(00:00-09:25): Babylon Bee stings CNN with satirical article: “There's only room for 'one fake news site'”. Brian and Ian discuss the idea of ‘fake news’ and how satire may be becoming too close to the truth. David Harsanyi also writes “Attacks on the Babylon Bee Are Attacks on Free Expression”. 

(09:25-36:24): We are joined by lead pastor of Renew Church, Greg Armstrong. He talks with us about church planting in the suburbs as well as Renew Movement, a collective of worship leaders, artists and musicians who gather to fuel the local church with a passion for songwriting, unification and reconciliation through the arts. This worship collective also serves as the framework for the annual Renew Worship Conference, Worship School and local worship leader cohorts throughout Chicagoland.

He touches briefly on racial and social discussions within the church as a community. He believes it is essential to be able to have tough conversations that affect everyone in order to bring us together. 

(37:27-48:01): “Love Your Neighbor in the New Year: Answer Their Emails and Texts” writes Jen Pollock Michel in Christianity Today. Jesus protected his time and also gave it up willingly. In this digital age, we’re called to do the same. Brian and Ian talk about how important it is to people if you divide your alone time and accessible time accordingly. 

(48:01-58:19): Jonathan Evans, Lois Evans’ youngest son, delivers a powerful eulogy during his mother’s funeral. He speaks the realization he had about God answering prayers. Victory is always God’s and his mom wins regardless through Christ. 

(58:19-1:08:50): Joe Marusak writes in the Charlotte Observer “‘Only saved people can love Trump,’ says televangelist Jim Bakker”. Brian and Ian briefly listen to the former televangelist’s comments about Trump and Trump supporters, then respond. 

(1:08:50-1:15:02): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Jailbirds can find love too, and weed is not legal when you are high (up in the air). The FBI is different from the CIA, and the world’s smartest men are in Florida. Meanwhile, bowling is violent sport.

We are joined by lead pastor of Renew Church, Greg Armstrong. He talks with us about church planting in the suburbs as well as Renew Movement, a collective of worship leaders, artists and musicians who gather to fuel the local church with a passion for songwriting, unification and reconciliation through the arts. This worship collective also serves as the framework for the annual Renew Worship Conference, Worship School and local worship leader cohorts throughout Chicagoland.

He touches briefly on racial and social discussions within the church as a community. He believes it is essential to be able to have tough conversations that affect everyone in order to bring us together.

(00:00-08:56): On eve of Manhattan sex assault trial, Harvey Weinstein charged with 2013 attacks on women in Los Angeles. Brian and Ian talk about abuse of power and how this story has surged the movement of women’s fight against sexual abuse in the film industry. 

(08:56-18:39): “Dads now spend 3 times as much time with their kids than previous generations” writes Heather Marcoux in Motherly. Brian and Ian reflect on Heather’s points as fathers. They talk about the extra effort they make to prioritize quality time and activities with their kids. 

(18:39-28:15): “Hate To Break It To You But You Are The Reason Your Life Sucks So Much” writes Becca Martin in Thought Catalog. Brian and Ian touch on this provoking article, agreeing with some points, and disagreeing with others. 

(28:15-37:41): “Please Don’t Judge My Clean House,” writes Rachel Garlinghouse in Scary Mommy. “Messes provide me with a sense of chaos and dread”. Brian and Ian talk about cleanliness in their households and how it is an important aspect of mental health. 

(38:43-48:52): Puerto Rico experienced the strongest earthquake since 1918. Brian and Ian discuss the natural disasters that have stricken the Caribbean in the last few years. More info: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/us/puerto-rico-earthquake.html

(48:52-59:10): Kris Di writes “Giving Your Children Experiences Instead Of Toys Boosts Their Intelligence And Happiness” in iHeart Intelligence. Brian and Ian talk about quality time and how experiences and trips are more memorable to their kids than material gifts and other things. 

(59:10-1:09:44): Discontentment is a problem as old as time. God had created Adam and Eve in perfect relationship with himself and each other. They lived in a beautiful world, free to eat from any tree except one. Brian and Ian discuss this article by Cassie Watson in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:09:44-1:16:02): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Air Canada is trying out new unicycle landing gear, and aliens exist. British couple wins lottery, and that was the second greatest thing that happened that day. A Florida woman wins cannonball contest with her car, while this mattress is a top seller.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:56): On eve of Manhattan sex assault trial, Harvey Weinstein charged with 2013 attacks on women in Los Angeles. Brian and Ian talk about abuse of power and how this story has surged the movement of women’s fight against sexual abuse in the film industry. 

(08:56-18:39): “Dads now spend 3 times as much time with their kids than previous generations” writes Heather Marcoux in Motherly. Brian and Ian reflect on Heather’s points as fathers. They talk about the extra effort they make to prioritize quality time and activities with their kids. 

