Current Reality Podcast

In this Q&A episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas answer listener questions stemming from their recent Kings Domain Saturday seminar on raising boys to be men and girls to be women. They tackle the complex cultural challenges of parenting in 2026, discussing the ideological split between Gen Z men and women, the historical failures of church teachings on sexuality, and the dangers of a "live and let live" mentality. The hosts also provide practical, biblically anchored advice for Christian parents on navigating schooling options, enforcing discipline, overcoming decision fatigue, talking to kids about sex, and guiding teenagers through dating.

Key Topics

00:10:26 - Where the Church Failed on Sexuality

00:19:23 - The Myth of the "Live and Let Live" Ethos

00:25:28 - The Moral and Political Gender Divide in Gen Z

00:40:54 - Is the "Gag Reflex" to Same-Sex Imagery Natural?

00:46:52 - Navigating Public vs. Christian Schooling Options

00:51:27 - Discipline, Rules, and Spanking

00:56:19 - Overcoming Decision Fatigue as a Father

01:03:09 - How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex

01:11:51 - Approaching Teenage Dating in 2026

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

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Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

Follow Michael’s writings 

www.dmichaelclary.com

Michael Clary and Wade Thomas of Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, discuss raising and educating boys and girls in distinctly masculine and feminine ways, tied to an upcoming free Saturday seminar on “Gendered education, raising Boys to be Boys and Girls to be Girls.” They argue that moving from public school to homeschool or Christian school is not automatically a solution, because the home must intentionally cultivate masculine and feminine virtues rather than producing an androgynous outcome. Wade describes a concern that some conservative homeschool and classical Christian settings raise boys and girls toward identical goals—often modeled on high-achieving professional outcomes—rather than toward differentiated male and female callings.They contend that even without explicit ideology, conservative Christian homes can unintentionally absorb modern assumptions (e.g., career-first aspirations for girls, reluctance about early marriage), leading to husbands and wives whose daily lives are largely indistinguishable. The episode closes by encouraging listeners to read and trust the Bible’s vision of manhood and womanhood and to intentionally point boys and girls toward those respective directions.

01:21 Why This Episode: Raising & Educating Boys and Girls + Seminar Plug

04:39 Homeschooling’s Hidden Trap: Raising Boys and Girls to the Same End

08:43 The Gender-Neutral Preschool Example (Sweden) and What It Reveals

12:14 How Androgyny Sneaks into Conservative Christian Homes

20:10 Core Thesis: God Made Boys and Girls on Purpose

21:20 Different Callings at Scale: Filling vs. Forming, Homemaking vs. Provision

29:12 Why “Who Made the Sandwich” Matters: The Power of Motherly Presence

36:30 Modern Schooling Rewards Girls: Compliance Culture and the Boy Problem

46:22 Celebrate Both Sexes at Home (Don’t Swing into Woman-Hating)

48:55 Make Domestic Work Honorable and Beautiful for Your Daughters

49:17 The Eternal Value of Homemaking (Cookies, Sourdough, and Gratitude)

50:13 Raising Daughters with Feminine Skills & Future Marriage Prospects

51:32 Let Boys Take Risks: Courage, Responsibility, and Real Faith

54:42 Boundaries for Rambunctious Boys: The ‘Holy Chuck E. Cheese’ Church Example

56:27 Teaching Toughness: Mistakes and Pain as ‘Tuition’ for Growth

59:12 Scripture on Men & Women: 1 Timothy 2 and a Home That Expects Male Leadership

01:04:58 What Should We Be Proud Of? 1 Timothy 5 and Revaluing Motherhood Over Career Status

01:09:13 Motherhood as Vocation: Eve, Mary, Hannah, Deborah, and God’s Design

01:13:11 Church History Wisdom: Clement of Alexandria on Manhood & Womanhood

01:20:38 Where the Church Went Wrong: Gender-Neutral Expectations & Delaying Marriage

01:22:42 Marrying Young (Wisely): Fertility, Formation, and Avoiding Needless Delay

01:31:31 Closing Hope: Raise Boys to Be Men and Girls to Be Women

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Brookings Institution Article: “Boys Left Behind: Education Gender Gaps Across the US”

• CNN: “These Schools Want to Wipe Away Gender Stereotypes From an Early Age.”

