The Speakeasy

Author, strategist, and leader Clint Grider joins Blake to discuss his journey from research and Christian universities to becoming an ordained pastor working with churches and ministries. He emphasizes the challenges churches face in a fast-paced and complex world, where there's a gap between their intentions and outcomes in making disciples. This conversation delves into the importance of data and science in church leadership, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that combines emotional and data-driven decision-making. Join us as we explore how churches can assess their effectiveness and adapt to better serve their members and reach their intended goals.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Gain insights into how churches can leverage data and adapt their strategies based on real-time information to better serve their communities.

• Hear practical examples of how churches have implemented innovative approaches, such as creating family acrostics and gathering stories, to address the unique needs of their congregations.

• Explore how every individual, whether they are part of a church staff, volunteers, or lay leaders, recognizes their potential to make a meaningful impact within their church community and contribute to its growth and mission.

Clint is the author of Mind the Gap – available everywhere now!

To connect with Clint:

Facebook: @clint.grider.3

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Author, speaker, and podcaster Sheila Gregoire joins Blake to discuss the impact of toxic teachings in evangelical churches on women's marital and sexual satisfaction. Sheila explains how their research project surveyed thousands of women to examine how these teachings harmed women's experiences and led to harmful beliefs. Joins them as they talk about the consequences of purity culture, the lack of boundaries in evangelical communities, and the importance of teaching girls to have a voice and set boundaries. This episode emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of what their children are being taught in church and to engage in open conversations with them to counter harmful messages.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Explore the impact of toxic teachings within evangelical churches on women's self-esteem, relationships, and boundaries.

• Gain insights into the research-backed findings about the harmful effects of purity culture and modesty messages.

• Discover strategies and conversations to help parents empower their children to recognize red flags and prioritize healthy boundaries within church communities.

Sheila is the author of She Deserves Better – available everywhere now!

To connect with Sheila:

Website: baremarriage.com

Instagram: @sheilagregoire

Facebook: @sheila.gregoire

Podcast: Bare Marriage

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Author and speaker Christy Boulware joins Blake to discuss their experiences with anxiety and how their pursuit of success and the pressure to be superwomen led to burnout and severe anxiety. Christy's journey involves striving for achievement, climbing the corporate ladder, and experiencing panic attacks that eventually led her to surrender and seek God's help. Join us as they talk about the importance of addressing mental health from a holistic perspective, including the body, soul, and spirit and what it looks like to slow down in today's fast-paced world and prioritize self-care.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Gain insight into the intersection of mental health and spirituality, discussing the role of surrender, faith, and holistic well-being in overcoming anxiety.

• Recognize "smoke alarms" in our bodies, prioritize self-care, and embrace a slower pace of life to combat anxiety in today's fast-paced world.

• Discover that success is not solely about external achievements, but also involves prioritizing mental, physical, and spiritual health as integral components of a fulfilling life.

Christy is the author of Nervous Breakthrough – available everywhere now!

To connect with Christy:

Website: christyboulware.com

Instagram: @christymboulware

Facebook: @christy.boulware

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Pastor, author and speaker Mark Batterson joins Blake to discuss his new book about the power of words. He emphasizes the impact of words and explores the concept that they have the power to shape our world and experiences; they are not just representations of reality but also play a role in creating the world around us. In his book, he focuses on the three words "please, sorry, thanks," explaining their significance in relationships, success, and personal growth. Join them as they touch on vulnerability, leadership, and gratitude while reflecting on the theology of these words.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Gain a profound understanding of how language influences perceptions and experiences.

• Discover the transformative impact of using essential words—please, sorry, and thanks—on their relationships and personal growth.

• Explore the intersection of faith, spirituality, and communication, and learn how to apply these principles in everyday life.

Mark is the author of Please Sorry Thanks – available everywhere now!

To connect with Mark:

Website: markbatterson.com

Instagram: @markbatterson

Facebook: @markbatterson

Patriot Mobile: https://www.patriotmobile.com/blake/

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Biblical scholar, New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcaster Preston Sprinkle joins Blake to discuss his new book on same-sex marriage from a historically Christian perspective. He talks about his journey into studying this topic, acknowledging the challenges of engaging in contentious conversations. He highlights the importance of being a curious listener and understanding the motivations behind different viewpoints. Preston examines the concept of marriage from a theological and societal perspective, emphasizing the significance of sex difference in the traditional view of marriage. The conversation delves into the interpretation of biblical passages, including Romans 1, as well as the broader context of conversations surrounding same-sex marriage within Christian circles.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Explore a candid conversation about LGBTQ+ topics within theology, specifically centered around the complex subject of same-sex marriage from a historically Christian viewpoint.

• Discover practical strategies to call out and manage distractions, aligning thoughts with truth and obedience to God.

• Gain valuable insights into fostering open dialogues, addressing misinterpretations, and understanding the intersection of faith and same-sex issues within a Christian context.

Preston is the author of Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? – available everywhere now!

To connect with Preston:

Website: prestonsprinkle.com

Instagram: @preston.sprinkle

Facebook: @PrestonMSprinkle

Podcast: Theology in the Raw

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Author, wife and mom Katie Westenberg joins Blake to discuss the challenge of living in a distracted world, where social media, technology, and other distractions prevent people from fully engaging with their day-to-day lives and faith. In her book, she talks about her personal journey surrounding this topic and emphasizes the importance of aligning one's thoughts with truth and obedience to God. Katie encourages listeners to call out distractions and replace them with beneficial habits, like taking breaks from social media or reading books. Listen in as they highlight the need to be intentional about what one pays attention to and the challenges of battling against addictive technologies designed to keep users engaged.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Learn about the challenges of living in a distracted world dominated by social media and technology.

• Discover practical strategies to call out and manage distractions, aligning thoughts with truth and obedience to God.

• Gain insights into the addictive nature of technology and the importance of being intentional about what they pay attention to.

Katie is the author of But Then She Remembered – available everywhere now!

To connect with Katie:

Website: katiewestenberg.com

Instagram: @katie_westenberg

Facebook: @katiewestenbergauthor

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Former counter-terrorism expert and devout Muslim for over 20 years, Hedieh Mirahmadi joins Blake to share her journey from Islam to Christianity and how it transformed her life. She talks about the difference between her previous religious beliefs and her newfound relationship with God in Christianity. She also emphasizes the importance of being a good witness and how the Holy Spirit helps her navigate difficult situations with grace and compassion. Throughout the conversation, she shares insights from her experiences and how her faith has influenced her approach to life and ministry.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to approach difficult situations with grace, compassion, and self-control.

• Explore the challenges and tensions surrounding Christians' involvement in politics and the significance of being a good witness in both the spiritual and political realms.

• Learn valuable lessons on navigating conversations and disagreements with others.

To connect with Hedieh:

Website: resurrectministry.com

Instagram: @hediehmirahmadi

YouTube: @resurrectministry

Facebook: @resurrectministry

Podcast: Living Fearless Devotional

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Author, speaker, and podcaster, Rebekah Lyons joins Blake to discuss the concept of resilience in the face of adversity. Listen in as Rebekah shares her personal experience with panic disorder and how she learned to view anxiety as a friend rather than an enemy. She emphasizes the importance of community support and finding meaning in difficult circumstances to build resilience.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Find meaning and purpose in difficult circumstances can aid in the journey towards resilience.

• Balance personal faith and science in the pursuit of mental health and well-being.

• Recognize the importance of Community support in building resilience and navigating challenging times.

Rebekah is the author of Building a Resilient Life – available everywhere now!

To connect with Rebekah:

Website: rebekahlyons.com

Instagram: @rebekahlyons

Facebook: @rebekahlyons

Podcast: Rhythms for Life

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Heather Brown | Episode 257

Blogger, podcaster, author and content creator, Heather Brown joins Blake to discuss the concept of health and how it has been defined by society, particularly in relation to women. Listen in as they challenge the conventional ideas of health based on external appearances and instead advocate for a new definition of health that prioritizes mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-care and intentional actions in achieving holistic health.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Gain insights on prioritizing self-care and finding motivation to take care of oneself, especially during different life seasons.

• Receive practical tips and small steps to start taking care of their physical and mental health, such as starting with simple exercises or finding an accountability partner.

• Explore the importance of a holistic approach to health, including spiritual well-being, and the need to break free from the misconception that the Christian life is solely one of suffering and misery.

Heather is the host of the Healthy with Heather Brown podcast – available wherever you listen to podcasts!

To connect with Brandi:

Website: mylifewellloved.com

Instagram: @mylifewellloved

Facebook: @mylifewellloved

Podcast: Healthy with Heather Brown

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Professional counselor, artist & follower of Jesus, Brandi K. Harris delves into a thought-provoking conversation about the prevalent sex myths that Christians believe. Brandi shares her expertise and personal experiences, discussing the challenges faced by female Christians in navigating their sexuality. She highlights the damaging effects of purity culture and emphasizes the need for better teaching and understanding of healthy sexuality within the church. Together, they debunk the myth that thinking about sex equates to the sin of lust, offering a new perspective on sexual desire and self-control. Tune in for an enlightening and empowering discussion on embracing sexuality in a respectful and God-honoring way.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the misconceptions surrounding sexuality within the Christian community and how they can impact individuals.

• Explore the concept of lust versus sexual desire and learn how to navigate and embrace their own sexual thoughts and attractions in a healthy manner.

• Discover the importance of open dialogue, seeking counseling when necessary, and cultivating supportive communities to address and heal from past sexual trauma or shame.

Brandi is the author of The Truth About Holy Sex – available everywhere now!

To connect with Brandi:

Website: ittakesabreath.com

Instagram: @brandik.harris

Facebook: @brandik.harris

TikTok: @brandik.harris

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