(18:39-28:15): “Hate To Break It To You But You Are The Reason Your Life Sucks So Much” writes Becca Martin in Thought Catalog. Brian and Ian touch on this provoking article, agreeing with some points, and disagreeing with others. 

(28:15-37:41): “Please Don’t Judge My Clean House,” writes Rachel Garlinghouse in Scary Mommy. “Messes provide me with a sense of chaos and dread”. Brian and Ian talk about cleanliness in their households and how it is an important aspect of mental health. 

(38:43-48:52): Puerto Rico experienced the strongest earthquake since 1918. Brian and Ian discuss the natural disasters that have stricken the Caribbean in the last few years. More info: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/us/puerto-rico-earthquake.html

(48:52-59:10): Kris Di writes “Giving Your Children Experiences Instead Of Toys Boosts Their Intelligence And Happiness” in iHeart Intelligence. Brian and Ian talk about quality time and how experiences and trips are more memorable to their kids than material gifts and other things. 

(59:10-1:09:44): Discontentment is a problem as old as time. God had created Adam and Eve in perfect relationship with himself and each other. They lived in a beautiful world, free to eat from any tree except one. Brian and Ian discuss this article by Cassie Watson in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:09:44-1:16:02): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Air Canada is trying out new unicycle landing gear, and aliens exist. British couple wins lottery, and that was the second greatest thing that happened that day. A Florida woman wins cannonball contest with her car, while this mattress is a top seller.

We are joined by Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He is a featured speaker at the March For Life Chicago on Saturday January 11. He talks about the sanctity of all life, especially unborn children of who the march is aiming to fight for. 

The March For Life is building upon the success of the march and rally, the March for Life Chicago partnered with weDignify to present the inaugural Convention for marchers to connect and unite to protect life!

The Convention offers something for many ages. From a youth rally in the morning to a banquet and dancing in the evening, you won’t want to miss this!

https://www.marchforlifechicagoconvention.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined by Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He is a featured speaker at the March For Life Chicago on Saturday January 11. He talks about the sanctity of all life, especially unborn children of who the march is aiming to fight for. 

The March For Life is building upon the success of the march and rally, the March for Life Chicago partnered with weDignify to present the inaugural Convention for marchers to connect and unite to protect life!

The Convention offers something for many ages. From a youth rally in the morning to a banquet and dancing in the evening, you won’t want to miss this!

https://www.marchforlifechicagoconvention.org/

(00:00-08:59): HAPPY 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! One year ago today, The Common Good took to the airwaves. Brian and Ian reflect and reminisce on their favorite moments throughout 2019. They also listen to their first show intro from a year ago. Oh how they’ve grown.

(08:59-18:09): “3 Things to Do When Your Life Doesn’t Match Your Plan” writes Grant Reynolds in Relevant Magazine. Sometimes life doesn’t always go the way we think it should. Many times it goes in the exact opposite direction. Brian and Ian discuss this and how to handle uncertainty and the curveballs of life. 

(18:09-27:29): We are joined by Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He is a featured speaker at the March For Life Chicago on Saturday January 11. He talks about the sanctity of all life, especially unborn children of who the march is aiming to fight for. 

(27:29-36:36): “You Can’t Change Your Spouse: But you can change yourself” writes Dorothy Littell Greco in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian talk about self-reflection and growth in a marriage. How do you enter a situation without any expectations from your spouse, but expect God to move?

(37:40-48:21): People magazine writes “Alex Trebek on How He Wants His Final Episode of Jeopardy! to End: I've 'Rehearsed It Already'”. Brian and Ian reflect on the illustrious career of Alex Trebek and how emotional this must be for him to leave ‘Jeopardy!’. 

(48:21-58:38): Bert Fulks writes in the Today Parenting Team “X-Plan: Giving your kids a way out (#xplan)”. Brian and Ian, as parents, talk about uncomfortable or even unsafe situations kids find themselves in. This strategy is useful and quick. 

(58:38-1:09:00): Sarah Rich writes in The Atlantic “Today’s Masculinity Is Stifling”. As boys grow up, the process of becoming men encourages them to shed the sort of intimate connections and emotional intelligence that add meaning to life. Brian and Ian touch on toxic masculinity and the development of boys in America today. 

(1:09:00-1:15:44): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Polly wants a...uh...to get out, and Charmin, TAKE MY MONEY! Tombstone Pizza comes out with new snake sausage pizza, and this town ain’t big enough for the two of us. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania needs to get it’s Walmarts together.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:59): HAPPY 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! One year ago today, The Common Good took to the airwaves. Brian and Ian reflect and reminisce on their favorite moments throughout 2019. They also listen to their first show intro from a year ago. Oh how they’ve grown.

(08:59-18:09): “3 Things to Do When Your Life Doesn’t Match Your Plan” writes Grant Reynolds in Relevant Magazine. Sometimes life doesn’t always go the way we think it should. Many times it goes in the exact opposite direction. Brian and Ian discuss this and how to handle uncertainty and the curveballs of life. 