  
  

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Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

  
  

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss the struggles of dealing with disappointment from a Christian perspective. They address how modern Christians can feel anchored in biblical reality while facing societal and personal pressures. The conversation covers different sources of disappointment, such as unmet career expectations, family issues, and the loss of unborn children. Highlighting four main truths, they encourage listeners to trust God's wisdom and sovereignty, reminding them that there is no alternate version of reality, and God’s plans are always good, even if they don't align with personal expectations. The episode emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, confronting sin appropriately, and the necessity of repentance to process feelings of disappointment healthily.

01:36 Dealing with Disappointment in 2026

04:48 Personal Stories of Disappointment

05:34 Michael's Journey and Reflections

15:07 Wade's Life and Career Challenges

30:20 Four Truths for the Disappointed Christian

40:09 The Best of All Possible Worlds

42:43 Human Agency vs. Divine Plan

44:14 Finding Comfort in Suffering

46:51 Personal Disappointments and God's Plan

59:49 The Unpredictable Future

01:07:52 Dealing with Sin and Disappointment

01:15:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

  
  

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com
  

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, Michael Clary and Wade Thomas discuss Wade’s five hopes for Christmas and New Year's 2026. The episode delves into the importance of reversing the declining birth rate, the need for noble heroes, a call for grassroots interrogation of Roman Catholic teachings, and the encouragement for Christians to read the Bible more. The discussion also touches upon the desire to end the Star Wars franchise. The hosts blend humor and serious conversation about the cultural and biblical values they hold dear.

00:26 Christmas Traditions and Personal Anecdotes

01:24 Wade's Christmas Hopes and New Year's Resolutions

03:35 Discussion on Birth Rate Decline

07:05 Cultural and Societal Implications of Population Trends

16:25 The Value of Children and Family in Modern Society

29:24 The Joy of Family and Parenting

30:45 Reflecting on Frazier and Parenthood

33:04 Noble Heroes for 2026

34:13 Critiquing Modern Role Models

36:11 A Call for Christian Heroes

41:06 Grassroots Interrogation of Catholic Teachings

47:47 The Importance of Reading the Bible

56:49 The End of the Star Wars Franchise

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

  
  

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas explore the eerie phenomenon of AI romances, where individuals form intimate relationships with AI chatbots, and discuss the cultural and spiritual implications. Through analysis of a New York Times article and biblical scripture, they highlight the fundamental differences between human beings and artificial intelligence. They emphasize the danger of personifying and deifying AI, pointing out how it leads to a dehumanized society and warn against the folly of treating AI as a replacement for human relationships. The episode underscores the critical need to maintain our humanity in the face of advancing technology.

00:32 AI Romances and Monstrosities

01:41 The Illusion of AI Companionship

04:00 Real Relationships vs. AI

06:10 The Dangers of AI Dependency

12:11 AI's Impact on Society and Human Psyche

15:23 The Ethical and Spiritual Implications of AI

20:20 AI in Popular Culture and Future Concerns

33:22 Reasserting Human Identity in the Age of AI

36:18 The Inescapable Nature of Religion in Society

36:49 The Unique Value of Human Life

39:08 AI and the Materialist Worldview

41:50 The Limitations of AI Compared to Human Thought

46:14 The Dangers of Worshiping AI

01:02:20 The Foolishness of Deifying Creations

01:14:57 Maintaining Humanity in the Age of AI

01:16:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

Resources mentioned in this episode

• New York Times Article: “They Fell in Love With A.I. Chatbots - and Found Something Real”

• Gaming AI by George Gilder

  
  

