Best Vater Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 216 Karl Vaters - De-Sizing the Church 58:42

23d ago58:42

58:42

This conversation with Karl Vaters is a fascinating look at the history and impact of the Church Growth Movement in America and around the world. Karl shares how the movement started with good intentions to reach more people for Christ, but over time it became an unhealthy obsession with numerical growth and bigger churches. The danger is that we'v…

1
Ep. 224 Aundi Kolber - Embodied Resilience: Finding Safety and Moving Towards Risk 1:01:02

1h ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In this episode, Aundi Kolber takes us on a deep dive into the interplay between trauma, attachment, and the wisdom of the body. We explore the crucial distinction between healthy hard work and trauma-driven overwork, and how to discern the difference. Aundi shares powerful insights on the concept of the "window of tolerance" - how trauma can shrin…

1
Ep. 223 Rich Robinson Returns - Unlocking Kingdom Potential in a World We Weren't Prepared For 58:42

1h ago58:42

58:42

We are marked for kingdom transformation. But how do we actually get there? In this episode, Rich Robinson returns to share insights from his new book "All Change" - a roadmap for unlocking kingdom potential in a rapidly changing world. Rich has spent decades coaching leaders and organizations through disruptive seasons of change. He unpacks a powe…

1
Ep. 222 Tiffany Bluhm - Resilience, Imagination, and Communal Flourishing 57:57

1h ago57:57

57:57

Today, we're diving into the powerful intersection of justice, faith, and women's issues with Tiffany Bluhm. As the new director of Made for PAX and the author of the devotional "The Women We've Been Waiting For," Tiffany has dedicated her life's work to empowering marginalized voices and reimagining what flourishing looks like for women. In our co…

1
Ep. 221 Christine Westhoff - Reframing the Prophetic 59:00

3d ago59:00

59:00

In this episode, Christine Westhoff shares about reframing our understanding of the prophetic. Christine has been on a 30-year journey exploring the beautiful and dreadful aspects of the prophetic movement, and she's here to share some crucial insights. We dive into the common misuses of prophecy that we've seen, especially in the political landsca…

1
#97 Adoración Bíblica 16:40

4h ago16:40

16:40

Exploramos la profundidad y la seriedad de la adoración a Dios a través de la santidad. A partir de las enseñanzas de Levítico 10 y otros pasajes bíblicos, discutimos cómo la adoración no es solo un acto rutinario, sino un encuentro sagrado con el Dios santo y trino. Acompáñanos en este viaje para descubrir cómo debemos acercarnos a Dios con revere…

1
A Sharp Compassion: Today is the Day! 10:21

3d ago10:21

10:21

I'm excited for today to be the official release of A Sharp Compassion. It's now available wherever books are sold. In our episode today, I'm reading from the final pages of the book and suggesting a couple of ways you can help with sharing the book. A big thanks to everyone who has already pre-ordered it. It means so much to me. Learn more about y…

1
Ep. 220 Rev. Chris Lee - Know You Are Beloved 56:15

3d ago56:15

56:15

In this episode, Chris Lee shares his own journey of discovering the deep, unconditional love of God, and how that truth can transform our lives and culture, even in the midst of anxiety, fear, and division. Chris reminds us that at the core of the gospel is the simple yet profound message that we are loved by God. He encourages us to stop, be stil…

1
Ep. 219 Shannon K. Evans - Wisdom from the Mystics for Modern Faith 54:46

4d ago54:46

54:46

In this episode, Shannon K. Evans takes us on a fascinating journey through the lives and teachings of radical female mystics from history, and explores how their wisdom and practices can speak powerfully to our lives and faith today. We'll dive into topics like the importance of art and creativity, caring for the environment, mental health, and fi…

1
Ep. 218 Natalie Runion - Reconstruction After Deconstruction: Going Back to the Original Blueprint 1:01:55

7d ago1:01:55

1:01:55

In this episode, Natalie Runion shares her vision for rebuilding the church on the solid foundation of Jesus, moving past the deconstruction and hurt many have experienced. We discuss the blueprint found in the book of Acts for a Spirit-led, missional, and unified church that loves God and loves people. Natalie provides practical insights on cultiv…

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Ep. 217 Jemar Tisby - The Spirit of Justice 1:00:05

10d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

In this episode, Jemar Tisby takes us through the rich history of Black Christians fighting for justice in America. From Phillis Wheatley's powerful poetry to the legal strategy that toppled Jim Crow, Tisby highlights how the "spirit of justice" has driven Black Christians to resist oppression and work towards greater freedom. He emphasizes the cru…

1
Tim's Tolkien Obsession & Amazon Prime's The Rings of Power 45:07

21d ago45:07

45:07

Tim Harford's life has been building up to this moment. In this Cautionary Conversation, he discusses the works of his favorite author J.R.R. Tolkien and the social science at play in Amazon Prime's series The Rings of Power. What do elves and whistleblowers have in common? How can evil hide in plain sight? And where do orcs come from? Season 2 of …

1
Chapter 3: Insecurity 44:32

17d ago44:32

44:32

Over the last few weeks, I've be releasing the first three chapters of A Sharp Compassion in audio form on the podcast. I hope its been a chance for you to learn more about the book and to better understand the significance of offense in the Bible. You can learn more about the book at asharpcompassion.com. It would mean a lot to me if you would pic…

1
Ep. 215 Jonny Morrison - Prodigal Gospel 1:02:52

26d ago1:02:52

1:02:52

This conversation with Jonny Morrison explores a holistic, relational understanding of the gospel and sin. Jonny shares how his personal story of loss and doubt led him to rediscover the good news of Jesus as a revelation of God's relentless love and restoration. He unpacks how sin is best understood as missing the mark of love, rather than just br…

