The Common Good Podcast

Brian From talks with Pastor Matt Hoffmann of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and School in Park Ridge about ministry, leadership, and loving a local community well. Matt shares how a Christian school opens doors for gospel-centered relationships, why he serves as a police chaplain, and what it looks like to walk alongside people in moments of crisis. Joined by Associate Pastor Ethan Luft, the conversation closes with a grounded word of hope for listeners navigating suffering, reminding them that God is present and at work even in the hardest seasons.

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Brian From talks with author David McIver about his book Looking for the One and why so many Christians long to share their faith but feel hesitant or unprepared. David shares powerful, ordinary stories of listening to the Holy Spirit, recognizing who Jesus is already pursuing, and discovering that evangelism is something God wants to do through us—not something we perform for Him. The conversation reframes faith-sharing as relational, Spirit-led, and deeply rooted in identity as beloved children of God.

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Brian From is joined by Adam Holz from Plugged In to talk about the January “dead zone” at the movies and why so many big releases feel absent right now. They dive into the Netflix-only crime thriller The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, discussing what parents should know—especially its extreme and distracting level of profanity. The conversation also explores the bigger shift of major Hollywood stars moving to streaming platforms and what that means for movies, storytelling, and family viewing choices.

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Brian From is joined by Pastor Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church to talk about his call to ministry and what he loves most about being a pastor. Derek shares why “ordinary” churches—rooted in preaching, sacraments, and everyday faithfulness—are often where deep discipleship and quiet, life-changing ministry happens. The conversation also touches on church planting, blue-collar faith, and Derek’s surprising side passion: performing Shakespearean improv comedy.

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Brian From sits down with Todd Busteed of Gap Digital to explore the careful craft behind audio Bibles and audio drama. Todd shares how accuracy, humility, and even reverence guide the process of recording Scripture, from pronunciation choices to music and dramatic elements. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how God’s Word is thoughtfully translated into sound—and how creative media can serve the church and inspire the next generation of Christian storytellers.

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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Brian From reflects on service, legacy, and the call to respond to conflict with wisdom and compassion in an increasingly polarized culture. The episode wrestles with a disturbing church disruption in Minneapolis, the limits of online outrage within Christian circles, and the tension between conviction and grace when faith collides with deeply personal family decisions.

most famous MLK quotes

Digital natives embrace analog tools like letters and typewriters | AP News 

The Story of Iran’s Church in Two Sentences 

John Piper on X: "ChatGPT estimates the number of birds alive in the world at 50 billion. Jesus said God feeds them all. This meticulous providence does not tax or distract him. It proves his attentiveness and care as a Father to us his children. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow" / X 

Ed Stetzer on X: "Praying for @jonathanparnell and @citieschurch, as their worship service was disrupted by protesters today. Parnell is right when he says, "This is unacceptable. It's shameful. It's shameful to to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship." Don Lemon (bizarrely) https://t.co/UOU3PwdIBU" / X 

Protestia on X: "Is This Hypocrisy? SBC Pastor Joe Thorn Attends Same-Sex Wedding" / X 

Why We Can Confidently Persevere in Prayer | Tim Challies 

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Brian From is joined by Adam Holz from Plugged In to talk about the theatrical re-release of The Lord of the Rings extended editions and why the films still resonate 25 years later. They also dive into Plugged In’s new 2026 technology guide for parents, offering practical wisdom on screens, mental health, and digital boundaries for families. Adam closes with a simple, realistic first step for anyone looking to reset their relationship with phones and technology in the new year.

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Brian From reflects on how quickly life changes, the fragility of our time on earth, and the steady hope found in a God who never changes. From viral nostalgia trends to global persecution of Christians, conversations about the gospel, grace, and purpose anchor this wide-ranging Friday episode. Brian challenges listeners to live with intentionality, resist shallow substitutes for meaning, and rediscover true adventure and stability in following Christ. 

Trevin Wax on X: ""We are dependent. And we are workers. Yet we are workers in the hands of a mighty God, working on the mission of a mighty God with the strength of a mighty God. So we work harder than any of them, yet not us, but God who works in us." @NewChurches https://t.co/LDw5CCUx0e" / X 

The 50 Countries Where It’s Most Dangerous for Christians in 2026 - Christianity Today 

The Freeness of Grace | Desiring God 

Gen Z Missionary Bryce Crawford: ‘Jesus Loves You’ Isn’t the Gospel 

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Brian From talks with Dr. Leslie Parrott about her new book The Love Language That Matters Most and how the familiar five love languages go deeper through personal “dialects” shaped by personality and experience. They explore how couples at any stage of marriage—whether newlyweds or decades in—can communicate love more clearly, even when things feel stale, busy, or disconnected. This conversation offers practical hope for strengthening relationships by learning how to love in ways that truly land.

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Brian Fromm is joined by Focus on the Family issues analyst Jeffrey Johnston to discuss why it’s more important than ever for parents to stay informed about what their children are learning in school. They talk through how cultural and ideological issues are showing up in classrooms, how parents can have age-appropriate conversations with their kids, and what options families have when concerns arise. The conversation also explores the role churches can play in equipping parents, engaging school boards, and advocating for education that respects families and their values.

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