Today, we welcome back our friend and teammate Trent Emmack—fresh off a three-week journey across Europe and the UK. From climbing a Swiss Alp to visiting Churchill’s estate to wandering through one-thousand-year-old churches, Trent brings a fresh set of reflections on architecture, beauty, and what past generations believed about building for the glory of God.

We explore why historic churches were built to last for centuries, what these massive undertakings reveal about generational vision, and how their beauty shapes our understanding of God. We also wrestle with a modern dilemma: why so many breathtaking cathedrals today house dwindling congregations, and why many American churches have swung to the opposite extreme—valuing utility over beauty.

This wide-ranging conversation touches on art, theology, craftsmanship, emotional experience, and the ways our physical spaces influence our spiritual lives. Whether you’ve stood in the shadow of a European cathedral or have only ever worshiped in a gym-turned-sanctuary, this episode helps you think more deeply about what our buildings say about our beliefs.

Highlights & Topics

• Trent’s first trip outside the U.S. and the biggest surprises along the way
• Climbing the Stockhorn in Switzerland and standing where Germany, France, and Switzerland meet
• A Churchill pilgrimage: Chartwell, gravesite, statues, and more
• The shock of stepping into churches nearly 1,000 years old
• Generational vision: why cathedrals were designed by people who knew they would never see them completed
• How beauty in architecture points us toward God
• The contrast between European cathedrals and American utilitarian church design
• Why many beautiful buildings now house spiritually empty congregations
• The inverse question: Can ugly or neglected church buildings reflect theological problems?
• The role of emotional experience in worship and whether beauty can be misused
• Examples from David’s current church and its intentional cultivation of beauty
• A conversation on craftsmanship, liturgy, and how physical spaces form the soul

03:00 The Significance of Religious Architecture

08:55 Comparing Church Experiences

13:37 The Role of Beauty in Worship Spaces

21:23 Theological Reflections on Church Buildings

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

Today, we take a deep dive into one of the most urgent and misunderstood issues facing young adults today: the shifting landscape of work, higher education, and the trades.

We've had some recent conversations with local business leaders about what they're looking for in their employees, and the common trends are surprising. We explore why the traditional “go to college, get a white-collar job” path is breaking down, and why blue-collar careers and trade skills are creating unprecedented opportunity.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The disappearing stigma of trades work. Cultural narratives over the last 50 years pushed young people away from trades, but those assumptions are now completely outdated.

• The real economics behind the college pipeline. Government subsidies, admissions incentives, US News rankings, and the pressure on schools made college the default option for everyone, even when it wasn’t a good fit.

• The reality employers are facing today. Businesses across the country (from electricians to welders to refrigeration specialists) are desperate for skilled workers. This shortage is reshaping the job market.

• Why trades are now one of the fastest paths to six-figure earnings. Trades work is more stable, more future-proof, and often more lucrative than many college-track careers.

• The danger of simply replacing “go to college” with “go to trade school”. Not every trade requires formal schooling, and in many cases, companies will gladly pay you to learn on the job.

• The power of hybridization. There are virtually limitless career paths with autonomy, income, and entrepreneurial potential when you combine four essential skills.

01:40 The Growing Demand for Tradesmen

03:36 The Shift in Higher Education

06:00 The Reality of Blue Collar Jobs

06:37 The Impact of Government and Rankings on Education

09:41 The Rise of Trade Schools

15:42 Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Trades

18:59 Hybridization: Combining Trades with Modern Skills

21:55 Real-Life Success Stories

25:36 The Potential of Community-Based Trade Businesses

33:09 Conclusion: Embracing a Different Path

35:04 Unbound's Ascend Program

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

In this powerful episode of the Be Unbound Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Dakota Smith, senior pastor of Ottawa Bible Church in Kansas—a church that has grown from 70 to 700 people in just six years. Dakota shares why he believes this growth is the fruit of simple, consistent faithfulness: preaching God’s Word, cultivating personal integrity, prioritizing discipleship, and developing future leaders.

We talk about the beauty and the cost of pastoral ministry, the dangers of legalism and license, and the incredible movement of God happening among young adults today. If you care about the local church, student discipleship, and long-term faithfulness in ministry like we do, you'll definitely learn something from this episode.

