The Boundless Show

Keeping yourself motivated to learn, plus navigating mental health issues and dating, and some of Lisa’s favorite Scriptures.

Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust

Roundtable: How to Love Learning

Whether you’re still in school or have long since graduated, you should always strive to grow and try new things. But where do you get started? Our guests share their journeys with learning, including why getting outside your comfort zone is a good thing, finding opportunities to learn new things, and if they had to try something new, what would it be?

Culture: Mental Health Struggles and Dating

Many have written to us wondering if their mental health struggles might keep them from ever entering the dating pool. To bring some clarity on what’s needed to be ready to date, we invited Dr. Danny Huerta to the conversation. He’ll share the most common mental health struggles, how to know if you’re healthy enough to date, and when mental health issues are a red flag.

Link to Counseling Services

What is Mental Health and Why Is It Important for Your Family?

Inbox: Lisa’s Favorite Scriptures 

Have you ever wondered what Lisa Anderson’s favorite Bible verses are and why? She answers that very question this week.

Appreciating different seasons of life, plus lessons from the American story, and is embryo freezing OK for Christians?

Featured musical artist:   Mosaic MSC

Roundtable: Navigating Life’s Varied Seasons

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Fresh starts, new life, longer days. To help us anticipate it, we talk about what we’re most looking forward to in this colorful season. We also discuss the changing seasons of life including job changes, big moves, and when friendships come and go.           

Culture: How We Learn From History

Many have a cynical view of where things are in America. But one of the best ways to engage the culture may be as simple as learning where we came from. Tim Goeglein is passionate about American history, working in Washington, DC as a policy liaison and government operative. Tim talks us through the lessons from history we’d do well to learn, plus insight on election exhaustion and how to put Christ above politics.

Receive the book "Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story" for your donation of any amount!

Inbox: How Should Christians Discuss Embryo Freezing?

She doesn’t think embryo freezing is a good idea, but knows others who think it’s OK, especially when considering future family planning. Is it morally right or wrong? Our friend and medical expert David Davis weighs in.

A proper perspective on influencers, plus an insider’s look at Elisabeth Elliot, and helping a friend in an unplanned pregnancy.

Featured musical artist:  Nathan Tasker  

Roundtable: Admiring or Idolizing an Influencer? 

We all have that person we admire or enjoy following on social media and beyond — the star athlete, actor or musician, famous pastor/theologian, or popular influencer. While we may have good reason to look up to a person for their wisdom, talent or accomplishments, at what point does admiring someone cross a line over into idolatry? Our guests discuss people they admire and why, how to keep perspective, and why the blueprint for our lives has to come from somewhere other than the people around us — no matter how amazing they are.

Culture: Elisabeth Elliot on the Heart of God

If you ask for the names of the most influential Christian women of the past century, the name Elisabeth Elliot is usually one of the first names mentioned. Missionary, author, speaker, teacher: Elisabeth was a pioneer in Christian service and discipleship. Kathy Reeg is the president of the Elisabeth Elliot Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving Elisabeth’s legacy and making her writings and wisdom available for the next generation. Kathy shares insider insight into Elisabeth’s giftings and passions, what we can learn from Elisabeth’s life, and a sneak peek at a previously unpublished and recently discovered book of Elisabeth’s titled “Heart of God.”

Heart of God: 31 Days to Discover God’s Love for You

The Elisabeth Elliot Foundation 

Timeline of Elisabeth Elliot’s Life 

Inbox: Helping a Friend Through an Unplanned Pregnancy

She’s asking a very important but sensitive question: What are some dos and don’ts for supporting an unmarried friend who is now unexpectedly pregnant? Also, are there any recommended resources for me as I navigate this season with her? Our friend Robyn Chambers weighs in.

See Life Video Series

Valuing Life from the Start 

Option Ultrasound 

Support Your Local Pro-Life Pregnancy Medical Clinic

Alternatives to Abortion: Pregnancy Resource Centers

Hopeful Choice: What is a Pregnancy Help Center?

Advice for dating someone from a different culture, plus finding godly and gifted pastors, and do mental health issues make marriage off-limits?     

The Focused Pastor

Featured musical artist:  Danen Kane   

Roundtable: Cultural Differences in Dating

What are some things you should know when dating someone from a different cultural background? To help answer this question and address some dos and don’ts for the process, our panelists are ready to speak the truth. With personal experience in making cross-cultural relationships work, they’ll share their own stories of meeting and falling in love, the most common barriers they had to overcome, and why an open mind and an appreciation for healthy differences makes marriage even richer.