 Follow us on Twitter

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https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

  
  

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas from Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, discuss the increasing liberal tilt among young women, particularly on social issues. They explore the impact of higher education, white-collar work, and the lack of traditional feminine roles on this trend. The conversation is prompted by various sources, including an article by David Mitzenmacher and insights from Ryan Burge. The hosts examine the role of the church and Christian parents in disciplining young women, urging men to take more responsibility in their households and communities. While acknowledging the challenges, they remain hopeful that God's design for men and women will ultimately prevail.01:52 Topic Introduction: The Liberal Tilt of Young Women02:00 Article Discussion: Founders Ministries02:17 Radicalization of Young Women02:41 Statistical Analysis and Trends03:25 Ryan Burge's Insights04:12 Transgender Issue and Historical Context06:04 Election Results and Young Women's Voting Patterns10:43 Gallup Poll Analysis16:03 Conservative Men and Marriage Prospects21:44 Impact of Higher Education on Women's Values29:50 Unmarried and Childless Women: Societal Impact38:22 Biblical Perspective on Gender Roles46:15 The Role of Husbands in Theological Guidance46:33 Modern Assumptions and Women's Learning47:18 Paul's Perspective on Women's Learning48:06 Feminine Nature and Leadership50:17 Women in the Workplace51:53 Masculine and Feminine Roles in Society52:59 Impact of Feminine Influence in Corporate Settings54:54 Gender Dynamics in Law Enforcement58:32 The Reality of Physical Labor and Gender01:02:32 Technology's Role in Gender Dynamics01:03:54 The Influence of Higher Education on Gender and Politics01:06:35 The Importance of Masculine Virtue01:17:47 The Role of Government in Compassion and Care01:21:36 Self-Responsibility and Community Leadership01:23:41 Raising Godly Women and Men01:30:20 Hope for the Future

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Fortune Magazine on women voters in 2025 elections

• Ryan Burge on Gen Z women

• Gallup on the liberal tilt of young women

• Forbes on more women in college than men

• Bureau of Labor Statistics 2001 data on gender differences among occupations

  
  

  
  

 Follow us on Twitter

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Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas engage in a comprehensive discussion on the topic of church discipline. They explore the importance of staying anchored in biblical reality amidst modern culture and delve into mechanisms and principles of church discipline, including rebuking sin, fencing the Lord's Table, and the formal process of disfellowship. They emphasize the crucial role of local church membership and the deference owed to pastors and elders, highlighting potential pitfalls and best practices for maintaining unity and holiness within the church. The episode underscores the significant blessing and privilege of being part of a local church, urging listeners to appreciate and engage wholeheartedly with their church communities.