Here are a few things that we cover:

• Dakota’s background as a pastor, missionary, Bible teacher, and father of (soon) six
• How Ottawa Bible Church has grown by 1,000% — and why the strategy is simply obeying Scripture
• The difference between ministry and discipleship, and why it matters
• Why many churches struggle to train leaders — and how Dakota is changing that
• Legalism, licentiousness, and true Christian liberty
• How young people can understand spiritual growth without chasing metrics
• The cost of leadership: criticism, conflict, and learning humility
• The deep joys of ministry: reconciled marriages, salvation stories, and generational discipleship
• Why Dakota believes the harvest among students and young adults is plentiful right now
• A hopeful vision for the future of the church

05:08 Keys to Church Growth and Discipleship

13:55 Balancing Legalism, Licentiousness, and Liberty

21:06 Challenges and Joys of Ministry

38:52 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

What happens when AI leaves the screen and starts walking around your house?

In this episode, we react to a new humanoid robot promising to handle every household chore—from dishes to laundry to opening the door for guests. But what does convenience like this cost us? Are we trading away the routines that keep us grounded, connected, and human?

We talk about how technology has reshaped daily life across the decades, from dishwashers and grocery stores to smart homes and social isolation. What do we gain, what do we lose, and how can Christians live deliberately in a world that keeps offering shortcuts?

Here's a few of the things we discuss in today's episode:

• The rise of humanoid home robots (and the $20,000 question)
• How past generations viewed “convenience” differently
• Why we run for health today when people once worked for survival
• The hidden human costs of technological efficiency
• What history tells us about automation and isolation
• Living deliberately: using tech in ways that still serve love of God and neighbor

01:21 Exploring the AI-Powered Housekeeping Robot

03:01 Initial Reactions to AI in the Home

05:06 Historical Context: Life in the Early 20th Century

11:39 The Evolution of Community and Technology

20:41 The Modern Relevance of Valets and Butlers

21:21 Nostalgia for Household Staff in the Early 20th Century

24:29 Life Purpose in a Technologically Advanced Society

27:32 The Role of Deliberate Living and Spiritual Training

39:16 Community and Technology: Finding Balance

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

We're so excited to sit down with Seth Barnes, founder of Adventures in Missions and The World Race, and talk with him about how a college trip to Cambodian refugee camps during the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge genocide changed the trajectory of his life.

Seth shares how he blended business acumen with deep compassion by launching microcredit programs across the globe, building one of the largest mission-sending organizations in the world, and helping thousands of young people discover their calling through radical discipleship and global service.

The conversation then turns to Seth’s newest frontier: using AI and technology for Kingdom impact. He discusses how AI is reshaping education, why ethical engagement is essential, and how he's working to equip students to integrate faith, purpose, and technology in transformative ways.

We touch on a lot today, including:

• How Seth’s early experiences in Cambodia shaped his lifelong mission
• The origins and growth of The World Race — 11 countries in 11 months
• Stories of transformation and miracles from the mission field
• The entrepreneurial mindset behind sustainable ministry
• Lessons from rapid growth and the balance between innovation and integrity
• How AI is redefining education, missions, and spiritual formation
• The call for Christians to engage AI ethically and creatively

Find out more about Seth and the organizations he mentions in his interview here:

Adventures in Missions: https://www.adventures.org

World Race: https://www.worldrace.org/

03:42 Seth's Early Entrepreneurial Journey

04:28 Life-Changing Mission in Cambodia

07:16 Challenges and Solutions in the Refugee Camp

15:38 From Microcredit to Discipleship

17:09 The Birth of the World Race

18:48 Experiences and Lessons from the World Race

22:58 Reflecting on 20 Years of Miraculous Stories

26:40 Entrepreneurial Journey and Ministry Impact

28:52 Embracing Technology and AI in Ministry

34:25 The Ethical Implications and Potential of AI

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

Today, we're excited to introduce you to Robynne Miller, a writer, teacher, and conference director whose story is equal parts inspiring and unexpected. Robynne shares how she went from running businesses and homeschooling her kids to becoming a published author of ten books (with nine more on the way!).

She opens up about:

• Discovering her passion for writing through the challenges of her childhood
• Learning to see her love for storytelling as a God-given calling, not a hobby
• The surprising ways writing and teaching have shaped her faith and career
• Her fascinating work uncovering the real stories behind Little House on the Prairie
• Why she believes fiction can move hearts and minds in ways nonfiction can’t

Robynne’s story is a masterclass in trusting God’s timing, leaning into your gifts, and allowing your creativity to become a vessel for truth and transformation. Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or just someone wondering if your passions have a bigger purpose, you’ll walk away encouraged and inspired.

Check out Robynne's website here: https://www.robynnemiller.com

Find out more about the Vision Christian Writers Conference here: https://vcwconf.com

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

What does it mean to be a Christian artist in the age of AI? How do you balance creative freedom with the discipline of deadlines?

