The Philosophical Cowgirl

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

Sarah is joined by Christian author, literary scholar, philosopher, pastor, and longtime professor Donald T. Williams about a dangerous shift in how people are taught to read today: from seeking authorial intention (originalism) to the reader-response view that readers create meaning, a stance he calls self-refuting and morally inconsistent with a “hermeneutical golden rule” of giving authors the same good-faith interpretive courtesy we expect for ourselves. 

Some practical issues with this approach is that it: 

• Undermines truth 
• Fuels social-media chaos 
• Affects interpretations of foundational texts like the Constitution and the Bible by transferring authority from text to reader. 

This post-truth environment leads to other issues like media manipulation and reactivity against views we disagree with or find uncomfortable (Huck Finn as a racist book is discussed as an example). But Dr. Williams ultimately proposes better reading and understanding skills by caring about truth, close textual analysis rather than superficial reactivity, discipleship, and prayer for revival.

You can get more on Dr. Williams' views on this topic in his book 95 Theses For A New Reformation (Amazon link here: https://a.co/d/01xXRmEK). 

To check out the rest of Dr. William's work, check out his website at https://donaldtwilliams.com/

And his blog at https://thefivepilgrims.com/

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

Why does a good God allow suffering?
It’s one of the oldest—and hardest—questions we can ask.

In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl, I sit down with philosopher and apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to explore the problem of evil from both an intellectual, deeply personal, and Christian perspective.

Dr. Groothuis doesn’t just approach this topic academically—he has lived it. He shares reflections from his journey walking alongside his wife through early onset dementia, offering a perspective that is both philosophically rich and profoundly human.

We discuss:

Why the problem of evil is such a serious challenge

Common responses (and where they fall short)

The role of suffering in a Christian worldview

How to think clearly—and honestly—about pain, loss, and faith

Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation invites you to wrestle with one of life’s deepest questions.

Dr. Groothuis is the Distinguished Researxh Professor of Applogetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University. 

Check out his website for more resources: www.douglasgroothuis.com

Books by Dr. Groothuis mentioned in the show:

📘 Christian Apologetics
A comprehensive and accessible guide to defending the Christian faith
👉 https://a.co/d/07D5bXPy

📘 Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament
A powerful, personal reflection on love, loss, and enduring faith
👉 https://a.co/d/01zz0zuS

📗 Coming Soon: What If Jesus Was Right? (with Lindsey Medenwaldt)
A fresh exploration of Jesus’ teachings and their implications for truth and reality

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might be wrestling with these questions.

Chapters: 

00:00 Wrestling With Suffering

00:45 Meet Dr Groothuis

03:14 Defining The Problem

05:47 Worldviews Under Pressure

10:34 Creation Fall Redemption

13:40 Personal Suffering And Trust

17:36 Where Evil Comes From

18:40 Greater Good Defense

20:20 Inscrutable Not Meaningless

23:18 Augustine On Privation

26:24 Hope In New Creation

29:28 Desire For Heaven

31:52 Good Needs God

33:58 Atheism And Meaning

35:20 Best Explanation Standard

36:34 God Who Suffers

38:28 Toxic Positivity Myths

39:55 What To Say Instead

42:39 Grief Has No Timer

44:30 Purpose Without Platitudes

49:35 Lament And Real Hope

53:41 Anger With God

55:38 Staying Engaged

56:47 Books And Writing Life

#PhilosophicalCowgirl #ProblemOfEvil #FaithAndReason #ChristianApologetics #Suffering #Philosophy

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

 We live in a culture that treats opinions like they’re facts and feelings like they’re evidence. But truth doesn’t bend for us—and ignoring that has consequences.
 In this episode, we’ll explore what truth is, what it isn’t, how it differs from opinion, and why getting this distinction right matters for our lives, our relationships, and our communities. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

Manda McCarthy is a reined cowhorse trainer based in Conifer, CO. She’s got a compelling story, a deep sense of perspective, and plenty of horsemanship wisdom to share. Plus, we’ll discuss her recent NRCHA Premier Event win in the Limited Open Hackamore class at the Derby in Scottsdale! You don’t want to miss this conversation. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

In this episode, I sit down with Rodney Yost—4th-generation rancher, founder of Rodney Yost Horsemanship (also the guy who started barrel horse extraordinaire, Adios Pantalones), and part of the family behind South Dakota’s Broadaxe Ranch.

We had a great conversation, in which Rodney shared wisdom from a life spent training horses, insights on building and marketing a business, and how being a part of a ranching family’s legacy drives him to succeed.

Follow the social media pages of both the Broadaxe Ranch and Rodney Yost Horsemanship to keep tabs on what’s going on with them in the future!

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

Ever wonder what your equine vet is really thinking? In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Maria Brock joins me to talk about the emotional toll of veterinary work, common client misconceptions, and the reality behind why most horse vets aren’t in it for the money. We discuss the impact of abusive clients, burnout, and what your vet wishes you understood—both about them and the horses they care for. Whether you’re a horse owner, trainer, or just curious about the human side of veterinary medicine, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the horse world’s most important but misunderstood roles.

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

Emotions aren’t just human terrain—our horses feel them too. In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl, we explore the five key elements of emotional intelligence and how they shape our horsemanship. From self-awareness to social skill, we unpack what it means to be the emotional anchor in a relationship with a prey animal that lives in the moment. If you’ve ever reacted too fast, felt misunderstood, or wondered how to become a leader worth following, this episode is for you!

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

In this solo episode, we wade into the stormy waters of online outrage, public perception, and the horse world’s increasingly fragile relationship with the outside eye. We'll talk about the tragic case of Dr. Shawn Frehner, a veterinarian caught in the viral crosshairs of condemnation before his side was widely heard. 

How should the horse industry respond to rising criticism—from animal rights activists to uninformed social media voices? And what role do we play in shaping that response? 

I'll unpack the importance of withholding judgment until we know more, why education must replace reactivity, and how humility might just be our strongest tool in an increasingly outrage-addicted world. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

 In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Winn—expert saddle fitter, lifelong horsewoman, and representative for Burns Saddlery. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how saddle fit impacts both horse and rider, Wendy shares insights that blend tradition, craftsmanship, and practicality. We talk about common saddle fit issues, the difference a well-fitted saddle makes, and tips for riders choosing tack. Whether you’re riding the range or the arena, this conversation will give you a deeper understanding of and  appreciation for the art and science of saddle fitting.

Wendy's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/winnhorses.org

Burns Saddlery: https://burns1876.com/brand/SADDLERY

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!

In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the ongoing “war” between three major horsemanship styles: Natural Horsemanship, Cowboy/performance training, and what I lovingly call Hippie Horsemanship. 

We’ll talk about where each style shines, where they fall short, and why so many horse owners feel pressure to pick a side. (Spoiler alert: You don’t have to.) 

If you’ve ever wondered where you fit in — or if you should fit in at all — this one’s for you. 

🎧 Hit play, and let’s get honest about what really matters in your horse training journey. 

www.thephilosophicalcowgirl.com 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: [email protected]