Culture: What Makes a Good Pastor?

Josh Zeichik’s job is to support, equip and encourage pastors. In this role, he rubs shoulders with seasoned pastors, new pastors, visionary pastors, and pastors just trying to stay afloat in a world of increasingly challenging ministry. Josh tells us the signs of a healthy pastor, plus the red flags you’ll find flying around those who probably shouldn’t be leading a church. He’ll also share how to best get to know and support your pastor, and what you should expect from a shepherd leader.

Inbox: Do Mental Health Issues Mean I Shouldn’t Marry?

She’s very much aware that the Bible says, “Those who marry will face many troubles in this life.” So does that mean that with her mental health challenges she should steer clear of marriage and avoid throwing fuel on the fire? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.

Link to Counseling Service

Tips for relocating to a new city, plus more from Debra Fileta on healthy habits, and should you be a bridesmaid when there are red flags?

Featured musical artist:  Ginny Owens   

Roundtable: Adjusting to Life in a New Place

Relocating to a new city or state can be one of life’s most daunting yet exciting opportunities. To truly build community in a new place takes time, patience and intention. Listen in this week as we discuss the struggle to settle in, how to make friends in a new place, and fun ways to discover the best your new hometown has to offer.

Culture: Need a Life Tune-Up? (Part 2)

We’re more than a month into the new year, so maybe you’ve strayed a bit from your well-intentioned goals and resolutions. Fear not: To get back on track, we brought in our counselor and friend Debra Fileta to discuss how to press the “reset” button and establish healthy habits in multiple life spheres. In part two of our discussion, she’ll address taking your unhealthy thoughts captive, dealing with feelings of discouragement, and finding healing from emotional baggage.

True Love Dates

Inbox: Can I Support Her as a Bridesmaid?

A friend recently asked her to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding, but our listener sees red flags in the relationship. Is it best to stand up for her as a friend — or decline out of principle? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Enjoying Valentine’s Day as a single, plus Debra Fileta on healthy habits, and recovering from an ambiguous breakup.

Featured musical artist:  James Peden   

Roundtable: Valentine’s Day Won’t Kill You

Valentine’s Day when you’re single can feel lonely and “less than,” but it doesn’t need to be a day wasted. With a little creativity, the day can still be meaningful and fun, even if you don’t have a date lined up. Our guests (all single!) discuss ways to avoid mental ruts and self-pity on Valentine’s Day, how to make the most of the holiday, and their idea of an ideal Valentine’s Day date. 

Find True Love on Valentine’s Day 

Culture: Need a Life Tune-Up?

We’re more than a month into the new year, so maybe you’ve strayed a bit from your well-intentioned goals and resolutions. Fear not: To get back on track, we brought in our counselor and friend Debra Fileta to discuss how to press the “reset” button and establish healthy habits in multiple life spheres. In part one of our discussion, she’ll discuss wanting to change, starting with a pause, owning your faults, and why life is not a one-man show.

Inbox: Remind Me Why We’re Breaking Up?

She recently went through a breakup where there was a lack of clarity from the guy. He claims that he was attracted to her but the romance in their relationship was lacking. Now she’s wondering how important romance actually is for marriage. Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Getting closer to God solo and with others, plus Nick and Chelsea Hurst’s tips on marriage-minded dating, and discussing marriage with your parents.

Featured musical artist:  Ellie Holcomb   

Roundtable: You, God, and Others

Getting closer to God doesn’t happen by accident — you must make it a priority and have supportive friends who’ll spur you on in your faith. To offer practical ideas for growing in your walk with Jesus, our roundtable panelists share practices that have helped them personally, and discuss why community is critical to our spiritual growth.

Culture: Marriage-Minded Dating

Nick and Chelsea Hurst’s love story started through a DM on Twitter. After meeting in person, they quickly got to know one another, fell in love, and felt God’s call to get married. But they still had things to work through as their relationship progressed. In this conversation, Nick and Chelsea address working through communication problems, handling secrets, and how to know if you’re spiritually compatible with your significant other.

 Marriage Minded: 10 Ways to Know If You’ve Found the One

Inbox: Talking Marriage With Your Parents

Her boyfriend recently had a conversation with her dad about proposing to her. However, she’s not in the best place financially, and doesn’t feel comfortable discussing marriage with her parents. What can she do? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.