(18:09-27:29): We are joined by Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He is a featured speaker at the March For Life Chicago on Saturday January 11. He talks about the sanctity of all life, especially unborn children of who the march is aiming to fight for. 

(27:29-36:36): “You Can’t Change Your Spouse: But you can change yourself” writes Dorothy Littell Greco in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian talk about self-reflection and growth in a marriage. How do you enter a situation without any expectations from your spouse, but expect God to move?

(37:40-48:21): People magazine writes “Alex Trebek on How He Wants His Final Episode of Jeopardy! to End: I've 'Rehearsed It Already'”. Brian and Ian reflect on the illustrious career of Alex Trebek and how emotional this must be for him to leave ‘Jeopardy!’. 

(48:21-58:38): Bert Fulks writes in the Today Parenting Team “X-Plan: Giving your kids a way out (#xplan)”. Brian and Ian, as parents, talk about uncomfortable or even unsafe situations kids find themselves in. This strategy is useful and quick. 

(58:38-1:09:00): Sarah Rich writes in The Atlantic “Today’s Masculinity Is Stifling”. As boys grow up, the process of becoming men encourages them to shed the sort of intimate connections and emotional intelligence that add meaning to life. Brian and Ian touch on toxic masculinity and the development of boys in America today. 

(1:09:00-1:15:44): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Polly wants a...uh...to get out, and Charmin, TAKE MY MONEY! Tombstone Pizza comes out with new snake sausage pizza, and this town ain’t big enough for the two of us. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania needs to get it’s Walmarts together.

(00:00-09:10): Ian is back! He and Brian discuss Epiphany and how significant it is as Christians and church leaders. He references articles from Transforming Center and Patheos. Epiphany highlights the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, that is, to the Magi or wise men from the East.

(09:10-34:48): We are joined by church planter and director of NewThing, Eric Metcalf. He talks about how many churches he has planted all over the world. So far, they have planted 3,000 churches worldwide. He also discusses multiplication at the micro and macro level in the church. 

He touches on how he got started at Community Christian Church and the campus he started in Lincoln Park in Chicago. After pastoring that campus, he moved back to the suburbs to invest in NewThing full time. 

(35:51-45:56): Golden Globe Awards host Ricky Gervais tears into Hollywood elite, Disney, Amazon, Apple. Brian and Ian listen to a clip of his speech where he goes off on the hypocrisy of companies and actors’ incompetence about addressing the public. 

(45:56-56:12): At Passion 2020, college students raise over $1.2M for this cause. This year’s Passion Conference housed over 65,000 people in Atlanta. Brian and Ian discuss this Caleb Parks article. 

(56:12-1:06:43): RAPID FIRE! Brian and Ian speed through a few local and interesting stories. Hamilton in Chicago ends it’s three year tenure, and Australia is suffering from massive wildfires. Is Netflix’s “Messiah” blasphemous? Trump tells rallygoers ‘God is on our side’, and an older couple die on the same day just hours apart. 

(1:06:43-1:12:58): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Florida has had a slow week in news stories...until now. Dr. Pepper is bad mmkay? Find out how a home invader made home invasion the second worst thing in a home invasion, and police are cool. Meanwhile, noone is a professional drinker.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:10): Ian is back! He and Brian discuss Epiphany and how significant it is as Christians and church leaders. He references articles from Transforming Center and Patheos. Epiphany highlights the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, that is, to the Magi or wise men from the East.

(09:10-34:48): We are joined by church planter and director of NewThing, Eric Metcalf. He talks about how many churches he has planted all over the world. So far, they have planted 3,000 churches worldwide. He also discusses multiplication at the micro and macro level in the church. 

He touches on how he got started at Community Christian Church and the campus he started in Lincoln Park in Chicago. After pastoring that campus, he moved back to the suburbs to invest in NewThing full time. 

(35:51-45:56): Golden Globe Awards host Ricky Gervais tears into Hollywood elite, Disney, Amazon, Apple. Brian and Ian listen to a clip of his speech where he goes off on the hypocrisy of companies and actors’ incompetence about addressing the public. 

(45:56-56:12): At Passion 2020, college students raise over $1.2M for this cause. This year’s Passion Conference housed over 65,000 people in Atlanta. Brian and Ian discuss this Caleb Parks article. 

(56:12-1:06:43): RAPID FIRE! Brian and Ian speed through a few local and interesting stories. Hamilton in Chicago ends it’s three year tenure, and Australia is suffering from massive wildfires. Is Netflix’s “Messiah” blasphemous?Trump tells rallygoers ‘God is on our side’, and an older couple die on the same day just hours apart. 

(1:06:43-1:12:58): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Florida has had a slow week in news stories...until now. Dr. Pepper is bad mmkay? Find out how a home invader made home invasion the second worst thing in a home invasion, and police are cool. Meanwhile, noone is a professional drinker.