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Episode 15 - How much of our lives are being controlled by the glowing rectangle in our hands?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the growing battle for our attention—from screen time and social media to parenting, relationships, mental toughness, and our ability to simply be still. We talk about how our phones can shape the way we listen, how we love, how we parent, and even how we see ourselves.

But underneath it all is a deeper question: Are we so distracted by the world that we've stopped listening for the voice of God?

Rooted in Scripture and filled with real-life stories, we talk about learning to listen instead of always responding, finding our identity in Christ instead of the world, setting boundaries with technology, and intentionally creating space to hear what the Lord is calling us to do.

Because whatever continually captures your attention will eventually capture your heart.

Be still and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10

This is The Conviction Exchange—where everybody has an opinion, but not everybody has a conviction. What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

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Episode 14 - What happens when our desire to protect our kids actually keeps them from becoming resilient?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the reality of raising kids in a culture where discomfort is often avoided, failure is softened, and parents can feel pressured to protect their children from every possible struggle. We talk about mental toughness, perseverance, parenting, sports, coaching, and the incredible influence that adults can have in a child’s life.

We also wrestle with the balance between correction and grace, learning from our own childhood experiences, and recognizing when our anxiety is shaping the way we parent. From family dynamics and holiday expectations to coaches who push kids beyond what they think they can handle, this conversation gets real about what it takes to develop character and resilience.

Most importantly, we bring it back to Scripture and the reminder that perseverance doesn't happen overnight. James 1 tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and perseverance produces maturity. Sometimes the valleys, challenges, failures, and uncomfortable moments we want to remove are the very things God uses to grow us.

So how do we give our kids room to struggle without abandoning them? How do we teach toughness without losing grace? And how do we become the kind of parents, coaches, and leaders who help the next generation become who God created them to be?

It's a conversation about parenting, perseverance, grace, mental toughness, and trusting God through the process.

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Episode 13 - What happens when empathy goes too far—and accountability disappears?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the difficult conversation surrounding the Clancy trial, mental health, postpartum depression, psychiatric care, justice, and the growing confusion over truth and responsibility.

But this conversation goes much deeper than one trial.

We talk about the danger of “toxic empathy,” the importance of recognizing our wounds without allowing them to become excuses, and what it means to let God redeem the broken places in our lives. We also wrestle with the spiritual battle happening beneath the surface of our culture—and why Scripture reminds us that our fight is ultimately not against flesh and blood.

Can we have compassion without abandoning truth? Can we acknowledge mental illness while still believing in accountability? And what if the very things that broke us are the things God wants to use to help someone else?

This is a heavy conversation—but an important one.

Everyone has an opinion. Not everyone has a conviction.

What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

📖 I Never Knew: Find Healing and Renewal After Trauma by Phyllis Robertson Thomas releases October 6. Signed copies are available for pre-order at INeverKnewBook.com.

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Episode 12 - What happens when we admire someone so much that we begin to give them a place in our lives that belongs to God alone?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we talk about the recent passing of Dolly Parton and the incredible influence she had across generations. But the conversation quickly goes much deeper: Why are we so drawn to celebrities, influencers, pastors, athletes, and people of power? And when does admiration cross the line into idolatry?

We unpack celebrity culture, the psychology behind fame, the responsibility that comes with influence, and why even good people can unintentionally point others toward themselves instead of toward Christ.

We also talk about the importance of humility, accountability, correction, and surrounding yourself with people who are willing to tell you the truth—even when it's uncomfortable.

Because influence isn't the problem. What we do with our influence is.

Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

Whether you have a million followers or influence one person at your job, you have influence. The question is: Who are you pointing them toward?

And ultimately, we come back to this conviction:

We were created to worship the Creator—not the created.

Join us for Episode 12 of The Conviction Exchange as we wrestle with fame, influence, idolatry, humility, and what it means to keep Jesus at the center.

Everyone has an opinion. But not everyone has a conviction.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 11 — What happens when we become so comfortable with “common ground” that we lose sight of what we actually believe?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, Chandler, Shawn, and Phyllis dive into a challenging conversation about spiritual discernment, worship, and the danger of becoming spiritually “neutral.” From a controversial song being labeled as Christian worship to the influence of music, entertainment, and culture, the conversation asks an important question: Are we worshiping Jesus, or simply following what makes us feel good?

