VENN

We live in troubling times. Millions in America are crying out for racial justice and an end to police brutality. Here at VENN, we believe that Black Lives Matter. We believe in actionable change, and that means meaningful dialogue with law enforcement, education on systemic racism and criminal justice, and active involvement at a grassroots level. In this interview with a local police officer and personal friend, Ted and Joel seek to understand the underlying causes behind flaws in the justice system and look for productive dialogue toward meaningful reform.

Just Mercy

Equal Justice Initiative

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Joel and Ted know next to nothing about gardening, and when they go to restaurants, everything seems great! Luckily, Alyssa Boyd is here to help them understand more about where food comes from, what makes it taste good, and how to use a backyard garden to better appreciate restaurants. Tune in for our first on-air game show, where the prize is a refined palate.

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Every series needs an origin story. Today, we hear the origin story of Ted and Joel’s friendship, as well as the story behind VENN. As well as a whole lot of other nonsense. This is by and large the most casual, impromptu episode of VENN so far, so if you hate it, let us know! And if you love it, we may have to re-brand this whole thing...

Fantastic Films and Where to Find Them 

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If you’re a twenty-something (or maybe even if you’re not), chances are you have experienced some sort of personal crisis when it comes to figuring out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life. Have no fear, Kelsey is here! Kelsey Kemp is a full-time career coach who specializes in helping Christians discern their unique calling and how that relates to a fulfilling career. Ted and Joel interview her on how to find one’s calling, and we discuss some of Kelsey’s favorite success stories from clients.

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Here at VENN, we (like any sane people) love our baked goods. Hannah Glass comes on the program to help Ted and Joel learn more about baking, and how it can be a tool to empower women. As Hannah likes to say, “a party without cake is just a meeting.”

Cherry Bombe // @cherrybombe

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Instagram // @hannahgglass

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We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!

Marcus Salinas is a homeowner, investor, and freelancer -- all things that freak Joel out because they are too adult-y. The VENN team interviews Marcus on what it’s like to take risks as a young adult, explore the world of independent finance, and work from home.

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Grayson Ridge is exactly as awesome as his name makes him sound - he’s an engineer that designs athletic gear on weekdays and climbs mountains on weekends. In this conversation, Grayson tells Joel and Ted his best stories from traversing the frigid wilderness of the Colorado Rockies and uses his experiences to craft poignant lessons about risk management in everyday life. Joel talks about that one time he went skiing to try and be relatable, and Ted gives Joel major side-eye for his cliff-diving habits. Bonus content: creative baby names!

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Garrett Haley has had a LOT of conversations about Christian Creationism. In fact, he used to champion the view that the earth is ~6000 years old! Join Garrett and Joel as they explore what it means to communicate well in a theological conversation that is often divisive and polarizing. Garrett shares his personal story of finding peace by following the data where it leads, even when it has put strain on his relationships with others in the Church.

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COVID-19 has taken many victims, and one of those is the sports world. Welcome to March Sadness! Your co-hosts, Ted and Joel, are joined by former collegiate sportswriter Mickey Gashaw. Mickey uses his experience in the industry to critically analyze the cultural value of sports. The hosts then take turns nominating cities to win championships post-COVID-19. Ted ends the episode with a message for New York Knicks owner James Dolan. Will Joel ever enjoy sports? Tune in and find out!

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We’re all cooped in our homes right now, and for many of us, that means a loss of spiritual community. Luckily, Amanda Olinger is on the case! She’s the Associate Director of the Navigators at the University of Arkansas, and she has some creative suggestions for engaging and enhancing spiritual practice in what can be a familiar, constricting, or chaotic space. Amanda and the boys discuss Lent, challenging oneself to be creative, and how to tailor spiritual connection to one’s personality.

Spiritual Pathways Assessment

Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas

The Sacred Enneagram, Chris Heuertz

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Follow Joel: Instagram // @joel.sam.i.am | Twitter // @joelthesamurai

Follow Ted: Goodreads

We would love for you to leave us a (five-star) review on Apple Podcasts!