The Common Good Podcast

Brian From welcomes back former cohost and longtime friend Ian Simkins for a lively, heartfelt conversation spanning ministry, fatherhood, spiritual formation, and the early days of The Common Good. Together they reflect on Ian’s work at The Bridge in Tennessee, the power of “table” community, and the encouraging spiritual hunger they see in the next generation. It is equal parts reunion, storytelling, and joyful chaos—including favorite show memories, parenting confessions, and a rapid-fire Christmas movie debate.

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Alistair Begg discusses his transition into retirement, the relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes in today's society, and the search for meaning in life. He emphasizes the importance of placing hope in God and offers practical advice for those struggling to find joy, especially during the Christmas season.

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Brian From moves from heartwarming viral stories and frigid-weather musings to deeper reflections on habits, comparison, and the spiritual “ice” that keeps us from seeing clearly. He wrestles with cultural debates—from extravagant church Christmas productions to surprising zoo controversies—while continually inviting listeners back to the hope, clarity, and stability found in Jesus, our firm foundation. As Christmas approaches, Brian urges us to shed the weights that entangle, embrace our God-given callings, and remember that even amid rubble, Christ holds every story together.

Bob Goff on Escaping the Comparison Trap and Finding Your Real Purpose - RELEVANT 

'Tax-free grift': Critics already furious about Texas church's Christmas show 

Held Together by a Cornerstone - Christianity Today 

Equipping a New Generation for Mission and the Urbana Conference 

Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: ""On average, young adults remain much less religious than older Americans,” reads the report released Monday (Dec. 8). “Today’s young adults also are less religious than young people were a decade ago.” https://t.co/9ZQv6rFuIa" / X 

My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2025 

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Brian From speaks with Jeff Bradford, CEO and President of Human Coalition, about the organization’s frontline work reaching women who believe abortion is their only option and providing them with compassionate, practical support. Bradford explains how Human Coalition combines medical care, social services, technology, and church partnerships to remove barriers and empower women to choose life—often at the very moment they are seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Their conversation highlights a powerful truth: when women are met with hope, help, and a supportive community, life becomes a real and attainable choice.

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Brian From navigates a wide range of stories—from surprising statistics about self-checkout theft to personal reflections on aging, snowy weekends, and the rhythms of the holiday season—before turning to deeper spiritual truths. Drawing from Scripture, he highlights how God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes and reminds listeners of the importance of remembrance, comfort, and hope during Advent. The episode culminates with a reading of Luke 2, centering hearts on the good news of great joy at the core of Christmas.

Psychologists have discovered a new personality type labelled ‘otrovert’ 

Even Incomplete Comfort Is a Blessing 

Self-checkout theft: 1 in 4 users say they've stolen, survey finds 

Taylor Swift Makes Sure Never to Do This 1 Thing. Neuroscience Says She's Right 

From Limping to Leaping - Christianity Today 

Notre Dame opts to skip postseason entirely after being left out of College Football Playoff 

ICE Nativity scenes: Churches reimagine Christmas story amid deportations 

Kirk Cameron Denies 'Eternal Conscious Torment,' Is Now An Annihilationist? - Protestia 

Luke 2 NIV - The Birth of Jesus - In those days - Bible Gateway 

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Brian From talks with evangelist and author Ray Comfort about his two new books—Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible and Jesus Amplified—and the surprising ways biblical missteps teach us about God’s patience, human nature, and spiritual wisdom. Comfort reflects on decades of daily Scripture immersion, the richness of the Amplified Bible, and why understanding Jesus’ words in depth is essential for a resilient faith. He also shares practical insight on evangelism, courage, and how everyday conversations can open doors to meaningful discussions about eternity.

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Brian From welcomes Barry Meguiar—entrepreneur, TV host, and founder of Ignite America—to discuss why every Christian can confidently share their faith and why the world is more spiritually open than we think. Meguiar’s contagious passion challenges believers to love people boldly, trust the Holy Spirit’s leading, and live each day with eternity in mind. Their conversation is an energizing call to move “off the bench and into the game,” especially during the Christmas season.

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Brian From sits down with longtime Focus on the Family counselor Rob Jackson to talk about why the Christmas season can intensify grief, loneliness, and emotional struggle for so many. Jackson offers practical wisdom on healthy coping, supporting loved ones, and dismantling unhelpful Christian stigmas around sadness, counseling, and mental health. Their conversation provides compassionate guidance—and a reminder that no one has to walk through a painful holiday season alone.

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Brian From sits down with Betsy Wright, Senior Director of Angel Tree at Prison Fellowship, to explore how this Christ-centered program supports children with incarcerated parents during the Christmas season. Wright explains how Angel Tree strengthens family bonds, breaks cycles of trauma, and connects hurting families with local churches for ongoing care. Their conversation highlights the powerful work God is doing inside prisons and in communities beyond the bars—and how anyone can get involved.

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As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the whirlwind of the season, the pressures of time, and the importance of being fully present in the moments God has given us. He addresses the sobering economic realities many listeners are facing—rising layoffs, a frozen housing market, financial strain—and reminds us why the good news of Christ’s arrival is still “good news of great joy for all people.” Brian closes with encouragement from John 15, urging us to abide in Christ as our true source of strength, peace, and fruitfulness during uncertain times.

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