The conversation goes deeper into the difference between worship and entertainment, the importance of examining our heart posture, and what it means to stand firmly on biblical truth without becoming legalistic or condemning toward others. The group also explores how Christians can remain unwavering in their faith while still loving and engaging with people who don't share their beliefs.

Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that following Christ isn't about finding the broadest common ground—it's about seeking wisdom, practicing discernment, and choosing the narrow road even when it's difficult.

What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

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Episode 10 - Are We Treating the Problem—or Just the Symptoms?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into an honest conversation about depression, anxiety, trauma, medication, therapy, and faith.

Are we addressing the root of the problem—or simply treating the symptoms? And what happens when we become so convinced of our own perspective that we stop listening?

We talk about wisdom, humility, the impact of trauma on how we think and respond, and why Scripture calls us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).

This conversation challenges both sides: seek truth, stay humble, and keep Christ at the center.

Everyone has an opinion. But not everyone has a conviction.

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Episode 9 - What Is the Church? What if we’ve gotten church wrong?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we wrestle with a question that sounds simple but carries some serious weight: What is the church actually supposed to be?

We talk about the difference between building a church and building a brand, the dangers of influence and platform culture, and what happens when we begin valuing people for their gifts and talents instead of simply loving them for who they are.

We dive into what the early church modeled—community, generosity, serving the vulnerable, sharing life together, and walking through the messiness of life side by side. We also talk about why connection has to come before correction, and why sometimes the church needs to stop asking, “What did you do to get here?” and start asking, “What do you need?”

This conversation gets real about church hurt, leadership, pride, influence, biblical justice, house churches, and what it might look like to get back to the heart of what Jesus intended.

Because maybe the church isn't supposed to be a building, a brand, or a business.

Maybe it's supposed to be a family.

Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone has a conviction.

The question is: What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 8 - Is your health routine glorifying God, or are you just trying to outrun aging? In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, Phyllis, Chandler, and Shawn get real about what it actually means to "protect the temple."

From Kenny Loggins concerts and St. Louis trips to ADHD superpowers, diet trends, and TRT—we’re diving deep into the balance between taking care of our physical bodies and keeping our spiritual priorities straight.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why we rely on quick fixes instead of natural stewardship.
• Viewing ADHD and personal wiring as a God-given strength.
• The danger of "spiritual obesity" (ingesting truth without pouring out).
• How loving God and loving your neighbor directly impacts how you care for your body.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 7 - Is tithing a biblical command, an act of worship, or something that has become misunderstood in today’s church? In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we have an honest and thought-provoking conversation about tithing, generosity, and the heart behind giving. We explore the difference between giving out of genuine conviction and giving because of pressure, obligation, or religious expectations. What does the Bible really say about giving, and how should our faith shape the way we view our finances and generosity? This conversation challenges us to examine not just what we give, but why we give—and whether our generosity truly reflects what we believe.

To pre-order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" visit www.ineverknewbook.com 

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

Follow us on Instagram or on Facebook

Pre-Order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" at www.ineverknewbook.com

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Episode 6 - The greatest battle you'll ever fight may not be happening around you—it may be happening inside your mind. In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, Chandler, Shawn, and Phyllis take a deep dive into the real battleground of life: the thought patterns inside our own heads. 

Phyllis (our resident therapist) breaks down the powerful psychological and spiritual distinction between fear and anxiety—and why your brain is acting as a "prediction machine" meant to keep you safe. Meanwhile, Shawn highlights a bold perspective from Luke 12:4 on why eternity changes how we view daily battles, and Chandler shares a personal wake-up call about how screens and doom-scrolling are pulling us out of real connection. 

Whether you're struggling with high-stakes worry, feeling paralyzed by worst-case scenarios, or searching for practical tools to speak life over yourself, this conversation offers grounded biblical truth, therapeutic wisdom, and a reminder to keep taking steps forward with Jesus. 

To pre-order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" visit www.ineverknewbook.com 

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

Follow us on Instagram or on Facebook

Pre-Order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" at www.ineverknewbook.com