Make It Simple

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss Advent, the season of preparation and waiting leading up to Christmas Day, noting its increasing cultural popularity through various Advent calendars (like Lego or even whiskey) which are often separated from its original. They explain that Advent, derived from the Latin Adventus meaning "appearing" (not waiting as often thought), is a liturgical season intended to align believers with those who waited for Christ's first coming, prepare hearts for his birth, and remind them that Christians are still waiting for his promised Second Coming.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Rachel and Matt welcome Dr. Caroline Fleck and talk about validation, drawing from her book on the subject. They discuss how validation, which is about communicating mindfulness, understanding, and empathy to make someone feel seen and accepted, is often misunderstood as agreement or praise, but is actually a crucial therapeutic tool used to facilitate change in behavior. Dr. Fleck outlines the foundational skills of validation, like attending and copying, as a means to decrease physiological distress and open the door for psychological safety and deeper connection in relationships.Check out Dr. Caroline Fleck at https://drcarolinefleck.com/.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the Holy Spirit, discussing that this crucial member of the Trinity is often either dangerously ignored out of caution or wrongly obsessed over through a focus on specific physical manifestations. They emphasize the Spirit's biblical role as the Helper / Encourager, whose indwelling is assured to all believers through baptism, empowering their faith, providing comfort, and constantly drawing them back to the finished work of Jesus Christ.**Podcast correction: in the episode, they reference a Jennifer Knapp song, which is about the Holy Spirit, which is called "Trinity."**Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss how to argue in a world where conflict is everywhere and often seems to ruin relationships. They talk about how the political and cultural issues being discussed are often "overvalued," leading people to choose victory over connection, and they offer practical ways to engage in heated conversations by leading with love, seeking to understand, and choosing curiosity.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel talk about disappointment and unmet expectations in life. Using a framework for grieving loss, they wonder if learning to deal with disappointments, both trivial and profound, is key to emotional health. They talk about the power of naming the disappointment and the need if left unmet, and how to reach an adjusted, hopeful expectation for the future—to avoid getting stuck in cynicism or despair.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the tension between money and faith, examining why this topic is often avoided or causes guilt. They note that money is a powerful indicator of the heart and deepest values—a tool people often use to pursue peace and purpose. They dive into Jesus's parable of the rich fool, and dissect the the worldly wisdom of protecting assets by building bigger "barns," arguing that a faithful approach means living generously and investing resources in things of lasting, spiritual value.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this week's episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the quiet epidemic of online sports gambling and gaming, and its addictive nature. They explore how the rise of online and in-app betting, which is now everywhere and easily accessible, is particularly affecting young men, and how online spending through betting, gambling, and even games is pervasive in our culture. They also touch on how this stems from a deeper need for human connection, and where do we go from here.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week Matt and Rachel try to work out how to have difficult conversations without letting them "go off the rails." They use the frame work of Susan Scott's "Fierce Conversations" to help them navigate, and agree that while conflict is a natural and necessary part of life, many people try to avoid these crucial discussions, which is ultimately detrimental to relationships and personal growth.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Matt and Rachel kick off season 10 after a much needed break, talking about something we all need but something we often neglect- rest. What do we really mean when we talk about rest, and why is this such a problem in our culture anyway? They take a hard look at the pressure that glamorizes burnout and makes us feel guilty for stepping away, and the mindset that says we can't stop.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