In this episode, we sit down with Jared Wiggins—Unbound alum, professional graphic designer, and instructor for Unbound’s Art & Graphic Design Track. Jared shares his story of discovering art as a homeschooled kid doodling through lessons, to becoming both a professional designer and a working artist whose faith deeply shapes his craft.

Together, we explore:

• The difference between being a graphic designer and an artist, and why Jared lives in both worlds
• How creativity actually thrives under restriction and discipline
• Why following Jesus influences the way Jared approaches beauty, storytelling, and design
• The story behind his favorite painting—Jesus calming the chaos waters
• How to find purpose and emotion even in the most “corporate” or uninspired projects
• Why Jared believes AI will make authentic, tangible art more valuable than ever

If you’ve ever wrestled with what it means to be creative, faithful, and disciplined all at once, this conversation will inspire you to see art as an act of worship.

01:06 Meet Jared Wiggins: Unbound Alum and Art Instructor

03:46 Jared's Artistic Journey: From Homeschooling to Professional Art

05:15 Exploring Jared's Art: Themes and Inspirations

08:57 The Intersection of Art and Graphic Design

16:52 The Role of Discipline in Art and Design

28:04 The Impact of AI on Art and Design

Check out Jared’s website and portfolio: https://jaycdesign.com/

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

What happens when a good idea takes a nap, then wakes up six years later, more alive than ever?

In this episode of the Be Unbound Podcast, we welcome back Sarah Shaw, Unbound alum and founder of Lantova, a new interdisciplinary project that weaves together creativity, theology, and psychology to explore what it means to live well and think deeply in a chaotic world.

Sarah shares the winding journey of Lantova’s creation—from its first spark in 2019, through years of dormancy, to its surprising resurrection after grad school. Along the way, the conversation dives into why combining disciplines matters, how theology must remain central, and what Gen Z’s search for “fast answers” reveals about our cultural moment. Together, they unpack how art, science, and faith can inform one another without distortion—and why slow, thoughtful creativity might just be the antidote our generation needs.

Whether you’re a student, a creator, or someone longing to see faith and reason brought back into conversation, this episode will leave you encouraged, challenged, and inspired.

02:45 The Origin Story of Lantova

08:04 Interdisciplinary Approach and Team Formation

12:56 The Vision and Mission of Lantova

19:25 Generational Perspectives

20:02 The Pressure for Fast Answers

23:16 Challenges in Psychology and Faith

25:06 The Church and Science Relationship

34:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Check out Sarah's new project at Lantova.com

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we unpack the many ways we participate in God’s redemptive plan—whether that looks like leading movements, supporting quiet acts of change, or simply being faithful where we are.

It’s easy to feel pressure to do something big...to lead, to influence, to make an obvious impact. But what if faithfulness in the ordinary is just as vital as bold leadership? Together, we explore how calling, obedience, and purpose come together in God’s larger story of redemption.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• The different roles we play in God’s redemptive work
• Why small, unseen acts of faithfulness still matter eternally
• The tension between ambition and obedience
• How to discern where and how God is calling you to participate

This is a grounding, hope-filled conversation that reminds us that eternal impact doesn’t always look like changing the world. It can start with being faithful right where you are.

02:41 A watershed cultural moment

05:24 Reflections on Community and Marketable Skills

10:59 The Importance of Ordinary Actions

18:02 Creating a New Culture

22:25 The Role of Faith and Divine Purpose

32:38 Our Commitment to Student Success

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill

What does it really mean to be a marketer—and how do you do it well in today’s digital age?

In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we sit down with Trey Sheneman, founder of Herald Marketing and instructor for Unbound’s Digital Marketing Track. Trey shares his story of transitioning from teaching into digital marketing, growing agencies, working with large organizations, and ultimately starting Herald to help businesses bridge the gap between strategy, execution, and the new world of AI.

This conversation goes beyond career talk. Trey unpacks why marketing isn’t just about clicks or campaigns, but about telling stories that lead to human flourishing. Together, they explore:

• Why digital marketing matters now more than ever
• The thin line between persuasion and manipulation
• How faith shapes marketing decisions
• Why messaging is at the heart of every successful campaign
• The kinds of people and skills needed to thrive in marketing today

If you’ve ever wondered what marketing actually is (and whether it’s for you), this episode will give you clarity and a challenge to use your skills to make an impact.

05:32 Trey's Journey into Digital Marketing

12:34 The Core of Effective Marketing

16:27 Balancing Art and Science in Marketing

21:52 Ethics and Integrity in Marketing

30:27 Skills and Qualities for Marketers

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill