work on?

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic.

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas talk about how they considered risks and opportunities when they were younger vs. how they consider them now. 

• What risks do we wish we had taken?
• How does someone weigh risk vs. reward? 
• How does that evaluation change over the years?
• How do we consider risk in terms of following God’s will for our lives?

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic. 

In this episode, Adam and Barnabas consider their own spiritual states in their younger years and discuss some things they wish they had known.

• Aspects of spiritual life and faith to be taken more seriously
• Things that fueled or quenched spiritual passion
• The role of friends and mentors in spiritual life

And of course they take a few moments to be properly curmudgeonly about a nitpicky, petty, and otherwise mundane topic. 

How does this topic impact all ages? Encouragement to the young, exhortation to ourselves, others and “the old.”

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!