00:28 Lighthearted Banter and Coffee Talk

02:10 Transition to Church Discipline Discussion

08:57 The Importance of Church Membership

13:45 The Role of Church Discipline

23:45 Practical Applications and Personal Reflections

35:34 The Importance of In-Person Church Community

36:20 Real Interactions vs. Online Connections

37:07 Observations and Reflections During Church Service

38:39 The Value of Healthy Churches

39:13 The Need for Marriage and Church in Modern Times

42:33 Church Discipline: Purpose and Practice

46:50 Mechanisms of Church Discipline

48:33 The Role of Rebuke in Church Discipline

57:36 Communion and Church Discipline

01:08:02 Disfellowship: The Final Step in Church Discipline

01:13:07 Navigating Church Discipline: A Complex Process

01:13:23 The Wisdom in Matthew 18: Beyond Linear Steps

01:13:57 Balancing Discipline and Grace in Church Leadership

01:14:22 The Role of Elders in Church Discipline

01:15:13 The Dangers of Rigid Church Discipline

01:16:18 The Household and Church: Overlapping Responsibilities

01:18:11 The Seriousness of Divisiveness in the Church

01:28:17 Outward, Serious, and Unrepentant Sins: Criteria for Discipline

01:30:39 Disciplining Pastors and Elders: A Higher Standard

01:48:42 The Importance of Local Church Community

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas dive into a controversial topic prompted by an email from a listener. The discussion centers around a recent online debate involving Brian Sauve and Doug Wilson about generalizations made regarding 'black culture,' especially focusing on issues like violence, impoverished neighborhoods, and differing cultural subgroups. The hosts explore and critique the term 'black culture,' considering whether it is too broad and how it may be better categorized as 'street' or 'gang' culture. They draw parallels with biblical generalizations and examine complications due to large populations and the impacts of social media. The episode concludes with reflections on pastoral implications, responsible noticing, and how certain controversies are turned into marketing opportunities.00:28 Listener Email and Initial Reactions01:03 Controversial Debate on Black Subculture01:52 Doug Wilson's Response and Further Context05:29 Listener's Questions and Personal Reflections06:11 Living in a Diverse Community: Personal Experiences18:25 Addressing Black Culture and Crime Statistics27:34 The Role of Fatherlessness and Broader Cultural Issues29:33 Navigating Controversial Topics with Biblical Wisdom36:30 Analyzing Cultural Conditioning in Media37:29 The Importance of Noticing and Cultural Programming39:55 Personal Experiences and Observations42:32 Evaluating Cultural Generalizations51:05 The Role of Social Media and Internet in Shaping Perceptions01:09:28 The Impact of Fatherlessness and Entitlement01:12:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode of the Current Reality podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas delve into the topic of Eastern Orthodoxy. They discuss its theological and historical backgrounds, comparing it to other Christian traditions such as Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations. The hosts examine key elements like the sacraments, icons, monasticism, and the mystical practices within Eastern Orthodoxy. They provide warnings about potential pitfalls, especially regarding the church's authority and the risk of drawing hearts away from a Christ-centered faith. The episode also touches on the problematic appeals to tradition and ancient practices that may tempt modern Christians. Clary and Thomas emphasize the importance of grounding one's faith in biblical teaching while acknowledging the positive aspects of various traditions.00:25 Why Discuss Eastern Orthodoxy?02:39 Overview of Eastern Orthodoxy03:43 Comparing Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism05:22 The Concept of the Church in Eastern Orthodoxy10:05 The Role of Tradition and Scripture12:38 The Mystical and Transcendent in Eastern Orthodoxy17:02 The Importance of the Institutional Church22:25 Orthodox Practices and Beliefs39:12 Structure of the Eastern Orthodox Church44:43 Exploring Repentance in Church Traditions45:50 The Role of Chrismation in Eastern Orthodoxy47:01 Orthodox Views on Magic and Spells50:21 Mysticism and the Jesus Prayer55:18 Monasticism and Asceticism in Orthodoxy58:35 Veneration of Icons and Its Implications01:06:27 The Appeal of Ancient Traditions01:10:58 Scriptural Warnings and Final Thoughts

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

Resources mentioned in this episode

• “The Fundamental Teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church” from The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

  
  

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com

In this episode, Michael and Wade reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring its impact on the church, culture, and the Christian response to evil in modern society. The conversation covers personal reactions, the cultural and spiritual significance of Kirk’s life and death, and the broader implications for Christians living boldly in today’s world.

[00:35] Personal Reactions

[03:19] Kirk’s Influence

[10:44] Christian Figures

[12:45] Kirk’s Approach

[15:55] Media Coverage

[29:29] The Murder

[34:29] Aftermath

[45:09] Cultural Implications

[49:35] Apologetics

[57:39] Why Kirk Was a Threat

[63:21] Truth & Country

[67:44] Christian Response

[71:04] Perspective

[76:35] Language & Framing

[78:35] Scripture

[87:44] Final Thoughts

For questions or comments, send us an email at [email protected].

Our church is Christ the King Church in Ft. Thomas, KY

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality

Follow Michael’s writings 

• www.dmichaelclary.com