For the last episode of Season 9, Matt and Rachel welcome back their friend Tanner Olson to talk about his new book All the Things I Say to God. They discuss prayer and our tendencies to overthink and over-complicate what comes down to a conversation. They share their experiences with prayer, their favorite ways to pray, and why prayer is complicated sometimes.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this episode of "Make It Simple," Rachel and Matt explore the concept of changing one's mind as adults, noting how challenging it can be. They discuss personal examples of shifting perspectives on things like food, politics, and pop culture, highlighting that deconstruction and maturing often involve this process. They discuss how difficult it can be as adults to admit when we're wrong and the importance of discerning which beliefs should be held firmly versus those we should remain open to reconsidering.Things Referenced in this Episode:Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better."Knox McCoy, All Things Reconsidered: How Rethinking What We Know Helps Us Know What We BelievePop Culture: Friends, Ted Lasso, Hamilton, Back To The FutureDungeons & DragonsSupport the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week Rachel and Matt explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between significant and everyday hurts that create emotional wounds. They discuss the importance of acknowledging these wounds without letting them define us, advocating for a middle ground between denial and over-identification. Through a Christian lens, they emphasize honesty with God and the need to tend to our pain. Matt proposes three steps for healing: recognizing our wounds, differentiating our identity from them, and inviting compassionate witnesses to share our burdens. Referenced in this episode:Chuck de Groot's book "Healing What's Within"Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, join Matt and Rachel as they share their personal experiences and practical insights on marriage, moving beyond simple advice. Discover the power of being "alone together," the necessity of forgiveness, and Matt's 4 essentials for marriage. They also explore John Gottman's ideas on contempt and the crucial act of "turning toward" your partner's bids for connection. Learn actionable steps to build a lasting and thriving relationship.Mentioned in this episode:Our partners and friends at The Pastors Workshop Books by Dr. John Gottman, specifically: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work The Relationship Cure The Love Prescription: includes the framework of "turning toward," "turning away," and "turning against" bids for connection.Concepts by Dr. John Gottman:John Gottman's "Four Horsemen of Marriage": Specifically, the concept of contempt.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: <a href='https://makeitsimple.

In this episode of Make It Simple, Rachel and Matt dive into what truly makes for a "good life," drawing insights from a decades-long Harvard study. Forget the idea of an easy, problem-free existence – they explore how meaningful relationships and the ability to bounce back from tough times are key. They also touch on the unexpected role of faith in building resilience and finding deeper meaning in life's journey.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Rachel and Matt discuss the challenges and importance of parenting teenagers. They reflect on their own teenage years and then delve into the significant developmental stage of adolescence, particularly regarding identity formation and faith. The conversation highlights the need for parents to adapt their role from governor to guardian to guide, eventually hoping to become a guru figure in their adult children's lives, while also acknowledging the unique difficulties of navigating the teenage years, especially in the age of social media.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the often-misunderstood concept of discipleship, arguing it's fundamentally about a daily relationship "with God" rather than actions "for God." Drawing from Skye Jethani's book "With," they emphasize that discipleship is about walking with Jesus, resting in His promises, and letting His presence shape our identity and actions. This perspective contrasts with the common view of discipleship as merely learning doctrine or following religious rules, highlighting the importance of a constant, internal dialogue with Jesus in everyday life.Things Referenced in This Episode:Book: "With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God" by Skye JethaniQuote: Os Guinness, "First and foremost, we are called to someone, God, not to something such as a vocation, motherhood, politics, teaching, or to somewhere such as a missionary to outer Mongolia or to some particular city."Book: "Junk Drawer Jesus" by Matt PopovitsBiblical References: The Great Commission, (Matthew 28:18-20) / John 1 / Ephesians 2 / Genesis 1 & 2Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about shows we've grown up with and their child stars, and examine how we feel about children in media, given how our culture treats celebrities. Given recent discussions around children's roles in social media, it's a timely conversation.Things referenced in this episode:Book: Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire by Ashley SpencerBook: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdyDocumentary: Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on MaxBook: Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church by Katelyn BeatyPrevious Episode: Celebrities for Jesus with Katelyn BeatySupport the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the person of Jesus- not the idea of Jesus, the work of Jesus, or even the deity of Jesus. Who is he as a person?Things referenced in this episode:Book: Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. OrtlundBook: He Loved Them by Jessica ThompsonPrevious Episode: How Jesus Loves with Jessica ThompsonStatistic: Barna ResearchSupport the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we invite Chad Lakies back to help us finish our Junk Drawer Jesus series and talk about how to move forward as believers in today’s culture.Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the regional director for North America at Lutheran Hour Ministries, and is a scholar on the intersection of church and culture. Check out his new book, How the Light Shines Through, anywhere books are sold.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Chad Bird returns to discuss Idolatry, its large role in our lives, and what we can do about it.Chad is an author and a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He also has a new book out, Hitchhiking with Prophets, available at 1517.org.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Frank Hart is back on the podcast this week to talk with Matt and Rachel about happiness and its role in our lives.Frank Hart is the Pastor of NewChurch in Katy, Texas. He is an author, recording artist, frontman for Atomic Opera, public speaker, and record producer. He is also a happy husband and father. His book, “Joyride: A Beginning in Every End” and various albums of his music are available at FrankHart.com.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we welcome Bob Hiller to discuss Chapter 6, “On Pietists and Party Animals,” and our tendency as believers to swing between legalism and throwing it all out the window.Bob Hiller is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. He is the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517. He is also a co-host on White Horse Inn.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we welcome back our good friend Tanner Olson to talk about How God Speaks to us in today’s world.Tanner Olson is an author, speaker, poet and the founder of Written to Speak which aims to spread hope and announce love through spoken word and poetry. He's written three books of poetry: Walk A Little Slower, As You Go: Words for the Unknown, and I’m All Over the Place.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we welcome a special guest, Matt’s good friend and Rachel’s husband, Jeremy Ryder, to discuss Chapter 4: "The Why of Work" and finding balance with this significant part of our lives.Jeremy has worked with many large organizations to help with their recruiting and hiring strategies and brings a heart-filled perspective on the way of work.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome Erick Sorensen to talk about Chapter 3: "Of Mountains and Measurements" and what do we do about grace when it seems so counter-intuitive.You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.org or anywhere books are sold!***Erick Sorensen leads Church Partnerships at 1517. He holds degrees from Biola and Lutheran Brethren Seminary and has served as a pastor in multiple locations. He also a co-hosts the podcasts "30 Minutes in the New Testament" and "Field Guide to the Bible," and is co-author of "Scandalous Stories: A Sort of Commentary on the Parables." You can find more about Erick and his work at https://www.pastorerick.org/Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome Jared Wilson to talk about Chapter 2: "The Myth of the Cosmic Scale" and how the point was never to be perfect (spoiler alert: you won't achieve it anyway).You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.org or anywhere books are sold!***Jared C. Wilson is an assistant professor of pastoral ministry, an author in residence at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a staff pastor for preaching, and director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO. An award-winning author of over 20 books, Jared also hosts the For The Church Podcast and co-hosts The Heart of Pastoring Podcast (with Ronnie Martin).Support the showSupport the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome David Zahl to talk about Chapter 1: "The Spiritual Junk Drawer," and discuss what's in our spiritual junk drawers, and why it's good to declutter our religion.You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.org or anywhere books are sold!***David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries, an organization he founded in 2007. He is editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird blog and cohost of the Mockingcast podcast. David is also an author of multiple books and has written for Christianity Today and the Washington Post.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, the podcast welcomes John Busacker for our season finale episode, where we discuss what it means to finish things well in all aspects of life. John shares wisdom to be considered as we look at what it means to move through life with intention. It’s a perfect conversation to close out this podcast season.John Busacker is a writer, speaker and the Founder of Life-Worth, LLC, a personal leadership development firm. He has delivered keynotes, facilitated workshops, coached leaders, and orchestrated conferences on six continents with clients ranging from Medtronic, Duke Corporate Education, Thrivent Financial, PwC, CommonSpirit Health, National Football League, NGL, Ameriprise Financial and Kingdom Advisors.John is the author of four books including his latest, Gasping for Breath: Inviting God's Spirit Into Your Overwhelmed Life.