The Common Good Podcast

Brian From moves from timely headlines about stolen packages, cash gifts, and aging bodies to deeper reflections on faith, passion, and purpose. Along the way, he contrasts the darkness of greed, cynicism, and exhaustion with the Advent promise that Christ is the light no darkness can overcome. As Christmas approaches, Brian invites listeners to ask a piercing question of their own lives: are we living with passion—and are we stepping fully into the marvelous light of Christ?

250,000 packages stolen per day, study finds, as lawmakers push stiffer penalties - CBS News 

Denny Burk on X: "Dane Ortlund’s 39 rules for preaching. Really good stuff. Here’s number 38: “Preach every sermon like your son is sitting on the last row and giving church one last chance."" / X 

Long-term study reveals physical ability peaks at age 35 

Jared C. Wilson on X: "“You know, the Greeks didn’t write obituaries. They only asked one question when a man died: Did he have passion?” https://t.co/Aqg4dPI97Y" / X 

Most Americans think cash gifts are acceptable, poll shows | AP News 

Former Harvard morgue manager sentenced for selling body parts - CBS News 

The Light of Life - Christianity Today 

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As Christmas draws near, Brian From explores why empathy is essential to the Christian life, especially in a polarized and often graceless public square. He reflects on how Jesus models true compassion—entering into the suffering of others rather than offering detached sympathy. The hour also turns toward rediscovering the wonder of Christmas, inviting listeners to reclaim awe, humility, and joy in the light that has come into the darkness.

Tom Buck (Five Point Buck) on X: "Truly sad to see @POTUS respond to Rob Reiner’s murder in the shameful way he did. He had an opportunity to model grace and mercy in the face of wickedness. I despised Reiner’s politics, but every life should be treated with dignity. I pray those around Trump will correct him." / X 

Christianity Is More Than Just Being a Good Person - RELEVANT 

John 1 NIV - The Word Became Flesh - In the - Bible Gateway 

Glenn Packiam on X: "A little “Juice-box Theology” (If you don’t like analogies or illustrations in a sermon, you may not like this.) https://t.co/KxnoHJTDJI" / X 

Griffin Gulledge on X: "I don’t know who this guy is, but I appreciate him admitting that there is a Jesus part of him and a political part of him and that they are in competition. Not enough people admit that. What he needs to understand: the Jesus follower part is always supposed to win." / X 

God of Light and Life - Christianity Today 

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As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the tension between seasonal joy and a world marked by violence, loss, and uncertainty, reminding listeners why the message of “good news of great joy for all people” matters precisely when darkness feels overwhelming. The show takes a lighter—but revealing—turn with a discussion of a lawsuit asking whether pets should be recognized as legal dependents, sparking a broader conversation about modern priorities and cultural shifts. Brian closes by exploring why joy can feel so difficult, even in Advent, and why true joy is not rooted in circumstances but anchored in the hope found in Christ.

Bondi Beach shooting live updates: 15 dead at Hanukkah event, including children 

Gospel in Life on X: "You may think, “My biggest problem is if I could just make the money, if I could just get the job, if this door would open …” You think your problems are the circumstances, but circumstances cannot destroy your life the way character flaws can. It’s your character that is your" / X 

Lawyer Sues The IRS, Demanding It Recognize Pets As Legal Dependents 

Rich Villodas on X: "Living joyfully can be hard for two reasons: 1. It can *feel bad* to have joy when the world around you is in pain. 2. It can *feel hard* to have joy when you’re in a bad situation. But we rejoice, not because all is well, but because we trust that God is at work. #Advent" / X 

A Costco Manager’s Unexpected Kindness Turns a Coat Donation Into a Holiday Surprise - ReCglimb 

Fascinating on X: "Just before the start of the 544-mile Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983, one particular runner caught the attention of the Australian media: a 61-year-old potato farmer named Cliff Young. He had shown up before the race wearing overalls and work boots, telling https://t.co/AL55nvfsSP" / X 

Don’t Be Duped by This Year’s Biggest Religious Trend

Pat McAfee on X: "Absolutely love this from Old Man Rivers.. Anybody can do nothing.. DON’T BE SCARED TO GO FOR IT https://t.co/dRYJGg2uSl" / X 

Christianity Today on X: "“No matter how dark things might seem, light has come and is coming again, and darkness cannot overcome it.” Today’s Advent devotional: https://t.co/YeCedczYsr" / X 

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Brian From is joined by Jeff Bradford, President and CEO of The Human Coalition, to discuss how the organization supports women who believe abortion is their only option and helps them choose life. Bradford explains Human Coalition’s dual focus on direct care for mothers and legislative advocacy, including how they respond to the rise of chemical abortions and serve states like Illinois. The conversation also addresses the deep wounds many carry after abortion, offering a message of forgiveness, healing, and tangible ways listeners can make a life-saving impact.

