(00:00-09:12): We are joined by Aaron Andries and Jeremy Yap from Graveyards to Gardens. They talk about their music and how they came together to create a unique sound. 

(09:12-18:23): Aaron and Jeremy talk about what it’s like being minorities in the worship music industry and how much of a role diversity plays in their music and influence on people. 

(18:23-27:40): Aaron and Jeremy brought guitars, and from guitars comes music! We get to hear their song “Where I Belong” from their album “Home”. They also give the backstory on how they wrote the song.

(27:40-36:55): Aaron and Jeremy stick around to close out the hour and treat us to one more tune. This one is called “Precious Moments” and they say there is a funny origin to titling this song.  

(37:58-47:50): Christmas music may take mental toll, psychologist says. For those who would rather do without "Jingle Bells," a psychologist in Great Britain thinks you may be on to something. Brian and Ian discuss the consumerism behind the early holiday celebration and decorating. 

(47:50-57:16): Evangelicals Who Distrust Muslims Likely Don’t Know Muslims. Brian and Ian touch on the stigma of Muslim’s as Christians, but believe it’s largely linked to misinformation and not knowing them personally. 

(57:16-1:07:07): We are joined by author of “CityServe: Your Guide to Church-Based Compassion”, Dave Donaldson. Dave shares his amazing testimony of loss and compassion. He takes his story and translates compassion into serving the community, not just the church.

(1:07:07-1:13:52): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: College student starts a small business and then gets arrested for it. The most stereotypical gross thing happened at a grocery store. Apparently the US Navy is sailing Russian warships and drugs are bad...mmmkay. Meanwhile, Dollar Tree is now selling houses.

(00:00-10:05): “Fake Or Real? How To Self-Check The News And Get The Facts” writes Wynne Davis in NPR. Brian and Ian discuss the polarization of news sources and validity of their content. Regardless of our political preference, we generally all want the truth. 

(11:09-21:12): Brian and Ian discuss “Sciencey Reasons You Should Listen to New Music”. They talk about why after a certain age we tend to stop listening to new music. Brian says that he finds himself listening to new music because of his kids.  

(21:12-30:35): Amy DiMarcangelo writes in The Gospel Coalition “Why Christians Should Talk More Openly About Our Finances”. Brian and Ian touch on the tough topic of financial provision, transparency, and responsibility. As church leaders, they emphasize the importance of this. 

(30:35-40:35): “Evangelism Isn’t About Results” writes Sharron Hodde Miller in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian discuss the Parable of the Sower and how we shouldn’t worry about checking boxes or getting numbers in ministry. It is about being a witness and obedience to Christ. 

(40:35-51:44): Two of the president’s prominent evangelical supporters are literally demonizing his opponents. Brian and Ian discuss and listen to comments from Franklin Graham, and talk about Rick Perry’s comments as well. Why is there such a polarizing narrative between the left and the right? 

(51:44-1:02:34): Brian and Ian talk about loneliness and tie in two heartbreaking stories. The first is about a man who was found dead in his apartment, thought to have been dead for three years. The second is about an elderly woman writing a letter to her neighbors asking them to be her friend. 

(1:02:34-1:13:11): Thanksgiving is this week, and Brian and Ian discuss two Christianity Today articles. One is “Full Bellies, Thankful Hearts: God designed your stomach and your heart to be intimately connected” by the late Rob Moll. The second is “Jesus Wants an Awkward Thanksgiving Dinner” by D.L. Mayfield. 

(1:13:11-1:20:11): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: This guy wins boyfriend of the year, and Secret Santa is turning violent. Americans are gross, and if animals can get along, so can we. Meanwhile, a British family is offering a livable wage to play with a dog.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:05): “Fake Or Real? How To Self-Check The News And Get The Facts” writes Wynne Davis in NPR. Brian and Ian discuss the polarization of news sources and validity of their content. Regardless of our political preference, we generally all want the truth. 

(11:09-21:12): Brian and Ian discuss “Sciencey Reasons You Should Listen to New Music”. They talk about why after a certain age we tend to stop listening to new music. Brian says that he finds himself listening to new music because of his kids.  

(21:12-30:35): Amy DiMarcangelo writes in The Gospel Coalition “Why Christians Should Talk More Openly About Our Finances”. Brian and Ian touch on the tough topic of financial provision, transparency, and responsibility. As church leaders, they emphasize the importance of this. 

(30:35-40:35): “Evangelism Isn’t About Results” writes Sharron Hodde Miller in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian discuss the Parable of the Sower and how we shouldn’t worry about checking boxes or getting numbers in ministry. It is about being a witness and obedience to Christ. 

(40:35-51:44): Two of the president’s prominent evangelical supporters are literally demonizing his opponents. Brian and Ian discuss and listen to comments from Franklin Graham, and talk about Rick Perry’s comments as well. Why is there such a polarizing narrative between the left and the right? 

(51:44-1:02:34): Brian and Ian talk about loneliness and tie in two heartbreaking stories. The first is about a man who was found dead in his apartment, thought to have been dead for three years. The second is about an elderly woman writing a letter to her neighbors asking them to be her friend. 

(1:02:34-1:13:11): Thanksgiving is this week, and Brian and Ian discuss two Christianity Today articles. One is “Full Bellies, Thankful Hearts: God designed your stomach and your heart to be intimately connected” by the late Rob Moll. The second is “Jesus Wants an Awkward Thanksgiving Dinner” by D.L. Mayfield. 

(1:13:11-1:20:11): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: This guy wins boyfriend of the year, and Secret Santa is turning violent. Americans are gross, and if animals can get along, so can we. Meanwhile, a British family is offering a livable wage to play with a dog.

(00:00-09:03): Simon Sinek has an interesting perception for confronting people. Brian and Ian listen to his clip and reflect on this as church leaders. How do we graciously (or not-so graciously) deal with issues within the congregation? 

(09:03-36:10): We are joined by author and pastor Al Smith. He has an amazing church planting story teaming with God’s timing and grace from benevolent donors. He talks about his book “DEAR SOLOMON, MY FINANCES ARE A MESS” and his experiences with financial struggles. He emphasizes that being a pastor is not his calling, but simply PART of his calling. Despite financial struggles, he makes it a point to express generosity. Whatever God gives us, is not ours to keep. 

(36:10-46:17): 'No Phones, New Friends Friday' school lunch policy is making teens kinder — and less lonely. Anyone who knows teens knows that this kind of forced socialization has the potential to backfire. Brian and Ian discuss this interesting innovation of policy in school. 

(46:17-1:06:58): Charles Onyango, a church planter from Kenya visited the states and the show to talk about his life and church planting in Johannesburg South Africa. He says that “We talk about God’s power in Africa all the time because we feel so powerless. You in America talk about God’s presence because you feel so alone.”  You will be witnesses...to the ends of the Earth - Acts 1:8. Newthing.org 

(1:06:58-1:13:31): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: It’s not a true Christmas season until Germans are conducting a heist, and this is clearly not your house. A man achieves a new level of pretentiousness, and that’s a lot of bologna. Meanwhile, here comes Satan Claus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:03): Simon Sinek has an interesting perception for confronting people. Brian and Ian listen to his clip and reflect on this as church leaders. How do we graciously (or not-so graciously) deal with issues within the congregation? 

(09:03-36:10): We are joined by author and pastor Al Smith. He has an amazing church planting story teaming with God’s timing and grace from benevolent donors. He talks about his book “DEAR SOLOMON, MY FINANCES ARE A MESS” and his experiences with financial struggles. He emphasizes that being a pastor is not his calling, but simply PART of his calling. Despite financial struggles, he makes it a point to express generosity. Whatever God gives us, is not ours to keep. 

(36:10-46:17): 'No Phones, New Friends Friday' school lunch policy is making teens kinder — and less lonely. Anyone who knows teens knows that this kind of forced socialization has the potential to backfire. Brian and Ian discuss this interesting innovation of policy in school. 

(46:17-1:06:58): Charles Onyango, a church planter from Kenya visited the states and the show to talk about his life and church planting in Johannesburg South Africa. He says that “We talk about God’s power in Africa all the time because we feel so powerless. You in America talk about God’s presence because you feel so alone.”  You will be witnesses...to the ends of the Earth - Acts 1:8. Newthing.org 

(1:06:58-1:13:31): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: It’s not a true Christmas season until Germans are conducting a heist, and this is clearly not your house. A man achieves a new level of pretentiousness, and that’s a lot of bologna. Meanwhile, here comes Satan Claus.

(00:00-09:11): A study shows that 3 in 10 Americans do not have a positive outlook on Evangelicals. Brian and Ian read several articles that cover and discuss this. Brian says that the reason of ‘politics’ is not surprising, however, the number surprises and concerns him. 

(10:15-37:28): We are joined in-studio by Daniel Yang from the Send Institute based out of Wheaton. They are a think tank for church planters and leaders whose mission is to be sent. Daniel says it is essential to be church planters because of the potential reach. 

(37:28-47:43): More news on James MacDonald emerges regarding finances. He spent resplendently on food, clothes, hunting, etc. Brian and Ian touch on the details and how his behavior does not reflect what Jesus would do and how we shouldn’t reflect that.  

(47:43-1:07:50): We are joined by Director of Student Development at Judson, Austin Anderson. He shares his story with overcoming signs of autism as a child, the persistence and love of his parents, and finding ways through academic troubles. He also talks about his ministry Minds of Meaning, and the mission behind it. You can also reach him at [email protected] 

(1:07:50-1:15:19): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: PSA: The police are not your babysitter, and dogs straight up cannot drive cars. Ramen noodles and guinea pigs are now considered dangerous weapons. Meanwhile, why would we believe NASA?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:11): A study shows that 3 in 10 Americans do not have a positive outlook on Evangelicals. Brian and Ian read several articles that cover and discuss this. Brian says that the reason of ‘politics’ is not surprising, however, the number surprises and concerns him. 

(10:15-37:28): We are joined in-studio by Daniel Yang from the Send Institute based out of Wheaton. They are a think tank for church planters and leaders whose mission is to be sent. Daniel says it is essential to be church planters because of the potential reach. 

(37:28-47:43): More news on James MacDonald emerges regarding finances. He spent resplendently on food, clothes, hunting, etc. Brian and Ian touch on the details and how his behavior does not reflect what Jesus would do and how we shouldn’t reflect that.  

(47:43-1:07:50): We are joined by Director of Student Development at Judson, Austin Anderson. He shares his story with overcoming signs of autism as a child, the persistence and love of his parents, and finding ways through academic troubles. He also talks about his ministry Minds of Meaning, and the mission behind it. You can also reach him at [email protected] 

(1:07:50-1:15:19): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: PSA: The police are not your babysitter, and dogs straight up cannot drive cars. Ramen noodles and guinea pigs are now considered dangerous weapons. Meanwhile, why would we believe NASA?

(00:00-09:50): John Perkins: On race and the church, authentic friendship, considering heaven. Brian and Ian touch on this Religion News Source by Adelle Banks. Perkins is an advocate for racial equality, eradicating poverty, and a worker for inclusivity in Evangelical churches.

(09:50-19:28): “Knowing God’s Love is Impossible,” Derek Rishmawy writes in Christianity Today. Ian remarks about his mom’s homeless ministry and how the volunteers and residents of the shelter express unconditional love. How do we comprehend His love unless we live it by example?

(19:28-28:51): Tim Tebow posts heartbreaking video saying goodbye to his dog, Bronco. Brian and Ian discuss this heart wrenching story, and how he uses this experience to talk about loss and attachment to animals. Brian reflected on when he put his dog down, how heartbroken he was. 

(28:51-38:34): “Why 2 Chronicles Is the Most Underrated Book in the Bible” writes Andrew Wilson in The Gospel Coalition. They want to talk more about what we think an underrated book of the bible would look like? They don’t think any particular book should be underrated. 

(38:34-48:59): “A lack of sleep makes your brain eat itself, new research suggests” writes Robby Berman in Big Think. Brian thinks this is Ian’s “lane”, as he loves brain science. Also, science says silence is vital for our brains. 

(48:59-59:06): MY PILLOW Mom files lawsuit against priest for suggesting son who died by suicide might not go to Heaven. Brian and Ian discuss this Christian Post article by Leonardo Blair. Brian and Ian reflect on some funerals they have done, and how they approached families of suicide victims with compassion and comfort, not conviction. 

(59:06-1:09:04): ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ to use church land for affordable housing. Brian and Ian discuss this story by Alejandra Molina in Religion News Source. This depicts a true Christ-like calling to help the “least of us”. What can we do to reflect this as well in our communities?