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Dr. Jordan Cooper joins the podcast to help us break down and understand Christian nationalism and share wisdom about living as a believer and a citizen. It’s a meaningful conversation with a new perspective on political responsibility. Jordan Cooper is an ordained Lutheran pastor, a Professor of Systematic Theology, the Executive Director of Just and Sinner, and the President of the American Lutheran Theological Seminary.  Check out the Just and Sinner Podcast from Dr. Cooper, who also hosts a popular YouTube channel.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel welcome screenwriter and filmmaker Joshua Salzberg, who shares about the power found in storytelling. He shares how stories help change and shape us, and often, leads us to great empathy. It’s a very fun episode,  filled with a lot of wisdom (and a little bit of movie talk). To learn more and stay updated about Joshua's newest project, follow @ThePerformance on Instagram, and check outJoshua Salzberg is a screenwriter and filmmaker living in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently, he adapted Arthur Miller's The Performance with director Shira Piven, due out in 2024. Salzberg has also worked on the editing crews of studio comedies such as Step Brothers, The Other Guys, and Funny People and as the lead editor of indie favorites that include Welcome to Me (National Board of Review Nominee), Dean (Tribeca Jury Prize), Netflix's Ibiza, and the Fox series Welcome to Flatch.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Terra McDaniel joins the podcast this week and brings a new perspective on grief. She shares how many people don’t know how to process mourning and instead struggle to honor their tears, vulnerability, and the full weight of these disillusioning times. She offers several practical ways to express lament and leaves us with hope for moving forward.Terra McDaniel is a spiritual director for adults and children. She spent two decades as a pastor and ministry leader and earned her MDiv at Portland Seminary. McDaniel wrote More Than Ordinary with Doug Sherman and is a regular contributor to the Companioning Center blog.  You can check out her most recdent book, Hopeful Lament, and learn more at TerraMcDaniel.comSupport the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Elrena Evans joins the podcast this week to share her experience as part of a family with special needs. She beautifully shares her story and what inspired her to write a book of prayers for when you don't have the words, and she gives us practical and loving ways to truly be welcoming to everyone, especially people navigating a world not designed for them. It's an empathetic conversation you won't want to miss.Elrena is executive editor of Paper&String, a digital care package celebrating faith, creativity, and beauty in its many forms. She is the author of a short story collection, This Crowded Night, and coauthor of the essay collection Mama, PhD: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic Life. Her books, When I Go To Church, I Belong , and Special Grace are available now.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Michelle Thompson is back with Matt & Rachel to discuss perfectionism and shame and shows us grief and acceptance are the pathways to growth. As always, Michelle brings wisdom, warmth, and lighthearted grace to the conversation.  You don’t want to miss it.Michelle is the Senior Director of External Relations and Executive Coaching and Consulting, Townsend Institute, Concordia Irvine.  As a Leadership and Growth Coach, credentialed as a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, she brings a breadth of executive leadership experience in the non-profit and for-profit sector combined with almost two decades of involvement with the Townsend Growth Model. Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Steve Theiss joins Matt and Rachel to share about the art and craft of comedy. Steve shares insights into the importance of comedy, making people laugh, and the creative process behind humor. Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the comedic world and pick up a few tips on injecting humor into their own lives.Steve Theiss writes, improvises, acts, directs, teaches improv, and occasionally sleeps. He used to do these things in New York, but now does them in California, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. Steve has directed music videos, comedy videos, and recently completed a short film. He’s appeared in commercials for USA Today, Peeps, Disney Vacation Club, and more. See some of his work at stevetheiss.com.  Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Bob Hiller joins Rachel & Matt to share about some commonly misunderstood and misused Scripture. It’s a fun and grace-filled episode as they dive deep into three commonly misunderstood Bible verses. Bob shares how to better approach Scripture, and they all land on the other side with a deeper insight into the character of God (Warning… You may come away with a new perspective on some favorite verses). You won’t want to miss this episode!Bob Hiller is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. He is the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517. He is also a co-host on White Horse InnSupport the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel are back, and talk with author and artist Ned Bustard about the true story of Saint Valentine and his new book Saint Valentine the Kindhearted. They discuss how our understanding of love changes, making stories accessible for children, and art of loving through our kindness.