Waaaaaaay back, in Episode 17, "very special guest," Karen Covell, was introduced. Karen is a producer and the founder of the Hollywood Prayer Network. Today, nearly 50 episodes later, Karen and her husband, Jim, are IN STUDIO for another installment of a fun and hearty conversation about faith and the arts. Jim, a composer for film and TV, provided affirmation and clarity for HPT's intro and outro music. While we still will refer to it as, "funky," Jim also said that it is, "quirky." This description satisfied both Eric and James. Enjoy the banter as it all points us to Christ and how He calls His people to a life of creativity.

Discipleship is key to the life of a believer. Jesus commanded it before He ascended into Heaven (Matthew 28:19-20). Eric and James discuss a new plan for discipleship at Hope Church.

They also introduce a word to us that most people don't use on a regular basis.

Apparently, we do not have a "very special guest" this time...instead, he's introduced as "Spencer Royalty."

Eric, James and nobility (Kevin Brown) talk callings, equipping and how YOU might even be called to something God has lined up and arranged ahead of time.

Kevin oversees The Outreach. This is a place for people to gather and eat. Some might be in need of food. Some might be in need of community. All are in need of Christ. Kevin talks about the heart behind the ministry and shares opportunities for people to come and serve.

As a bonus, Kevin introduces a word that might replace James' previously favored word, "plethora." Listen to discover what the new favorite word might be!

The recording studio had pockets of water and evidence of roof leakage when Eric and James entered to record. That sparked the conversation that we are to, "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21 NIV).

Later, the conversation shifts into changing culture - specifically, beard culture. Yeah, James' humor is a bit cringy at times, but we love him anyway.

Is fear a secondary emotion, or a spiritual roadblock?

This week, James and Eric are joined by Michael to pull back the curtain on the things that keep us up at night. From the irrational "spiders and heights" phobias to the deeper, more paralyzing fears that stop us from stepping into our calling, the guys get honest about their own struggles.

We're diving into the "contagion" of fear—how it spreads through a community—and the only antidote strong enough to stop it. How does the perfect love of God actually cast out fear in a world that feels increasingly uncertain? Join us as we look at the why behind our worries and find the courage to keep moving forward.

Don't let the fear of missing out stop you—hit play and join the journey.

Eric presses one of the infamous buttons??!? Yes, it is true. Eric surprises James, not by carrying out the intro but by randomly pressing a sound effect.

James responds by calling Eric out by his full name AND by bestowing upon him an additional new middle name.

HPT welcomes several teen guests into the conversation. Here, the discussion delves into authentic faith and future plans. The teens also discuss things that would engage and connect them with a community of faith.

The opening pit stop is lots of fun as James shares one of his fainting stories. Eric and James find common ground in their mutual phobia of needles.

Things take a slight turn as they get back onto the highway towards the ultimate destination: to equip people to understand Christ better and to walk in His footsteps with joy. The cost of redemption through Christ takes center stage for the next leg of the journey.

This episode ends up in a brief discussion about TULIP and Calvinism. An open invitation is extended to whomever would like to be a guest on a future episode to debate/discuss/learn from one another.

Micah Runcorn (self-proclaimed #1 fan of the podcast) joins the conversation one final time before shipping off to U.S. Army basic training!

Eric, James and Micah all share their glorious proposal stories. The romantic listener should grab some tissue and prepare for their hearts to be warmed.

James quizzes Micah on his discipline methods & how that impacted Micah as an adult.

As usual, there are laughs, curvaballs and wonderfully dynamic aspects to the conversation that ultimately point us towards Christ Jesus.

Our episode begins with a little more Ned & Jim confusion, a little fun & laughter AND James actually presses the correct button for a timely and appropriate sound effect (for once).

Then, the conversation shifts focus to the week of prayer and fasting that James and Eric are walking through with Hope Church.

In order to fast (or to partake in any spiritual discipline) it is important to slow down; be intentional.

They discuss the ups and downs of fasting, as well as some important insights from their own personal expreiences regarding craving awareness & how that ties into our overall theological perspective of Christ's relationship with the Church.

James' favorite word isn't actually spoken during this episode, BUT the rich, deep, engaging plethora of topics is ever present.

"Very special guest," Pastor Bobby Van Otterloo, from New Life Church in Sioux Center, joins the discussion today!