The Third Place

It's one of those episodes where Brian and Lauren start with a simple question and somehow end up talking about everything.

This week, they discuss the changing meaning of relationship labels, social media culture, family life, and the strange ways language evolves over time. Along the way, they share some funny stories from home, observations from the internet, and a few thoughts on why online comment sections may have been a mistake.

The conversation also includes updates on some exciting projects in the works, including The Grandfather Effect and 40 to Life, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening at Stained Glass Media.

As always, expect plenty of rabbit trails, laughs, and the kind of conversation that feels like hanging out with friends.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-TZpwjt_kLA

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode made you laugh, think, or shake your head at the internet, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Daria is here! She talks with us about the realities of being a working mom.

Daria shares what it was like returning to work after maternity leave, navigating mom guilt, balancing family and ministry, and learning to cherish the small moments that matter most. Brian and Lauren join the conversation with their own stories about parenting, milestones, and the pressures parents face today.

Whether you're a working parent, know one, or simply want an honest conversation about faith, family, and finding purpose in the middle of a busy life, this episode is full of encouragement, humor, and practical wisdom.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IvYranMPG_Q

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Nathan Zion, attorney at Zion Law, for a conversation about mentalism, AI deepfakes, deception, and discernment. Nathan explains how magicians and mentalists use misdirection to fool audiences, and how similar principles are showing up in today's technology.

Together, they discuss the legal and ethical implications of AI-generated content, the growing challenge of knowing what's real online, and why Christians need to be grounded in truth in an age of increasing deception.

Learn more about Zion Law:
https://www.zionlaw.llc/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cunQNC9f1Fw

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode got you thinking, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

What happens when the career you've known for decades suddenly comes to an end?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Lisa Anderson, formerly host of The Boundless Show at Focus on the Family, to talk about navigating an unexpected career transition and what it looks like to step into a brand-new season.

After spending more than two decades at one organization, Lisa shares what her final days at Focus on the Family were like, the emotions that come with closing a significant chapter, and how she's processing the uncertainty of what comes next.

Together, they discuss what you look for—and what you don't look for—when you have the opportunity to rethink your career path. How do you write a resume after 20-plus years? How do you discern what's next when there isn't a clear roadmap? And how do you trust God when you're in a season of waiting?

Whether you're actively job searching or supporting someone who is, you'll find wisdom, humor, and hope in this discussion about embracing the unknown.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MxjEJeN0aNs

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

What if the future of ministry requires a little more creativity?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Calvin Brown, President of the Northeast Ohio Leadership Foundation, to discuss the concept of modern-day tentmaking and how churches and ministries can think differently about funding Kingdom work.

Drawing from Paul's example of supporting his ministry through tentmaking, Calvin shares how churches and nonprofits can utilize facilities, businesses, and other revenue-generating opportunities to create sustainable funding streams that support ministry without compromising mission.

The conversation explores what it looks like to use church and ministry assets creatively, why innovation is often difficult in established organizations, and how leaders can cultivate an environment where new ideas are welcomed rather than feared.

Brian, Lauren, and Calvin also discuss the importance of empowering leaders to think entrepreneurially, the challenges facing churches in today's culture, and why some of the most effective ministry opportunities may come from outside traditional models.

Whether you're a pastor, nonprofit leader, volunteer, or simply someone interested in the future of ministry, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about stewardship, leadership, and what it means to faithfully fund the work God has called us to do.

Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Leadership Foundation:
https://www.neoleadership.org/ournetwork

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QZl8tSqFUeQ

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

If missions matter so much to God, why do we spend so little time thinking about them?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Nathan Kurcsak, Missions Pastor at Maranatha Bible Church, to discuss why the opportunity for missions exists only on this side of eternity. As Nathan explains, there are no mission trips in heaven—no unreached people groups, no opportunities to share the Gospel with those who have never heard, and no need to send workers into the harvest field.

Together, they talk about why missions are central to the Christian life, what mission trips actually look like, and how believers can participate whether they're called to go across the world or serve right in their own communities.

Nathan shares practical insights into the different types of mission opportunities available, how churches prepare and support missionaries, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can have a profound impact on both those you serve and your own faith.

Whether you've never considered a mission trip or you've been on several, this conversation will challenge you to think about the unique opportunities God has given us in this life to make His name known.

Learn more about Maranatha Bible Church:
https://www.mbc95.org/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZXn8nITGKkY

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

What does it actually mean to live a balanced life?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Crystal Kershaw of Fieldstone Counseling to discuss the challenge of finding balance in a world that constantly demands more of our time, attention, and energy.

Drawing from both biblical wisdom and practical counseling experience, Crystal helps unpack what Scripture says about rest, priorities, and faithfulness in different seasons of life. Together, they explore how our expectations often create unnecessary stress and how God meets us differently in each stage of our journey.

The conversation is especially relevant for busy parents trying to juggle family, work, church, and everything else that comes with modern life. Crystal shares practical strategies for managing stress, recognizing healthy limits, and staying connected to God when life feels overwhelming.

Most importantly, they discuss how faith and Scripture provide a foundation for navigating life's pressures—not by eliminating challenges, but by helping us respond to them with wisdom, perspective, and trust in God.

Learn more about Fieldstone Counseling:
https://fieldstonecounseling.org/

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

There’s a new podcast in town… and the host is sitting right in front of us.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Jaime Buxton, Senior Manager of Community Engagement at The City Mission, to discuss the launch of The City Mission’s brand-new podcast, Not That Different. Naturally, Brian takes this development as a direct threat to the existence of The Third Place.

What starts as a conversation about podcasting quickly turns into the usual chaos as Jaime, Brian, and Lauren bounce between stories about their kids’ graduations, college transitions, parenting milestones, and the strange emotional experience of realizing your children are becoming actual adults.

As always with Jaime, there’s plenty of laughter, side trails, and moments that somehow become more meaningful in the middle of the mess.

Learn more about The City Mission:
https://thecitymission.org/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/14XxFxnE2uA

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode made you laugh, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, what does the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom look like today?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Glen Duerr, Chair of History and Government and Professor of International Studies at Cedarville University, to discuss King Charles’s recent visit to the United States and the enduring “Special Relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K.

Together, they explore how two nations once divided by revolution became some of the closest allies in the modern world. The conversation looks at the historical roots of the relationship, why it still matters geopolitically, and how shared language, culture, and values continue to shape diplomacy today.

As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Duerr helps unpack what anniversaries like this reveal about national identity, history, and the evolving role of America on the global stage.

Learn more about Dr. Glen Duerr:
https://www.cedarville.edu/academics/schools/arts-and-humanities/history-and-government/faculty-staff/duerr-glen

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tXO0Cm818sU

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode helped you think more deeply about history, culture, and international relationships, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

What does real prison reform look like—and why should Christians care?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Ben Chambers, Senior Director of Outreach at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Illinois, to talk about prison reform, second chances, and why this work matters for both justice and discipleship.

Ben recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he was lobbying alongside Prison Fellowship for the reauthorization and expansion of the Second Chance Act—legislation originally signed into law in 2008 to help reduce recidivism and support successful reentry for those leaving incarceration.

Together, they discuss why this legislation matters, what’s at stake if it isn’t renewed, and why Prison Fellowship is pushing for something more sustainable than year-to-year reauthorization. The conversation also explores what meaningful reform actually looks like, including long-term support, mental health resources, spiritual care, and the kind of practical systems that help people rebuild their lives after prison.

This is a conversation about justice, mercy, restoration, and why second chances are worth fighting for.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yWm54p3q8jI

Learn more about Christ Community Church:
https://ccclife.org/

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode challenged or encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==