The Common Good Podcast

Brian From talks with pastor and YouTuber Tim Wildsmith about his new book, The Daily Scripture Guidebook, designed to help readers engage the entire Bible in 52 weeks with clarity and confidence. Wildsmith explains how context, structure, and community can turn a daunting reading plan into a transformative daily rhythm. He also shares insights from his popular Bible-focused YouTube channel and offers encouragement for anyone who’s struggled to stay consistent in Scripture.

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Brian From returns after a snowy Thanksgiving weekend to reflect on control, contentment, and the rhythms that shape our lives heading into Christmas. From chaotic holiday travel to Cyber Monday pressures, he challenges listeners to rediscover rest, generosity, and trust in God amid a culture of busyness and consumerism. The episode weaves together personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical insight to help listeners slow down and find hope in the season ahead

Rest Can't Be for Weekends Alone - RELEVANT 

The Gospel Coalition on X: "No matter how trapped you feel by greed or gossip or lust or bitterness, the truth remains: Jesus won your freedom. https://t.co/uA8g5RPz5P" / X 

Galatians 6 NIV - Doing Good to All - Brothers and - Bible Gateway 

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Brian From welcomes John Plake from the American Bible Society to unpack the latest State of the Bible survey and what it shows about faith, flourishing, and identity across generations. Plake explains why Bible-engaged people report dramatically higher well-being, how church community strengthens personal identity—especially for Gen Z—and why young adults are showing renewed curiosity toward Scripture. The conversation offers surprising data, hopeful trends, and practical encouragement for anyone wondering where Americans stand with the Bible today.

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Brian From talks with Adam Holz from Plugged In about the biggest films arriving over Thanksgiving weekend and how families can think critically about the worldviews behind them. Holz breaks down the buzz around Wicked: For Good, previews Zootopia 2, and offers guidance on helping kids engage entertainment thoughtfully rather than passively. He also shares his favorite Christmas movies as the holiday season officially begins.

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Brian From speaks with Samaritan Aviation founder Mark Palm about the organization’s extraordinary work flying medical rescue missions into some of the most remote regions of Papua New Guinea. Palm shares how seaplanes have become a lifeline for villages days away from the nearest hospital—and an unexpected doorway for sharing hope and the gospel. He also invites listeners to watch Salmon Balouse: The Story of the Flying Canoe, a new documentary capturing the mission’s impact and the families behind it.

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Brian From talks with campus outreach leader Tony Dentman about an unexpected surge of spiritual openness and commitment among students at the University of Illinois Chicago and beyond. Dentman describes a season unlike any he’s seen in eight years—marked by foundational questions, newfound hunger for Scripture, and students boldly sharing their faith. He also reflects on why this movement feels different, how it’s spreading across campuses and even across continents, and how listeners can pray and get involved.

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Brian From speaks with Dave Anderson, child psychologist and founder of Safe Families, about the organization’s mission to support isolated parents before crises escalate. Anderson explains how Safe Families mobilizes volunteers to temporarily host children, mentor parents, and provide relational support that keeps families together. With the holidays approaching—a difficult season for many single parents—he shares how individuals and churches can play a vital role in offering community, dignity, and hope.

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Here's an Interesting Theory About Why Kids' Test Results Have Fallen to Their Lowest Point in Two Decades 

Michael Youssef to step down as pastor, will dedicate more time to other ministry 

Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith | Tim Challies 

Patient Urgency: The Pace of the Fruitful Life | Desiring God 

J.D. Greear on X: "No evil should be associated with the name of Jesus. https://t.co/MA2slBiakh https://t.co/SQCN9Cj9rr" / X 

Galatians 4 NIV - What I am saying is that as long as an - Bible Gateway 

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