The Common Good Podcast

Brian From explores the tension between Christian freedom and holiness, reflecting on how the evangelical pendulum has swung away from the rigid rule-keeping of past generations toward a more permissive culture — and why both extremes miss the mark. He draws on the biblical stories of John Mark and Demas to illustrate two contrasting paths: the redemptive power of second chances and the cautionary cost of letting the world's comforts erode spiritual commitment. The episode closes with an encouraging word about purpose and passion, inviting listeners to reconnect with the dreams God wired into them and trust that meaningful, faithful work is still within reach.

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An astronaut's view from space puts Earth's beauty and human unity in stunning perspective. Plus: Should Christians speak up about the president's Easter morning post? And unpacking the Greek word tetelestai — what Jesus really meant when He cried "It is finished."

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Brian From returns from a wild spring break in Florida — sunburned, stranded overnight in an airport, and just in time for Easter. He reflects on why the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of everything, shares Tim Keller's powerful words about hope in the face of cancer, and explores what it means to serve out of your identity rather than your ego. Plus: a CBS News story on why more Americans over 65 are getting roommates, and a teenager who can literally replay her life like an HD movie.

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Brian talks with Ian Vaillancourt about his new book "Unfolding Redemption: The Heart of the Gospel in the Story of Old Testament History".

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Brian talks with Jim Ramos of Men in the Arena and author of the new book "Guardrails: Ten Boundaries for an Unbreakable Marriage".

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Brian talked with Adam Holz from Focus on the Family's "Plugged In" (https://www.pluggedin.com) about a new podcast recommendation.

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Brian From sits down with Mark Boone, owner of All Citizens Lending to talk about how to handle the anxiety that comes with dealing with household finances. 

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On the Friday before Spring Break, Brian talks about the ongoing TSA hassles at airports, as well as the story about Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm suing his parents for millions of dollars, accusing them of misusing his money. He also talked about what happens when the church injures. He also reflects on what it means to prepare for Easter next week. 

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Brian From covers a wide range of topics that matter for faith and everyday life — from a landmark $3 million jury verdict finding Meta and YouTube liable for a young woman's social media addiction, to Russell Moore's reassuring reminder that God's call to "not be anxious" is an invitation of grace, not a rebuke. Brian reflects on John Piper's powerful challenge that the most important thing parents can do is show God to their kids, explores Trevin Wax's freeing insight that God's will functions more like a map than a GPS, and shares Ian Simkins' fascinating look at the Tetris Effect and how what fills our minds ultimately forms our lives. As Easter approaches, Brian closes with a stirring call to recover a sense of awe — the kind that moved Moses, Isaiah, and Peter to respond to God's call — reminding listeners that a big view of God is what fuels a passionate, enduring faith.

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Brian From sits down with Bret Eckelberry from Focus on the Family's Plugged In ministry to discuss their second annual Screen Fast — a seven-day challenge encouraging families to step away from personal screen time. Bret shares the spiritual and mental health benefits of unplugging, including research showing that 75% of teens report feeling happier and more peaceful when away from their phones, and how replacing screen time with intentional activities can deepen relationships with God, family, and friends. Families interested in joining can visit pluggedin.com/screenfast to download the free Screen Fast Survival Guide, complete with daily devotionals and activity ideas.

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