(1:09:04-1:15:54): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Newsflash, beer cases look nothing like license plates, and new Venezuelan style involves a hefty pants budget. Oakland kids are fearless but reckless, and Alaska cruises are one-way. Meanwhile, Clark Kent proves that glasses are not sufficient disguise.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:50): John Perkins: On race and the church, authentic friendship, considering heaven. Brian and Ian touch on this Religion News Source by Adelle Banks. Perkins is an advocate for racial equality, eradicating poverty, and a worker for inclusivity in Evangelical churches.

(09:50-19:28): “Knowing God’s Love is Impossible,” Derek Rishmawy writes in Christianity Today. Ian remarks about his mom’s homeless ministry and how the volunteers and residents of the shelter express unconditional love. How do we comprehend His love unless we live it by example?

(19:28-28:51): Tim Tebow posts heartbreaking video saying goodbye to his dog, Bronco. Brian and Ian discuss this heart wrenching story, and how he uses this experience to talk about loss and attachment to animals. Brian reflected on when he put his dog down, how heartbroken he was. 

(28:51-38:34): “Why 2 Chronicles Is the Most Underrated Book in the Bible” writes Andrew Wilson in The Gospel Coalition. They want to talk more about what we think an underrated book of the bible would look like? They don’t think any particular book should be underrated. 

(38:34-48:59): “A lack of sleep makes your brain eat itself, new research suggests” writes Robby Berman in Big Think. Brian thinks this is Ian’s “lane”, as he loves brain science. Also, science says silence is vital for our brains. 

(48:59-59:06): MY PILLOW Mom files lawsuit against priest for suggesting son who died by suicide might not go to Heaven. Brian and Ian discuss this Christian Post article by Leonardo Blair. Brian and Ian reflect on some funerals they have done, and how they approached families of suicide victims with compassion and comfort, not conviction. 

(59:06-1:09:04): ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ to use church land for affordable housing. Brian and Ian discuss this story by Alejandra Molina in Religion News Source. This depicts a true Christ-like calling to help the “least of us”. What can we do to reflect this as well in our communities?

(1:09:04-1:15:54): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: Newsflash, beer cases look nothing like license plates, and new Venezuelan style involves a hefty pants budget. Oakland kids are fearless but reckless, and Alaska cruises are one-way. Meanwhile, Clark Kent proves that glasses are not sufficient disguise.

(00:00-09:06): Brian and Ian are not particularly interested in politics. However, they can’t help but notice the stark differences in the coverage of the impeachment trials. They take time to discuss whether or not networks and reporters are delivering impartial facts, as opposed to editorializing. 

(09:06-18:16): Sarah Carter tweeted out “Dear Bill Hybels, Thank you for the gift of tucking my kids in as they weep & cry over friendships they can longer have, the home they had to leave, & the faith they’ve watched crumble.” Brian and Ian talk about how emotional and raw her statements were. 

(18:16-27:15): Amy Simpson writes in Christianity Today “The Inspirational, Interdenominational, Multi-Congregational Ministry Movement” Brian and Ian discuss bridging gaps in the local church, between church bodies and denominations. Churches should not be competitive, they should work together. 

(27:15-36:25): A Twitter user named ‘Jacob’ wrote “Who y’all think would’ve had the best twitter account out of everybody in the Bible?” Brian and Ian have some fun with this prompt and read some of the hilarious response on the thread. 

(36:25-46:38): “Charles Barkley apologizes for “joke” about hitting female reporter” writes Jay Rigdon in MSN. Brian and Ian touch on the manner in which Barkley apologized, and how this type of behavior ought to be taken seriously. Complacency is how these types of situations escalate. 

(46:38-57:01): We are joined by co-founder of Elixir Creative, Philip Alexander. Elixir is a design firm in Milwaukee, WI that has worked with clients like Northwestern Mutual and Resideo (formerly Honeywell Home) to numerous Christian organizations nationwide.

(57:01-1:07:23): Philip stays with us to talk about counseling high school and college students. Why are they walking away from the faith? He thinks that the level of freedom the kids experience at college allows a more liberal way of thinking, atheist college professors, and more. 

(1:07:23-1:14:05): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: OK, Boomer, racoons are too heavy for ceiling tiles. Remote starts are now throwing cars into the sea, as a professor throws his career away in an ironic way. Meanwhile, how many singing fish is too many?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.