The Common Good Podcast

Brian From reflects on a deeply personal parenting moment as his children head out on mission trips, exploring the bittersweet reality of releasing them into independence. Drawing lessons from sports heartbreak, he examines how public failure can feel defining—but why, in Christ, our worst moments do not get the final word. The episode closes with a thoughtful challenge to hustle culture, questioning whether nonstop work is something to admire, and inviting listeners to consider healthier rhythms rooted in grace, rest, and identity rather than achievement.

Thomas Sowell Quotes on X: "Elon Musk: "I sleep for about 6 hours on average and I work almost every waking hour. I don't have social dinners really. I literally just will have lunch and dinner during meetings and continue the meeting." https://t.co/QO53l3JDuK" / X 

ProFootballTalk on X: "Tyler Loop: I just mishit the ball. https://t.co/xaiF4KEAQg" / X 

Where Your Heart Is, There Your Habits Will Be Also - Christianity Today 

MTV Music's Last Song: 'Video Killed the Radio Star' 

redpillbot on X: "Mark Zuckerberg, an outspoken critic of "man-made climate change", shows off his new $300 million, 287-foot mega yacht, powered by four gigantic diesel engines. Yet another stark reminder that Net Zero is only for the peasants https://t.co/5jJ1kPnxjr" / X 

Nearly 30 Yale undergraduate departments have no Republican faculty, Buckley Institute report finds | New York Post 

Delighting in the Lord - Eric Geiger – Eric Geiger, Author and Senior Pastor, Mariners Church 

You Can Tell When War Is Breaking Out Because the Pentagon's Pizza Orders Spike Drastically 

Josh Moody on X: "No matter who you think you are—too broken or already “good enough”—the gospel meets you where you stand. Jesus saves the unlikely and the self-assured alike. If He saved Paul, He can save you. #JesusSaves #GospelHope #GraceNotWorks #FaithInChrist https://t.co/V2fRD7L2wo" / X 

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Brian From is joined by Zachary Mettler of Focus on the Family to discuss Illinois’ newly signed law legalizing physician-assisted suicide and why it raises serious moral, medical, and spiritual concerns. Mettler explains the arguments often used to support the practice—autonomy and compassion—and why they fall short in light of advances in hospice care and the Christian vision of human dignity. The conversation challenges believers to thoughtfully engage a growing “culture of death” and to advocate for a gospel-centered ethic that affirms life, even in suffering.

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Brian From is joined by Deana Thayer of Focus on the Family to talk through why the holidays can be especially challenging for stepfamilies and blended families. Deana shares practical guidance on managing expectations, communicating clearly with kids and spouses, and creating new traditions without dismissing old ones. The conversation also offers encouragement for parents facing empty-nest transitions, reminding listeners that flexibility, grace, and proactive planning can turn stressful seasons into meaningful ones.

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Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In for a thoughtful conversation about how Christians can engage popular entertainment with wisdom and discernment. They discuss the latest episodes of Stranger Things, including its darker themes, spiritual parallels, and a major coming-out storyline that raises important questions about grace and truth. The conversation also explores the religious symbolism in Knives Out and how films like these can become meaningful starting points for deeper family and faith conversations.

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As The Common Good returns for its first episode of 2026, Brian From reflects on a turbulent and formative year marked by loss, transition, growth, and God’s quiet faithfulness. He looks back on the stories that shaped the church in 2025, wrestles with bitterness, control, and perspective, and invites listeners to consider not what they want to accomplish this year—but who they want to become. Grounded in Scripture, poetry, and a powerful reminder of grace, Brian challenges us to enter the new year “free and clear,” asking God to lead, guide, and pilot our lives wherever He calls us next.

Tom Buck (Five Point Buck) on X: "If your church is so much of a “production” that you feel the need to cancel worship services during Christmas week to give everyone a break, you’ve lost the ultimate purpose of the gathering! “We are the church. Worship is what we do. We gather together to meet with God, to" / X 

 violence taking off in Nigeria, Ukraine, and Gaza, CT’s news team ranked the biggest developments we covered this year: https://t.co/WM2m6VTnm5" / X 

My Only Plea at New Year’s | Tim Challies 

Ben Sasse on X: "Friends- This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die. Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence." / X 

The Most Powerful Message Tim Keller Ever Preached | Crossway 

The Best Way to Begin a New Year | Tim Challies 

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What would it be like if your most regrettable moment became a viral spectacle for the world to mock, judge, and never forget? In this episode, Brian From reflects on viral shame, public failure, and the crushing weight of life lived online—contrasting our culture’s lack of integrity with the hope found in confession, character, and grace. As Christmas approaches, the conversation turns toward light breaking into darkness, reminding us that even when our paths are unclear, Christ remains a steady guide.

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Brian From is joined by Al and Autumn Ray, co-founders of Marriage Team, to talk about their passion for helping struggling marriages find hope, healing, and practical skills for lasting connection. Drawing from their own marital challenges, the Rays explain how marriage coaching works, why communication is foundational, and how couples can build a shared “playbook” for life together. The conversation also introduces their new resource, Rick and Jane Learn to Be Married, a story-based series designed to help couples learn how to truly listen, talk, and grow as a team.

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Brian From is joined by Bob Stephens of Focus on the Family to discuss the organization’s end-of-year matching campaign and the wide-ranging impact of its work. Stephens shares how Focus supports marriages, parents, foster care families, and evangelism efforts reaching millions each year through radio, digital resources, and on-the-ground programs. The conversation highlights why year-end giving matters and how listeners can double their impact during this Christmas season.

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Brian From sits down with Wheaton College professor Richard Hughes Gibson to discuss his new book The Way of Dante, which explores Dante’s Divine Comedy through the eyes of C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and Charles Williams. Together they unpack why themes of hell, purgatory, and heaven still matter, and how these writers used Dante to reflect on evil, repentance, and eternal hope. The conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible look at how imagination, theology, and spiritual formation come together in the Christian life.

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Brian From sits down with author and theologian Donnie Berry to explore his new book The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God. Together, they unpack what the Bible means by God’s glory, how it unfolds across the whole story of Scripture, and why it’s both awe-inspiring and deeply personal—especially at Christmas. Donnie explains how understanding God’s glory reshapes everyday life, helping believers see their work, relationships, and ordinary moments as part of God’s grand plan to fill the world with His goodness.

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