When a Seattle pastor gets called out for his Rolex—and responds with a full-blown Instagram meltdown—Wes and Craig grab the popcorn and hit record.

In this episode of On This Hill, the guys break down the bizarre online saga between Pastor Russell B. Johnson of Pursuit NW and filmmaker Nathan Apffel, whose new docuseries The Religion Business calls out shady church finances. What follows is a biblical-level clapback full of Louis Vuitton backpacks, luxury hunting gear, and a whole lot of "I’m not sorry" energy.

Craig and Wes dig into the real issue: what happens when pastors forget the “above reproach” part of their job description and start acting like teenage YouTubers with “theology” degrees. They explore whether being "blessed" means you need to screenshot every criticism, and if spiritual maturity should maybe include... not name-calling?

Also: $16,000 watches, gay rom-coms, Sitka camo, and why pastors probably shouldn’t compare themselves to Mary of Bethany and flex in first class on the same day.

Spoiler: the hill Russell chose to die on is made of sand. And apparently sponsored by Temu.

In this episode, Craig and Wes dive deep into the controversy surrounding the Mayday USA rally in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park. They recount the events—urine-filled balloons, Antifa protestors, and the mayor labeling the peaceful, family-focused rally as “far-right extremism”—and reflect on what it means for Christians to take a public stand in secular, often hostile, cities.

The conversation wrestles with tough questions:

Does political boldness without the gospel change hearts?

Are rallies like Mayday USA effective at protecting children, or do they risk politicizing the gospel?

Can a Christian witness be both loving and confrontational?

What’s the balance between cultural engagement and spiritual service?

They also explore the deeper theological roots behind movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Seven Mountain Dominionism, and debate whether such frameworks help or hinder the church’s witness.

Wes challenges the motives and methods of parachurch activism that lacks a clear gospel message. Craig pushes back, asking whether efforts to stop child mutilation must be overtly evangelistic to be considered fruitful. Together, they land on a shared conviction: the gospel must remain central, but methods matter.

Closing Thought:
Christians must be strategic, not reactionary. The gospel is the power to change hearts—and that’s what transforms culture.

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In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Wes and Craig dive deep into the meaning and purpose of church membership—asking hard questions like:

Is official membership biblical or just organizational?

Does signing a church covenant change your relationship with Christ?

What are the risks and rewards of committing to a local church body?

They also reflect on personal purpose in work and ministry, sharing real-life struggles about calling, midlife redirection, and trusting God’s timing in career and service.

Other highlights:

Reflections on the surprise election of the first American Pope—Leo XIV.

A rapid-fire rundown of historical Popes named Leo.

Obelisks, Babylonian symbolism, and Vatican oddities.

A heartfelt discussion on finding meaning at work (with nods to Tim Keller’s wisdom).

Comparing church membership to joining a club—and where the line of accountability and spiritual commitment really lies.

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This podcast is listener-supported. If you find value here, help fuel the mission by subscribing to the newsletter and sharing out these episodes… Soon we’ll have a way for you to support the show with monetary value too. :)

In this fifth episode of On This Hill, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg kick things off with their signature blend of music, banter, and “value-for-value” reflections—thanking their studio musicians, joking about dreadlocks and haircuts, and inviting listeners to subscribe or donate at onthishill.org.

They then dive into a rich conversation sparked by Craig’s recent encounter with the Broadway musical Hadestown, using its mythic “don’t look back” storyline to explore how God’s commandments serve as protective guideposts rather than burdensome rules. From there they wander into “sonic theology,” discussing the Hammond organ’s call-and-response roots in Black church worship and how music itself can convey spiritual truths.

The heart of the episode tackles the Divine Mercy Chaplet versus the traditional rosary. Drawing from St. Faustina’s 1930s visions, they outline how the chaplet directly invokes Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, promises extraordinary graces on Divine Mercy Sunday, and immerses the soul in Calvary’s mystery. In contrast, the rosary meditates on Mary’s life and intercession “at the right hand of the King of Kings.” They wrestle with Catholic doctrines of purgatory, sacramental theology, and private revelations—ultimately affirming that faith in Christ alone should be the bedrock, above any ritual or institution.

They close by teasing next week’s deep dive into what “church membership” really means—both biblically and legally—and reminding listeners to send prayer requests or show feedback via [email protected]. Stand firm, ask the hard questions, and join them “on this hill.”

