Mike Smith works in the kind of place where it's dangerous to do what he does - so much so that we can't share his real name or location.

Sadly, there are lots of places that fit this description: cities and countries where children are exploited, and where people from all over the world come to participate in horrific acts of abuse. Mike Smith uses his knowledge and skill as a surgeon to get into places where he can help. Along the way, he's had to learn what it means to care for the whole person in these delicate situations. In this episode, Mike sits down with Dan to discuss what he does and why the glory of God motivates him more than anything else.

Contact Mike: [email protected]

"Prediction Markets" are becoming a normal sight on our college campuses, in our advertisements, and on the phones of our friends and family. This conversation felt especially relevant to us in light of the ongoing Brendan Sorsby story, the Texas Tech Quarterback who was recently granted a temporary injunction to play, despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA on the grounds of placing over $90,000 worth of bets on sports.

Accounting professor Steve Moerhle joins Dan on this episode to talk about his interest in sports betting: how it's grown in recent years, and how the market value of these companies is an indication that they are betting on people to lose a lot of money through gambling. Steve and Dan cover the ethics of gambling, the traps the industry uses, and what it looks like to use your money wisely.

What can a former pro tennis player teach us about coaching, leadership, and faith-driven work?

In this episode, athlete and Christian school leader Gus Martin joins Dan Doriani to trace his journey from world‑ranked tennis pro and high-end coach to long-time head of Christian schools.

They discuss the hidden grind behind professional sports, the mental game of competition, the essentials of good coaching (technique, focus, and fun), and Gus’s “giving clarity” approach to leadership, culture change, and discipleship in Christian education.

What if the Christian life is less about your spiritual performance and more about the life God gives?

In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with theologian Dr. Kelly Kapic about his book Christian Life, a rich theology of how God the Father, Son, and Spirit shape our daily lives. Instead of a “how-to” guide for prayer and Bible reading, Kapic invites us to see the Christian life as a response to God’s love and grace.

Buy Kelly's latest book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310523583/

How would your life change if you truly believed Jesus is gentle and welcoming toward you at your weakest, not just at your best?

In this conversation with Dane Ortlund, pastor and author of Gentle and Lowly, he and Dan Doriani explore the heart of Christ -- his gentleness toward the penitent, his costly, enduring love, and how this vision reshapes everyday Christian life, from how we see ourselves to how we love our families, coworkers, and even those who have hurt us.

How do we know when a war is not only necessary, but truly just?

In this episode, Dan Doriani sits down with former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, who served on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, to discuss 'just war theory' in today’s world. Together, they examine what counts as war in an age of cyberattacks and proxy conflicts, revisit the classic Christian criteria for a just war, and apply those principles to current events, from Russia–Ukraine to Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Iran-backed groups, as well as the ongoing, undeclared tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

What does it really mean to be a conservative, and how should Christians think about power, politics, and the common good? In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with writer and former White House advisor Pete Wehner about the moral roots of conservatism, the dangers of tribalism, the importance of character in leaders, and why a market economy can both lift people from poverty and cultivate virtue.

What does real connection look and feel like in our closest relationships? In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with counselor Jennifer Ware about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), how patterns of connection and disconnection shape marriages and families, and simple practices couples can use to deepen their bond. Jennifer also shares about STL Storytell, s St. Louis-based live storytelling event that helps people process and share their stories in community. Dan and Jenn discuss what it means to be a good listener and how storytelling can help us break out of loneliness.

What happens when the very economic systems that lift millions out of material poverty also contribute to rising anxiety and depression? In part 2 of this 2-part episode, Dan Doriani sits down with Dr. Brian Fikkert - economist and co-author of When Helping Hurts - to integrate theological insight with sociological research, pushing against the limits of economic theory to participate in the broader Christian call to promote human flourishing.

What does it really mean to help the poor in ways that lead to lasting change? In this episode, Dan Doriani sits down with Dr. Brian Fikkert - economist, author, and co-author of 'When Helping Hurts, - to rethink how we approach poverty alleviation.

Brian challenges the common assumption that poverty is primarily a material problem, arguing instead that it is rooted in broken relationships - psychological, social, and spiritual as much as economic. Together, Dan and Brian explore why well-intended material solutions often address symptoms rather than causes, and why effective help must begin with a deeper, holistic diagnosis.