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Brian From reflects on the dangers of political cynicism and power while calling Christians to lives marked by character, integrity, and Christlike distinctiveness. As Christmas approaches, he explores the spiritual cost of screen addiction, the importance of turning toward one another, and how practices like communal singing and gracious speech shape healthier, more faithful lives. The episode closes with Advent reflections that point listeners to hope, light in the darkness, and the promise of Emmanuel—God with us.

Redistricting fight shifts to Wisconsin, where judicial panels may pick new maps 

Singing with Other People Improves Health More Than Singing Alone 

Speak with a Christian Accent 

Turn Toward Each Other and Away from the Screen - Christianity Today 

How to Fight Your Phone Idolatry 

x.com/CTmagazine/status/1999471822891307332 

Oprah accused of fueling family estrangement crisis she now warns about | Fox News 

A Gentle Pastor Isn’t a Weak Pastor 

Somebody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: A Christmas Reflection 

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Brian From reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of sports fandom, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, and why dark chocolate might help you live longer—even if he refuses to eat it. He explores the deeper spiritual challenge of Christmas: not consumerism or secularism, but our own boredom with the most astonishing story ever told. The episode closes with a sobering look at the Michigan football scandal as a reminder that sin always destroys—and the gospel always restores.

Dark Chocolate Compound Linked To Slower Aging 

Thief Said He Was "Teleported” Into Stolen BMW | The Smoking Gun 

Fascinating on X: "Adolf (Adi) and his older brother Rudolph (Rudi) Dassler, born in Germany, established the world's first sports shoe company, Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, achieving global fame when athletes clinched 17 medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in their footwear, including four golds https://t.co/jKXW1DH6rh" / X 

Desiring God on X: "Where do you place your hope in the hardest times? We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a hope to carry us through every tribulation and trial: That hope is Jesus. Sermon: “Happy in Hope, Patient in Pain, Constant in Prayer” https://t.co/YDcQJy8X4b" / X 

Bend Toward the Light - Christianity Today 

RightNow Media on X: "Jesus is too wonderful for words to fully describe. 🎬 Advent with @jdgreear on RightNow Media https://t.co/ia6lQZH6Hv" / X 

ESPN on X: "Sherrone Moore was detained by police in Saline, Michigan, on Wednesday and was later turned over to a second area police department for investigation into potential charges, the Saline Police Department stated. https://t.co/IddSQorpsa" / X 

Against the World, for the Sake of the World 

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Brian From talks with Dr. Greg Smalley, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Marriage, about the nuanced and often sensitive question of opposite-sex friendships within marriage. Smalley distinguishes healthy, casual friendships from emotionally intimate ones, offering practical guidance, guardrails, and real-life examples for maintaining trust and protecting the marital bond. The conversation emphasizes communication, transparency, and teamwork as the essential tools for navigating modern workplaces and relationships with wisdom.

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Brian From welcomes pastor and author Nate Pickowicz to discuss his new book, Overcoming the Darkness: Biblical Help for Spiritual Depression, a deeply personal exploration of anxiety, discouragement, and the struggle to rediscover joy in Christ. Pickowicz shares his own battle with spiritual depression, outlines practical steps for healing—including his “wheel of spiritual health”—and highlights how Scripture honestly portrays the emotional valleys of God’s people. The conversation offers hope, theological clarity, and a path forward for anyone longing to experience God’s peace again.

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Brian From welcomes Plugged In’s Adam Holz for a deep dive into the biggest films arriving just in time for Christmas—including the new Knives Out mystery and what families should know before watching. Holz shares thoughtful guidance on choosing age-appropriate holiday entertainment, recommends a few under-the-radar Christmas gems, and confesses which “classics” he still can’t quite get through. It’s a fun, insightful conversation for anyone navigating movies, faith, and family traditions this holiday season.

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Brian From sits down with Isaiah Nichols, Creative Director at Gospel Life Church, to explore Behold—a free, immersive Christmas experience blending original music, Hamilton-inspired storytelling, live animals, and a bustling Bethlehem marketplace. Nichols describes the vision behind the production and why Christmas is a uniquely open season for sharing the gospel and inviting friends into church life. The conversation highlights creativity, community outreach, and the heart behind helping families encounter the story of Jesus in a fresh and joyful way.

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