Have you changed your mind on an important topic in the last 5 years? If so, how?

That is the opening question for today's episode. Mike, Ben and Glenn, per usual, take the conversation in different directions.

Beyond that, we'll also discuss:

• How people come back to church: What Alpha is getting right—relational invites, a compelling launch night, and real scarcity that signals value.
• Reading for depth: Why long books form deeper thinkers (with picks from Adler, Alan Jacobs, Dostoevsky, Tom Holland, and more).
• A faithful posture: Navigating today’s tensions without panic or apathy—the “men of Issachar” approach to understanding our times.

This podcast is a Lakelight Institute Production. 

Thoughts? Guest Suggestions? email us at [email protected].

One year ago, Mike predicted public education would lose market share – and the numbers are in. We discuss what's changed and why.

But first, Glenn poses a question to the team: "What everyday thing will most people be nostalgic for in 20 years?" The answers might surprise you as we explore the velocity of cultural change.

Also in this episode:

• Glenn's mortifying confession about misspelling Mike's wife's name in the newsletter (sorry, Sheri!).
• Why Jesus chose hope over cynicism – and what that teaches us about rejecting our cultural pessimism
• Which personal habit would you actually recommend to others? Our answers reveal more than we expected
• A listener asks Mike about his sermon preparation process.

This podcast is a Lakelight Institute Production. 

Thoughts? Guest Suggestions? email us at [email protected].

This podcast is a Lakelight Institute Production. 
Thoughts? Guest Suggestions? email us at [email protected]. 

Ben, Mike and Glenn are back! 

This time, we're talking about how ChatGPT roasted Mike, how revival might be stirring in the United States, and how cultural issues are oftentimes spiritual in nature. 

On top of that, we share our recommendations for the upcoming fall. 

This podcast is a Lakelight Institute Production. 
Thoughts? Guest Suggestions? email us at [email protected]. 

Glenn Wishnew and Mike Woodruff are back – (Ben is out, sadly) – with special guest Syler Thomas for a thought-provoking conversation that spans from American patriotism to faith in a changing world. 

What You'll Hear:

• Celebrating America - What makes us proud to be American when patriotism is at historic lows? (Only 58% of Americans say they're proud to be American - a record low!)
• Faith & Doubt - Mike shares surprising findings from readers about the biggest objections to Christianity, and how the conversation has shifted from science vs. faith to moral credibility
• Liquid Culture - How rapidly changing cultural norms fuel polarization and fragment our communities
• Generation Gaps - Why today's high schoolers are less likely to date, work, or sleep than previous generations
• Dallas Willard's Wisdom - Essential insights from one of Christianity's most influential thinkers
• Personal Mount Rushmore - Our hosts reveal their four most influential figures

This podcast is a Lakelight Institute Production. 

Thoughts? Guest Suggestions? email us at [email protected]

In this episode, we look back at all the editions of The Friday Update from the past month—highlighting key themes, standout stories, and takeaways exclusively for our supporters.

In this episode, we look back at all the editions of The Friday Update from the past month—highlighting key themes, standout stories, and takeaways exclusively for our supporters.