***You can learn more about Ned and check out his beautiful artwork on IG @NedBustard, and find his books on Amazon and wherever books are sold.Ned Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker. He is an elder at Wheatland Presbyterian Church, creative director Square Halo Books, Inc., curator of the Square Halo Gallery, and serves on the boards of the Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art (ASCHA) and The Row House, Inc. His book "Saint Valentine the Kindhearted" is available now and retells the story of St. Valentine, a man whose kindness and love inspires us each year.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this special episode, Rachel and Matt speak with their new friend, Matt Randerson. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion as he shares recent trends presented by the Barna Group regarding intergenerational relationships. He shares insights to help us navigate the generational divides, explains what the cultural labels really mean, and ways we can move forward in community together.Matt Randerson serves as Vice President at Barna Group, working with churches and faith-based organizations to identify their most important opportunities using research. Matt sees research as a way to create confidence and clarity for leaders around their greatest opportunities in the Christian landscape. He lives with his wife and newborn son in Atlanta, Georgia.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Re-release of this special episode with VoxCon speaker, Tanner Olson! Enjoy this encore presentation, and catch Tanner this September live at VoxCon 2023. Tickets available at www.GoToVox.com*****This week, we’re talking with our friend Tanner Olson all about Creativity, and spreading the message of hope through Poetry.Tanner joins Rachel and Matt to talk about how poetry and speaking beautiful words can make an impact in our world. We’re so excited for you to meet our talented friend, Tanner!Tanner Olson is an author, speaker, poet and the founder of Written to Speak which aims to spread hope and announce love through spoken word and poetry. Tanner's writing is a delightful blend of faith, humor, and curiosity that points readers and listeners toward the ultimate source of hope and love, Jesus. He's written three books of poetry: Walk A Little Slower, As You Go: Words for the Unknown, and I’m All Over the Place.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Re-release of this special episode with VoxCon speaker, Chad Bird! Enjoy this encore presentation, and catch Chad this September live at VoxCon 2023. Tickets available at www.GoToVox.com*******Chad Bird joins Matt and Rachel this week as we aim to make sense of hell on the podcast. Chad answers all our burning questions (get it?!) about hell, and helps us understand the often misunderstood theology around this topic. Chad is an author and a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He is also the author of several books, including Night Driving: Notes from a Prodigal Soul. He cohosts two popular podcasts: “40 Minutes in the OT” and “Hidden Streams.”  Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Re-release of this special episode with VoxCon speaker, Katelyn Beaty! Enjoy this encore presentation, and catch Katelyn this September live at VoxCon 2023. Tickets available at www.GoToVox.com******Katelyn Beaty (author of Celebrities For Jesus) joins Rachel and Matt to discuss our culture's fascination with famous Christians, and the roll fame and celebrity play in today's popular evangelical figures. We discuss her book and the insights gained from it, as well as how to guard our hearts and find purpose in ordinary faithfulness.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Re-release of this special episode with VoxCon speaker, Mike Pacchione! Enjoy this encore presentation, and catch Mike this September live at VoxCon 2023. Tickets available at www.GoToVox.com*****Mike Pacchione shares with us all the best tips for public speaking!This week, Rachel and Matt talk with their friend, Mike Pacchione. Mike brings his public speaking expertise to the conversation and takes away the stigma of speaking in front of people, whether the crowd is six people over zoom or two hundred people in an auditorium. He also shares why public speaking is a gift for the speaker. It’s a fun conversation between friends, and you’re sure to learn some new tips.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, we talk to Dr. John Townsend about navigating tricky relationships with difficult people— what we mean when we say someone is “toxic” or find interactions with them continually causing us hurt. It’s a gracious and truth-filled conversation that will help you love the difficult people in your life while also caring for yourself.Dr. John Townsend is a business consultant, leadership coach and clinical psychologist. He has written or co-written 27 books, selling 8 million copies, including the 8 million New York Times best-seller Boundaries, Leadership Beyond Reason, and Handling Difficult People.