Karl and Crew

Everybody loves babies. Most people like kids. But sometimes Christians don’t know what to do with them in church. Is a family atmosphere best during worship, or should all youth be pulled out of the service and separated by age? Brian and Kathleen tackle this common church debate in this week’s episode.

Wanna be a real man? TV sitcoms make men look like bumbling idiots. Some churches urge guys to climb mountains and survive in remote wooded areas. But what really defines a Christian man today? Brian and Kathleen try to figure it out in this week’s episode.

It’s that time of the year again. Snow begins to fall, Christmas lights go up, and Christians get mad about the way non-Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Last year, it was red cups. This year, one organization decided to strike first with a unique new approach to the war on Christmas. Brian and Kathleen share the details in this week’s episode and discuss whether we should enter the battle at all.

Pretty much everybody agrees that smoking is bad for you. That’s why the government places something called a ‘sin tax’ on cigarettes. But with skyrocketing obesity rates in America, should we consider placing a similar tax on sugary drinks? Brian and Kathleen discuss the details of a recent proposal to do just that and grapple with Biblical principles that might apply. Plus, Brian shares uncomfortably specific rules about candy, and Kathleen tries to decide whether she has gout.

This mom was really mad. In fact, she was so angry she brought her complaint all the way to the school board and local media. What was all the fuss about? Her daughter was learning about Islam in her public school classroom. In this week's episode, Brian and Kathleen share the details of the story and discuss whether this mom's outrage was justified.

Are things getting better? We know, it's a big question. But sometimes it's important to tackle overarching, philosophical questions in order to better understand the world around us. This is particularly true at a time when America is so starkly divided. So in this week's episode, Brian and Kathleen share the results of a fascinating survey asking whether life is better today than in the 1950's. And of course, they'll compare their responses to a few thoughts from listeners.

P.S. Kathleen sings again.

The title isn’t a type-o. We’re talking about strippers this week. In fact, we found out about an edgy ministry effort where pastor’s wives reach out to strippers while they’re at work. The conversation on our morning show raised eyebrows and generated two unexpected and powerful phone calls. Join Brian and Kathleen as they talk all about it on this week’s episode. Plus Kathleen sings again.

Social media conversations about the 2016 election have been…icky. So have real ones. But how far should Christians be willing to go into a political debate? Is it worth actually losing a friend over partisan differences? Brian and Kathleen share details about a survey on this very issue and explore the question themselves. But don’t worry--they’re still friends when the episode is over.

This one is a little different. Brian and Kathleen take you on a trip down memory lane tied to regrets. They each have a funny story to share from childhood and some reflections on significant spiritual shortcomings. Join them on the journey as they glean some compelling wisdom from a listener about a different way to view those big regrets in life.

Haunted houses, trick-or-treating and scary costumes. While many Americans love Halloween, plenty of Christians despise it. Should followers of Jesus go to haunted houses and trick-or-treat? Are church alternatives to these popular activities helpful? In this week’s episode, Brian and Kathleen explore these and other Halloween related questions. Plus, they grapple with a particular Christian Halloween practice they’d never heard of before. Listen to their conversation…if you dare.