The Common Good Podcast

Brian From reflects on a striking modern-day echo of Ecclesiastes after a revealing comment from the world’s richest man reminds us that wealth can’t deliver meaning or happiness. He explores why chasing money, power, or pleasure ultimately leaves us empty, pointing instead to reverence for God as the true source of contentment. The conversation then turns to the danger of misusing Scripture to justify our own positions, urging listeners to let the whole counsel of God shape their convictions rather than cherry-picking verses to fit a preferred narrative.

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Brian From unpacks why church hopping often reflects consumer instincts rather than commitment, and why putting down roots—even in imperfect churches—matters for spiritual growth. He then turns to Super Bowl week and the explosive rise of sports betting, weighing cultural normalization against real financial, relational, and spiritual dangers, especially for young men. The episode rounds out with encouragement on staying anchored in God’s Word, understanding forgiveness as the absorption of debt, and remembering that doubt, service, and perseverance are not signs of weak faith—but marks of an honest one.

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Brian From talks with Reverend Joel Hess of St. James Chicago Church and School about his unexpected path into ministry and the joy of proclaiming the gospel as a completely free gift. Joel shares what he’s seeing on the ground in Chicago, where Gen Z is showing renewed curiosity about historic faith, real community, and truth that isn’t performative or partisan. The conversation explores why loneliness, skepticism, and overload are driving people back to church—and how grace, joy, and authenticity are meeting them there.

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Brian From reflects on family, faith, and the moments that quietly shape who we become—from a powerful weekend witnessing his daughter’s testimony to the enduring nostalgia of The Wonder Years. He explores what true transformation looks like through Jelly Roll’s bold Grammy testimony, asks hard questions about work-life balance, youth sports, and misplaced priorities, and challenges listeners to consider what actually brings joy to the enemy of our souls. The hour closes with a strong call to resist legalism, remain rooted in grace, persevere in faith, and live with integrity—online and offline—as people who simply refuse to quit.

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Brian From talks with Kyle Isabelli, lead pastor of Avenue Christian Church, about stepping into senior leadership at a young age—and doing so just as the pandemic upended everything. Kyle shares how preaching through the book of Romans has sparked honest, healthy conversations about unity, judgment, government, and disagreement in a deeply divided cultural moment. The discussion ultimately points toward a countercultural invitation: slowing down, staying rooted in Christ, and learning to be present with others—even when we don’t see eye to eye.

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Brian From talks with John Kuhfahl, Associate Campus Pastor at The Chapel’s Grayslake campus, about leaving a decades-long career in the pharmaceutical industry to step into ministry. John shares how his business background now fuels the Chapel Care Center, the largest food pantry and clothing closet in Lake County, and how serving tangible needs has reshaped the church’s culture and mission. The conversation highlights courage, calling, and the quiet miracles that happen when the church becomes known simply as “the church that helps people.”

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Brian From talks with Pastor Jonathan Bergemann of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Downers Grove about leading a congregation through the aftermath of a devastating church fire. Jonathan shares how displacement, uncertainty, and worshiping as nomads clarified what truly defines the church—not programs or buildings, but the unchanging gospel and deep personal relationships. The conversation offers a powerful reminder of perseverance, hope, and how God often does his most meaningful work when everything familiar is stripped away.

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Brian From sits down with Jonathan Masters of Park Community Church to talk about pastoring in a city defined by constant movement, change, and opportunity. Jonathan explains Park’s unique model as a family of interdependent churches, the beauty and tension of shared leadership, and why seeing others grow in their gifts brings him the greatest joy. Together, they offer a hopeful picture of what God is doing across Chicago—far beyond the headlines—and why the gospel continues to flourish in the city’s neighborhoods.

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Brian From reflects on the surprising rise in Bible engagement through The Bible Recap and what it reveals about a deeper hunger for God’s Word and a belief in a God who does immeasurably more than we can imagine. He then turns to a sobering spiritual question—what could we ever do to repay our debt to Christ—exploring grace, gratitude, and why the answer is ultimately nothing at all. Along the way, Brian challenges cultural trends around money, boredom, productivity, and distraction, calling listeners to move beyond “doing nothing” and instead invest their lives in what truly matters.

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Brian From sits down with Philip Miller, senior pastor of Moody Church, to talk about his unexpected calling into ministry and what it’s like to shepherd one of Chicago’s most historic congregations. Philip reflects on preaching through the pandemic, leading a deeply diverse church, and staying faithful without being overwhelmed by the weight of legacy. The conversation highlights the enduring DNA of Moody Church—welcoming the stranger, preaching the Word, and trusting God to transform lives over time.

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