In this episode, Emily and I are kicking off 2026 talking about fresh starts. Why we love them, why they matter, and why they don't always go the way we hope. There's something about a new year that invites us to pause, reflect, and ask what kind of people we actually want to become.

I'm sharing 8 books you should read in 2026 - not as a checklist, but as tools that can help shape your thinking, your faith, and the direction of your life. Even one or two of these could make a real difference.

If you're stepping into this year with hope, questions, or a desire to grow, I hope this episode will encourage you.

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/

Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

References:

Holy Bible NLT

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Day by Day Devotional by Peter Scazzero

In the Name of Jesus by Henri J.M. Nouwen

All it Takes is a Goal by John Acuff

Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah

Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart

10x is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan

In this episode, I sit down with J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Under J.D.'s leadership, The Summit has grown from a church of about 300 people to a movement of over 12,000. They have a bold vision to plant 1,000 churches by the year 2050. Woah!!

But what I love about this conversation is that it's not about numbers. It's about leadership in real life.

We talk about the complexities and weight of leadership, how to find balance when everything feels overwhelming, and what it looks like to lead faithfully in a divided world without becoming cynical or jaded.

If you're leading people, carrying responsibility, or just trying to stay hopeful and healthy in the middle of it all, I think this conversation will really encourage you.

Find JD's book here: https://a.co/d/eyosndF

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with JD: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Shawn Johnson. He is the lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, an author, and someone God has used to impact thousands. And he is the coolest! Shawn shares openly about being diagnosed with Parkinson's, the battle with depression that followed, and what it looks like to keep getting back up when life knocks you down.

We talk about choosing joy on purpose, why fun actually matters in your faith, and the hope that will hold steady even on the hardest days. If you've ever felt like giving up, or you're trying to keep going when things feel heavier than you expected, Shawn's story will speak straight to your soul.

It's honest. It's encouraging. And it's a reminder that God does some of His best work in the fire.

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Shawn: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

In this episode, I sit down with Brittany (Thune) Lindberg. An incredibly gifted singer-songwriter who also happens to be the daughter of the current U.S. Senate Majority Leader.

We talk about the good and hard parts of growing up in the political spotlight.

She also shares honestly about learning to live in the world but not be of it, surrounding yourself with people who think differently than you, and finding her own identity and calling as an artist.

I also have to mention that Brittany and her husband Luke are dear friends of my wife and I's.

If you're trying to stay true to who God made you to be in a world full of expectations, this conversation will encourage you.

Listen to Brittany's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Mq2zgB3Rw1wDwWonStjUa

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Are you on the hunt for a new house? Genuinely look no further. The Tyler Goff Group has a proven process that has transformed the lives of many clients. With the Tyler Goff Group by your side, you're not just buying a house – you're investing in a future home you'll love. To learn more and to contact Tyler or his team, visit tylergoffgroup.com

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Brittany: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

This week, I got to sit down with Masey McLain. She's an actress, screenwriter, and producer who's doing some seriously meaningful work. Whether she's on set, writing, or speaking, Masey is passionate about telling stories that matter.

One of the things I admire most about her is her conviction. She's said "no" to a lot of opportunities in Hollywood because they didn't line up with who she is or what she feels called to. That kind of integrity is rare.

We also talk about her new movie, Soul on Fire, the true story of John O'Leary. And what I love about it is this: it's not a victim story. It's a choosing-hope story. A choosing-life story.

If you've ever wondered how to chase a dream without losing yourself, or how to stay faithful in a place where faith isn't exactly the norm, you're going to love this one.

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Masey: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: First Interstate Bank & Vern Eide

First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

In this episode, we talk honestly about something so many of us feel but almost never say out loud: loneliness. It's crazy how life can look so full from the outside… so many people, so much activity… and yet on the inside, we feel completely empty.

We've gotten really good at giving the illusion that everything's great, even when it's not. But that gap between what we show and what's actually real? It's exhausting! And it's taking a toll on so many of us. Loneliness can affect us mentally, spiritually, and even physically.

But hear this: God never intended for you to walk through life by yourself. From the very beginning, He hardwired us for close friendships. Deep, honest, life-giving friendships.

