This week, Matt and Rachel discuss Advent, the season of preparation and waiting leading up to Christmas Day, noting its increasing cultural popularity through various Advent calendars (like Lego or even whiskey) which are often separated from its original. They explain that Advent, derived from the Latin Adventus meaning "appearing" (not waiting as often thought), is a liturgical season intended to align believers with those who waited for Christ's first coming, prepare hearts for his birth, and remind them that Christians are still waiting for his promised Second Coming.

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This week, Rachel and Matt welcome Dr. Caroline Fleck and talk about validation, drawing from her book on the subject. They discuss how validation, which is about communicating mindfulness, understanding, and empathy to make someone feel seen and accepted, is often misunderstood as agreement or praise, but is actually a crucial therapeutic tool used to facilitate change in behavior. Dr. Fleck outlines the foundational skills of validation, like attending and copying, as a means to decrease physiological distress and open the door for psychological safety and deeper connection in relationships.

Check out Dr. Caroline Fleck at https://drcarolinefleck.com/.

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This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the Holy Spirit, discussing that this crucial member of the Trinity is often either dangerously ignored out of caution or wrongly obsessed over through a focus on specific physical manifestations. They emphasize the Spirit's biblical role as the Helper / Encourager, whose indwelling is assured to all believers through baptism, empowering their faith, providing comfort, and constantly drawing them back to the finished work of Jesus Christ.

**Podcast correction: in the episode, they reference a Jennifer Knapp song, which is about the Holy Spirit, which is called "Trinity."**

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This week, Matt and Rachel discuss how to argue in a world where conflict is everywhere and often seems to ruin relationships. They talk about how the political and cultural issues being discussed are often "overvalued," leading people to choose victory over connection, and they offer practical ways to engage in heated conversations by leading with love, seeking to understand, and choosing curiosity.

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This week, Matt and Rachel talk about disappointment and unmet expectations in life. Using a framework for grieving loss, they wonder if learning to deal with disappointments, both trivial and profound, is key to emotional health. They talk about the power of naming the disappointment and the need if left unmet, and how to reach an adjusted, hopeful expectation for the future—to avoid getting stuck in cynicism or despair.

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This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the tension between money and faith, examining why this topic is often avoided or causes guilt. They note that money is a powerful indicator of the heart and deepest values—a tool people often use to pursue peace and purpose. They dive into Jesus's parable of the rich fool, and dissect the the worldly wisdom of protecting assets by building bigger "barns," arguing that a faithful approach means living generously and investing resources in things of lasting, spiritual value.

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In this week's episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the quiet epidemic of online sports gambling and gaming, and its addictive nature. They explore how the rise of online and in-app betting, which is now everywhere and easily accessible, is particularly affecting young men, and how online spending through betting, gambling, and even games is pervasive in our culture. They also touch on how this stems from a deeper need for human connection, and where do we go from here.

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This week Matt and Rachel try to work out how to have difficult conversations without letting them "go off the rails." They use the frame work of Susan Scott's "Fierce Conversations" to help them navigate, and agree that while conflict is a natural and necessary part of life, many people try to avoid these crucial discussions, which is ultimately detrimental to relationships and personal growth.

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Matt and Rachel kick off season 10 after a much needed break, talking about something we all need but something we often neglect- rest. What do we really mean when we talk about rest, and why is this such a problem in our culture anyway? They take a hard look at the pressure that glamorizes burnout and makes us feel guilty for stepping away, and the mindset that says we can't stop.

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For the last episode of Season 9, Matt and Rachel welcome back their friend Tanner Olson to talk about his new book All the Things I Say to God. They discuss prayer and our tendencies to overthink and over-complicate what comes down to a conversation. They share their experiences with prayer, their favorite ways to pray, and why prayer is complicated sometimes.

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For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/

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Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.