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, our summer series continues with a fascinating conversation about the history of the Bible (specifically, how ancient texts have been passed down and what makes the Bible different from other documents). It’s interesting and informative, and you’ll surely learn something new!Jeffrey Kloha, the Chief Curatorial Officer for the Museum of the Bible, manages the Museum of the Bible Education, Scholars Initiative, Exhibits, and Curatorial and Collections departments.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Welcome to season 6! This week, Rachel and Matt talk with Chad Lakies and break down Apologetics. It's a conversation about faith and our current culture and what it means to ask and answer, "What does it mean to be "Christian" today?" Join us!Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the regional director for North America at Lutheran Hour Ministries, and is a scholar on the intersection of church and culture.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Alan Fadling joins the podcast to discuss what it looks like to slow down. He shares the how being unhurried is a rhythm of rest, and more about your soul than your calendar. It’s a conversation that will make you want to take a deep breath in and lean into the good things around you.Alan Fadling is president and founder of Unhurried Living, Inc., inspiring people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. He speaks and consults internationally with organizations such as Saddleback Church, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Cru, Halftime Institute, Apprentice Institute, and Open Doors International.He is the award-winning author of An Unhurried Leader and An Unhurried Life, which was honored with a Christianity Today Award of Merit in spirituality. He has a new book, "A Year of Slowing Down: Daily Devotions for Unhurried Living."Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Jared Wilson joins the podcast to talk about Pastors, and shares some inside baseball about what it's like to be a pastor these days. He brings empathy and compassion to the conversation, and reminds us all that sometimes the key to success... is time and experience.  It's a surprising conversation that you won't want to miss. Jared Wilson is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Author in Residence at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a pastor and Director of The Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO. Jared hosts the For The Church Podcast and co-hosts The Art of Pastoring Podcast.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Alan Noble joins the podcast to talk about his new book, On Getting Out of Bed, and considers about the unique burden of everyday life in the modern world. Alan shares how the choice to carry on amid great suffering—to simply get out of bed—is itself a powerful witness to the goodness of life, and of God. Alan Noble (PhD, Baylor University) is associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, cofounder and editor in chief of Christ and Pop Culture, and an advisor for the AND Campaign. He has written for many publications such as the Atlantic, BuzzFeed, and Christianity Today, and many others. He has also written several books including his latest book, "On Getting Out of Bed."Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, the delightful Jessica Thompson joins the podcast to talk about her new book, He Loved Them, and offers a fresh examination on the love of Jesus. She shares why we all benefit from understanding not only that Jesus loves us, but how he loves us, and how that can change our daily lives. It’s an episode that will hit you in the feels, and leave you feeling loved. Jessica Thompson is co-author of the popular parenting book Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus (with her mother Elyse Fitzpatrick). She is a wife, a mother of three, and the women's director at RISEN church in San Diego. She has a new book "He Loved Them" that looks at Jesus's interactions with real people in Scripture.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, David Zahl is back to talk with Matt and Rachel about Low Anthropology, and share why the sooner we realize that everyone struggles like we do, the sooner we can show grace to ourselves and others. It’s a really great conversation that will change the way you look at your neighbor (and yourself). David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries, an organization he founded in 2007. He is editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird blog and cohost of the Mockingcast podcast. David is also an author of multiple books and has written for Christianity Today and the Washington Post.Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Season 5 kicks off with a great episode with Kelly Flanagan joining Matt and Rachel to talk about companionship. He shares what to look for in true friend, and how companionship is a deeper way of looking at relationships.Kelly is a licensed clinical psychologist and cofounder of Artisan Clinical Associates in Naperville, Illinois. In 2012, he began the now popular blog UnTangled, where he writes weekly about the redemption of our personal, relational, and global lives. He has authored several books, including "The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell" and "True Companions: A Book for Everyone About the Relationships That See Us Through."Support the showFor more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the showBuy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.