In this conversation, we talk about how to move past the surface, how to admit when we're lonely, and how to start pursuing the kind of real connection our souls are craving.

21 MUST FOLLOWS:

Pastors

1. Noah Herrin - @noahherrin

2. Megan Fate Marshman - @meganfate

3. Jonathon Pokluda - @jpokluda

World Events

1. Carlos Whittaker - @loswhit

2. Sharon McMahon - @sharonsaysso

3. Rich Villodas - @richvillodas

4. Sharon Hodde Miller - @sharonhmiller

Therapy/Knowing Yourself

1. Jason VanRuler - @jason.vanruler

2. Mike Foster - @mikefoster2000

3. Carl Lentz - @carllentz

Goals and Outlook

1. Carey Nieuwhof - @careynieuwhof

2. Jon Acuff - @jonacuff

3. Jon Gordon - @jongordon11

4. Ethan Bernard - @ethanbenard

Nonprofits I love

1. God behind bars - @godbehindbars

2. IJM - @ijm

3. Convoy of Hope - @convoyofhope

Joy

1. Jimmy Darts - @jimmydarts

2. Cam Bynum - @cambeezy_24

3. Gabe Dannenbring - @gabedannenbring

Style/Fashion

1. Joe Burrow - @joeyb_9

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Leadership, especially in ministry, can be lonely.

In this conversation, I got to sit down in person with pastor, bestselling author, and leadership expert, Carey Nieuwhof. We were surrounded by a room full of pastors and ministry leaders to talk about what it really looks like to lead well without losing your soul.

We talk about the difference between real friendships and deal friendships, how to spot false intimacy, and why real connection matters more than ever.

At the end, you'll also hear some honest questions from the room. The kind every leader wrestles with but rarely says out loud.

It's a real, hope-filled conversation for anyone who leads, loves the church, or just wants to follow Jesus well between your Sundays.

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Carey: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com.

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

This week wraps up our Faith & Justice series… and it's good!

I sat down with Jessica Honegger, the founder of Noonday Collection, a fair-trade fashion brand that's changing lives around the world. Jessica shares how her faith led her to step out in courage. Starting a business that empowers artisans while also partnering with IJM to fight injustice.

We talk about what it really looks like to live out your faith in your work, how to slow down when life feels full, and why small steps of obedience can lead to big impact.

This one will leave you inspired to use what's in your hands to make a difference.

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:

International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview -- youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

In this episode, I sit down with Christ-follower, author, pastor, and teacher, Sharon Hodde Miller, to talk about what it looks like to find real freedom. Not the kind the world talks about, but the kind that comes when we stop trying to control everything and let God be in charge.

We talk about everything from how to respond to the next big news story, to how to tell the difference between the Holy Spirit's nudge and plain old overthinking. Sharon shares wisdom on what healthy responsibility looks like versus unhealthy control, and how surrendering to God's authority actually brings more peace (and not stress)!

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of truth. If you've ever struggled with anxiety, control, or just feeling overwhelmed by the world around you, this is for you!

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode, First Interstate Bank and Vern Eide.

First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Sharon: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Welcome to part 3 of a very special podcast series we are calling Faith & Justice.

In this series, we're diving into what it looks like to follow Jesus in a world that is deeply in need of hope, healing, and justice.

We have been partnering with the International Justice Mission, an incredible organization working to end violence, exploitation, and modern-day slavery in some of the darkest corners of the world.

Today, we hear from former NFL linebacker Mark Herzlich. Mark's story is powerful. He's battled cancer, walked away from two dream careers in the NFL and sports broadcasting, and is now following God's call into ministry.

He also opens up about how his wife Danielle's story of childhood abuse has fueled his own passion for justice and standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

This conversation is real and raw, especially for men of faith who want to live with purpose, courage, and conviction.

Learn more about IJM and become a Freedom Partner: ijm.org

Listen to Part 1 with Ellie Holcomb here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ellie-holcomb-on-being-diagnosed-with-adhd-at-age-42/id1119318768?i=1000730732860

Listen to Part 2 with Nick Hundley here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-gold-from-texas-rangers-executive-nick-hundley/id1119318768?i=1000731914448

Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: International Justice Mission & Vern Eide

International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org

Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and powersports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Mark: youtube.com/@adamaweber

Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew