The Third Place

What does it look like to stay faithful when the work feels hard, the fruit feels slow, and discouragement starts to settle in?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Ron and Anita Morrison of Hope Alliance Bible Church to talk about faithfulness, discouragement, and what the book of Jeremiah teaches us about obedience in difficult seasons.

Drawing from recent preaching through Jeremiah, the conversation explores what it means to remain faithful when the message is costly, the response is disappointing, and the outcome feels uncertain. Jeremiah’s story is one of obedience without immediate reward, faithfulness without applause, and trust in God even when everything feels uphill.

Together, they discuss the kind of discouragement that can creep into ministry, marriage, and everyday discipleship—and how Scripture calls us to remain steady even when the results aren’t what we hoped for.

Learn more about Hope Alliance Bible Church:
https://hopealliancebiblechurch.org/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lCDxCptIc68

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 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/

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Who actually has the authority to declare war—the President or Congress? And why does it feel like that line isn’t always clear?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Mark Caleb Smith of Cedarville University—Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, Director of the Center for Political Studies, and Professor of Political Science—to break down one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in American government.

Together, they walk through what the Constitution actually says about war powers, how those powers have been interpreted over time, and why modern conflicts don’t always fit neatly into the categories the Founders had in mind.

The conversation explores how executive authority has expanded, what role Congress is supposed to play, and why these questions still matter for everyday Americans—even if you’re not a political junkie.

As always, the goal isn’t just to understand the system, but to think more clearly and thoughtfully about leadership, responsibility, and the weight of decisions that impact lives around the world.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cwV1icVoxzQ

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 better understand how our government works, 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==

Be honest… when was the last time you thought about your website?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome their web designer, Jonah Swenson, to the podcast to talk about why your website matters more than you think. From first impressions to clear communication, Jonah breaks down how design shapes the way people experience your brand, ministry, or business.

They talk about why so many websites miss the mark, what people are actually looking for when they land on your page, and how small changes can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your website is helping or hurting you… this episode might answer that question.

If you like our website, have Jonah design yours:
https://ikigais.design/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KEBXDr3sBNE

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 rethink your online presence, 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==

Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration—but for many women, it’s also a painful reminder of loss.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Erica Kurcsak from Maranatha Bible Church’s Grace and Beauty Ministry to talk about caring for women who are often overlooked during this season—those who have experienced the loss of a child, infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Erica shares how their ministry walks alongside women in grief, meeting them exactly where they are in their journey. Together, they talk about the complex emotions that can surface, what it looks like to support someone well, and how God meets women in the midst of deep pain and loss.

Grace and Beauty Ministry is hosting a brunch on May 2nd for women who are navigating these experiences, and they would love for you to join them or share this opportunity with someone who might need it.

Learn more and get involved:
https://www.mbc95.org/women

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QUnVeNEju3U

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 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==

He’s back — and somehow even crankier.

Brian and Lauren are joined again by John Palmer, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (aka The Cranky Arborist), for another round of laughs, strong opinions, and actually helpful yard advice.

This time, John goes head-to-head with “The Lorax” energy as they talk about what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing in your yard, with your trees, and in your landscaping right now. Somewhere between serious advice and chaos, you’ll also hear about John’s growing popularity on TikTok, his expanding platform on Rumble, and yes… the fact that he’s writing a book — and somehow Brian and Lauren made it in.

Topics include when to start working on your yard, what to touch (and not touch), and the age-old question: should you trim your hydrangeas… even the “tinky winky” ones?

Find John online:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crankyarborist
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-3340306?e9s=src_v1_cbl

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aD0Dq0QCK9M

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 or saved your hydrangeas, 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==

Is caring about immigration part of being pro-life?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren tackle a question that’s guaranteed to spark conversation. Using an article from Relevant Magazine as a jumping-off point, they wrestle with how Christians should think about immigration, human dignity, and what it really means to hold a pro-life ethic.

The conversation doesn’t stay theoretical for long. As usual, things get a little fired up as they work through tensions, assumptions, and the challenge of applying biblical principles to complex, real-world issues.

This episode isn’t about easy answers — it’s about asking better questions and thinking more deeply about what it means to live out a consistent, Christ-centered ethic in today’s world.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NMo3enw0qDw

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 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==

There is no one better positioned to mentor a teenager than the adults already in their life.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Matt Brinkley, founder and associate director of PACT Ministry, to talk about his new book MentorMe and what it really looks like to invest in the next generation.

With over 50 years of experience in youth ministry, Matt brings both wisdom and practical insight into how parents, grandparents, and other influential adults can move beyond surface-level conversations and build meaningful relationships with the teens in their lives.

They discuss how to connect in a way that goes deeper than one-word answers, why intentional mentorship matters now more than ever, and how everyday moments can become opportunities for real discipleship.

This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for anyone who wants to have a lasting impact on the young people around them.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SGi320qnAcA

Learn more about PACT Ministry:
https://pactministry.org/

Learn more about MentorMe:
https://www.mentormebook.org/mentor-me

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 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==

When Jesus flipped tables in the temple, what was really going on?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren dig into one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels and ask an important question: does Jesus flipping tables mean we can justify being angrily outraged about anything we want today?

The conversation looks at the real reason Jesus drove out the money changers and merchants in the temple and how the situation was directly connected to exploitation and injustice toward the poor. It wasn’t random anger — it was a response to people taking advantage of those who had come to worship.

Brian and Lauren wrestle with what it actually means to follow Jesus’ example in that moment. If the point of the story isn’t simply righteous anger, what does it look like for Christians today to stand up for the vulnerable and confront systems that harm the poor?

This episode explores how easily the story can be misunderstood — and what it might look like to live out its deeper message.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GdBk5L2UUxA

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 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==

Marriage therapy isn’t just for couples on the brink of divorce. In fact, many healthy marriages benefit from a regular tune-up.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Christie Orosz from Married Life Counseling to talk about why more couples should consider marriage therapy before things get serious. Instead of seeing counseling as a last resort, Christie explains how it can actually strengthen communication, deepen connection, and help couples stay ahead of common relationship struggles.

Along the way, the conversation includes some funny marriage stories and plenty of honesty about the realities of long-term relationships.

They also talk about why going to marriage therapy doesn’t mean your relationship is failing — sometimes it just means you care enough to invest in it.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y1QsdyWNq8Y

Learn more about Married Life Counseling:
https://marriedlifecounseling.com/our-approach/

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 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 are 2,165 children in Cuyahoga County right now who need someone to show up for them in court as they navigate the foster care system.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome CASA of Cuyahoga County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to the podcast to talk about what that number really represents — not statistics, but children who need stability, advocacy, and a consistent adult in their corner.

We talk about how CASA volunteers are trained to walk alongside children as their cases move through the court system, helping ensure their voices are heard and their best interests are represented. Children in foster care need someone they can count on, and this is one tangible, accessible way to step into that need right where you live.

James 1:27 reminds us that “true and undefiled religion” is to care for the widow and the orphan. For many believers, that can feel abstract or overwhelming. This conversation highlights a practical way to live that out today — not someday, not theoretically, but in real time for real children.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Sx2j3FpmuA

Learn more or get involved:
https://cfadvocates.org/

Watch the CASA of Cuyahoga County promo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xyH88FDsnY

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 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==