The Common Good Podcast

Brian From speaks with evangelist Monte Watts Jr. about a remarkable collection of more than 400 antique Bibles and historic texts that trace the preservation and translation of Scripture from the 1200s to today. Watts explains how the collection highlights the careful work of scribes, translators, and martyrs who sacrificed to ensure the Bible could be read and trusted across generations. The conversation also explores Watts’ traveling ministry and the upcoming revival and Bible collection event at Calvary Baptist Church of Tinley Park.

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Brian From reflects on a range of cultural moments—from the NBA shutting down an Atlanta Hawks promotion tied to a strip club to a university president losing his job after an inappropriate relationship—and what they reveal about a culture that often ignores the Bible’s call to flee from sexual immorality. Along the way, he wrestles with faith and politics, discusses why Christianity isn’t about being a “good person,” and explains why heaven is filled with people who know they need grace. The episode also touches on family milestones, modern hobbies replacing phone addiction, and why Christians must remember that salvation comes from what Christ has done—not what we can do ourselves.

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Brian From reflects on everything from wild conspiracy theories and political culture to the deeper spiritual questions they reveal about control, truth, and faith. Along the way, he explores stories of grace, including a grieving wife asking prosecutors to spare the teens involved in her husband’s tragic death. The episode closes with a call to prepare our hearts for Easter—remembering the seriousness of sin, the hope of the resurrection, and the power of prayer and community in the Christian life.

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Brian From speaks with Focus on the Family issues analyst Zachary Mettler about a high-profile case involving an Indiana teacher who was fired after refusing to use students’ preferred pronouns for religious reasons. The teacher offered a compromise—addressing students by last names—but was dismissed and later won a $650,000 settlement after arguing his rights to religious freedom and free speech were violated. Their conversation explores what the case means for teachers, schools, and churches navigating the growing tensions around faith, speech, and gender identity.

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Brian From is joined by Plugged In’s Adam Holz to break down Pixar’s new film Hoppers, a quirky animated adventure with an environmental message, some surprising intensity, and a premise that may be harder to love than most Pixar favorites. They also dive into Scream 7, reflecting on the franchise’s staying power, the nostalgia factor that keeps audiences coming back, and what it says about Hollywood’s love of sequels. Along the way, they explore why some stories still connect decades later—and why studios keep reviving familiar names when audiences keep buying tickets.

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Brian From reflects on the challenges of everyday life—from unexpected financial setbacks to the deeper question of what it means to live a “worthwhile life.” Along the way, he explores stories about humility, admitting mistakes, and the power of meaningful conversations that can even change someone’s mind. The episode also highlights faith in difficult circumstances and why Christians are called to pursue self-control, integrity, and purpose in a culture that often celebrates the opposite.

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This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of living out faith authentically, the significance of Easter, and the importance of worship focused on God. It also touches on current events, cultural reflections, and practical faith applications.

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Brian From takes a sobering look at recent headlines involving church leaders, asking whether the church is losing the battle for integrity and what it means to truly represent Christ. He also explores a viral debate about whether loud children belong in worship services and reflects on the deeper call for families to prioritize gathering together at church. The episode closes with a challenge from Kyle Idleman: following Jesus isn’t meant to be comfortable—true discipleship means recognizing Christ not just as Savior, but as the King who demands our allegiance.

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Brian From reflects on how an AI-generated “viral” photo reminds us to slow down, verify what we share, and resist outrage bait online. Then, a surprise detour into ’90s worship music becomes a meaningful prompt to remember God’s past faithfulness and let gratitude fuel the present. The hour closes with a challenge: personality tests don’t excuse a lack of spiritual fruit, and a lukewarm faith can be renewed when we return to prayer, repentance, and the hope of being made new in Christ.

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Brian From talks with James Barnett, CEO of Come and See, the nonprofit behind The Chosen, about the vision to finish all seven seasons and translate the series into 600 languages so it can be shared around the world for free. Barnett shares powerful stories of the show’s global impact—from unexpected conversions to discipleship opportunities in places far beyond the U.S.—and explains what viewers can expect as the series moves toward the crucifixion and resurrection. They also address a common criticism head-on: why The Chosen isn’t a replacement for Scripture, but a storytelling tool meant to point people back to the Bible and deeper faith.

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