Celebrating 15 Years of “The Boundless Show”: Episode 782

The podcast turns 15 years old, plus founder Steve Watters on how the show started, and Lisa Anderson recounts several favorite episode moments

Featured musical artist:   Liz Vice

Roundtable: Happy 15th Birthday to “The Boundless Show”!

Exactly 15 years ago today, on January 26, 2008, the first episode of “The Boundless Show” went live. We appreciate the ways you, the listener, have supported this podcast and made this special anniversary possible. To celebrate what God has done, we’re recapping some amazing memories and moments from the show. Join Lisa as she takes a look back at the show through the years. 

Culture: “The Boundless Show’s” Origin Story

Steve and Candice Watters started Boundless.org in 1998 as a “webzine” to help Christian young adults live out their faith. In this special interview, Steve joins Lisa to share how Boundless went from being an online magazine to also becoming a weekly podcast. He tells us how the podcast got started, why Lisa was chosen as the host, and gives advice to listeners on following Jesus today.

Boundless.org

Inbox: Lisa’s Favorite Show Moments

After 15 years of hosting “The Boundless Show,” we thought it would be fun to ask Lisa what some of her favorite moments have been throughout the show’s history. If you’ve ever wondered, this is your chance to find out.

Episode 52: Fighting Against Sex Trafficking 

Episode 80: I Love Bill Gaither!

Episode 254: All in the Family 

Episode 242: Randy Alcorn Interview

Episode 288: Who is Lisa Anderson? 

Episode 341: Live From Pursuit

Episode 385: Laurie Polich Short Interview

Episode 386: Francis & Lisa Chan Interview

Episode 549: How to Handle Conflict Well 

Episode 550: Tony Evans Interview - Part 1

Episode 551: Tony Evans Interview - Part 2

Episode 771: Why Church Matters (Part 1)

Episode 772: Why Church Matters (Part 2)

How therapy can improve your life, plus Debbie Laaser on trauma recovery, and hope for a strained sibling relationship.

Featured musical artist:  About a Mile

Roundtable: When to Look for a Counselor

Counseling isn’t just for people in crisis. All of us need a personal growth tune-up from time to time, and occasionally the best wisdom might come from a good Christian counselor. How can you know when it might be a good season to get help? And what should you look for in finding a counselor who’s a good fit? Our panel of three experienced counselors will share tips for making counseling work for you.

Counseling Service

Find a Counselor

Culture: Healing From Trauma

Whether it’s a breakup, losing a loved one, or feeling the sting of betrayal, your heart can take years to recover from a traumatic season or experience. Professional counselor Debbie Laaser has walked through several heart-wrenching events but learned how instead of staying stuck, God wanted to transform her through them. She’ll tell some of her story and give hope for healing beyond the darkness.

From Trauma to Transformation: A Path to Healing and Growth 

Inbox: Sibling Bullying

Diagnosed with schizophrenia, she’s experienced a spectrum of relational challenges, including bullying. Even her brother is making light of her condition, and it’s put a strain on their relationship. Is it time for a difficult conversation? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.

Small but measurable changes in productivity, plus the state of the pro-life movement post-Dobbs, and how to avoid online scams.

Featured musical artist:  Jonathan Cain 

Roundtable: How to Increase Your Productivity

When you consider your habits and goals from 2022, what went well? What areas still need improvement? As we settle into a rhythm for 2023, our guests share small changes they’re making to accomplish their goals in the new year. Listen to the discussion on cutting the clutter, managing your time, and being more productive; then implement strategies for taking your own personal growth to the next level.

Culture: What’s Changed Since the Roe v. Wade Reversal?

Despite the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision last June, tension has remained high around the topic of abortion in America. Some states have instituted more restrictive abortion measures while others have sought to expand abortion rights. Protests continue, but what’s the real story? Months after the ruling, what has actually changed, and what are the implications for women, babies, the courts and the future of life in our nation? Focus on the Family’s Robyn Chambers sets the record straight and offers guidance for how to champion life where it matters most.

Option Ultrasound Program

Inbox: Preventing an Online Scam

She was recently scammed by someone on Instagram who posed as a well-known Christian leader. She gave money to the individual and is now dealing with the repercussions. How did this happen, and how can she prevent it from happening again? Cybersecurity expert Rhett Saunders weighs in. 

PDF: 3 Steps to a Secure Online Presence