In this episode of On This Hill, we’re diving into the cultural obsession with empathy—why everyone’s saying “I feel ya,” and how that’s become the emotional equivalent of a crying-while-clenching emoji. Empathy is everywhere. It’s our go-to for expressing care, whether it’s saying “same” or absorbing someone’s trauma like we’re human Wi-Fi signals.

But here’s the twist: Christian compassion isn’t the same thing.

Empathy says, “I’ll feel what you feel.”
Compassion says, “I’ll stay with you, act in love, and not lose myself in the process.”

Jesus didn’t sponge up people’s emotions—he saw them, loved them, acted. He wept with people, not as people. That’s the heart of Christian compassion: presence with purpose. Not emotional burnout. Not fixing. Just real, gritty, grounded love.

So maybe the goal isn’t to be an emotional chameleon. Maybe it’s to sit in the awkward silence and say, “I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to be with you—and if you need bourbon, I brought some.” That’s not just empathy. That’s compassion. With bourbon. And let’s be honest—everything’s better with bourbon.

💡 Why You Should Listen
If you’re over the syrupy sentimentality and looking for conversations that respect both your intelligence and your spirit, this episode’s for you. This isn’t just a chat—it’s a challenge to live with grounded faith, honest relationships, and a mission that actually means something.

We also take prayer requests. Seriously.

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This podcast runs on a “value for value” model. That means if you get value from this episode, consider giving value back—through your time, talent, treasure, or even just a thoughtful email. You’re not just a listener; you’re part of the mission.

Visit onthishill.org or email us at [email protected].

Prayers included. Server costs appreciated.

In episode 3 of “On This Hill – No Escape,” hosts Wes Olson and Craig Weinberg celebrate podcast milestones while diving into candid discussions on faith, scripture, and tradition. They reflect on challenging passages from Ezekiel 7—exploring themes of divine discipline, restoration, and the significance of the resurrection as the ultimate “hill worth dying on”—and debate how personal experience and intentional love can shape a genuine relationship with God, beyond mere ritual. Interwoven with humorous banter, the conversation shifts to technical discussions on photography gear and podcast analytics, adding a lighthearted layer to their deep reflections. The hosts invite listeners to join the growing community via onthishillpodcast.substack.com, share feedback and prayer requests, and tease future episodes featuring a missions trip to Mexico and potential guest interviews, all while maintaining a no-compromise approach to truth and fellowship.

onthishill.org

In this high-energy episode, hosts Wes Olson and Craig Weinberg dive into candid, no-holds-barred conversations about faith, tradition, and living authentically as followers of Christ. With a blend of humor and deep theological discussion, the duo tackles controversial topics such as the role of ordained clergy versus lay leadership, the symbolism versus literal interpretation of sacraments like baptism and communion, and the influence of church traditions on modern Christian practice. They challenge conventional norms by questioning ritualistic approaches to worship and share personal reflections on discipleship—emphasizing the importance of living a life worth emulating. Listeners are invited to reflect on what it truly means to “take up one’s cross” in everyday life and to consider the sacrifices required for genuine spiritual growth. The conversation also touches on practical daily routines for spiritual nourishment, offering insights into building habits that strengthen one’s faith. Tune in for a thought-provoking mix of humor, honest debate, and practical wisdom as these two friends navigate the complexities of contemporary Christian living.

Find out more at onthishill.org

In this inaugural episode, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg dive deep into the true purpose of the church. They unpack what “church” really means—from the building we gather in to the community of believers—and share personal stories that reveal the highs and lows of church life. With candid humor and thoughtful insights, they challenge the idea of church as just a weekend social club, urging us to seek authentic fellowship, discipleship, and spiritual accountability. Tune in for a raw, real conversation on how to build a vibrant, mission-driven community that truly reflects the heart of Christ.

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In this candid "On This Hill" episode, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg overcome technical glitches and share personal introductions as they launch a frank conversation about faith. They explore their unique journeys, discuss the tension between traditional church practices and modern cultural expectations, and even dive into some humorous takes on “dumb church stuff” like dress codes and hairstyles. With a mix of raw insights and lighthearted banter, this episode sets the tone for an honest, no-compromise look at living authentically as a believer today.