1
Ep. 214 Khristi Lauren Adams - Discovering God Through the Lens of Black Girlhood 1:03:47

21d ago1:03:47

1:03:47

In this wide-ranging conversation, Khristi Lauren Adams, author of "Womanish Theology," discusses her personal journey of discovering God through the lens of black girlhood. She reflects on the importance of integrating one's lived experiences with theological study, and how viewing Scripture and theology through diverse cultural perspectives can d…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 9: A Plague on Both Your Houses. 44:52

27d ago44:52

44:52

In the season finale, we turn back the clock four years, take a side trip to Alabama, meet an extraordinary man named Billy Garland, and ask: What is the right way to reconcile something pure with the messiness of the real world? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Pushkin Industries

1
Chapter 2: Offense 42:21

1M ago42:21

42:21

Over the next few weeks, I'll be releasing the first three chapters of A Sharp Compassion in audio form on the podcast. I hope its a chance for you to learn more about the book and to better understand the significance of offense in the Bible. You can learn more about the book at asharpcompassion.com. It would mean a lot to me if you would pick up …

1
Ep. 213 Lisa Sharon Harper - Israel, Palestine, Justice, and a Common Humanity 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

This conversation with Lisa was recorded in June just a week after the bombing of Rafah – a refugee camp – a place that was supposed to provide safety from the war. In this conversation, Lisa Sharon Harper covers some incredibly important and challenging topics. We hear Lisa speak passionately about the need for humility - recognizing that we are n…

1
Ep. 212 Brady Boyd - Pursuing Unity in Divided Times 55:56

1M ago55:56

55:56

In my conversation with Brady Boyd we talk about unity, healing divisions, and keeping the main thing the main thing in the church. Brady shares his experience leading New Life Church in Colorado Springs through a tumultuous season of moral failure and violence, and how they were able to rebuild unity and see a spiritual revival by focusing on serv…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 8: “Vater, It is to be Fayetteville” 33:49

1M ago33:49

33:49

In the early 1930s, a young German law student spent a year in Arkansas, studying American “race law.” The fight over the 1936 Games provided Americans with a chance to study Nazi Germany. But it turns out the Nazis were studying us too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Pushkin Industries

1
Chapter 1: Hard Words to Hear 38:04

1M ago38:04

38:04

Over the next few weeks, I'll be releasing the first three chapters of A Sharp Compassion in audio form on the podcast. I hope its a chance for you to learn more about the book and to better understand the significance of offense in the Bible. You can learn more about the book at asharpcompassion.com. It would mean a lot to me if you would pick up …

1
Ep. 211 Jamie Winship Returns - Receiving Your True Identity 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

In this conversation, Jamie Winship talks about the importance of finding true identity in God and community, rather than in individual performance or achievement. We discuss how fear and shame can lead to false identities, and how addressing the root causes of these negative emotions through prayer and imagination can help people find freedom and …

1
Ep. 210 Tod Bolsinger Returns - Practicing Change: Leading in a Rapidly Changing World 59:52

1M ago59:52

59:52

In this conversation, Tod Bolsinger provides a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing leaders in a rapidly changing world. He shares insights on the importance of adaptability, humility, and a willingness to learn and experiment in the face of crisis and uncertainty. He discusses the need for leaders to shift their values…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 7: Long Jump, Tall Tale 44:15

2M ago44:15

44:15

Jesse Owens spent the rest of his life retelling the story of the 1936 games and his encounter with Luz Long. We trace the evolution of a tall tale, discovering the hidden life of one of America’s iconic sports heroes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Pushkin Industries

1
Ep. 209 Tia Levings - Breaking Free from Patriarchal Control 59:33

2M ago59:33

59:33

In this episode, Tia Levings provides a powerful and insightful look into the realities of Christian fundamentalism and patriarchy, and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. She shares her personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and her eventual escape from an abusive marriage. Her experiences …

1
My New Book — Offense, Insecurity, and the Hard Words of Jesus 19:30

2M ago19:30

19:30

On September 10th, I’m releasing a new book entitled A Sharp Compassion: 7 Hard Words to Heal Our Insecurities and Free Us from Offense. I think it’s an important conversation for learning to recognize the insecurity within our culture and in our own lives. It would mean a lot to me if you would consider buying a copy and recommending it to friends…

1
Ep. 208 Eliza Griswold - A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

In this conversation Eliza Griswold provides a fascinating look into her book Circle of Hope, which chronicles the experiences of a progressive evangelical church in Philadelphia as they navigate major cultural shifts and challenges in 2020. Griswold discusses how she was drawn to explore this particular church community, which represented a differ…

1
Ep. 207 Amy Orr-Ewing - Lead Like the Real You 55:45

2M ago55:45

55:45

Amy Orr-Ewing's story is a powerful testament to how God can use our lives in extraordinary ways when we are open to His leading. As a young woman, Amy experienced a prophetic call to go to Afghanistan and share the gospel, which she courageously pursued despite the risks. This experience shaped her life and ministry, empowering her to become a bol…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 6: The Jiggle & the Giddy Up 38:11

2M ago38:11

38:11

The most famous athlete in Berlin was the American sprinter Jesse Owens, and one of the most famous stories from those Games was the unexpected, heartwarming encounter Owens had with the German long jumper Luz Long. The friendship between the two athletes would serve as a symbol of how sports can overcome national antagonisms. We wonder: What reall…

1
Jerry Jenkins — A Conversation on the Writing Life 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

Author of more than 200 books with sales of over 70 million copies, including the best-selling Left Behind series, Jerry Jenkins is the former vice president for publishing and former chairman of the board of trustees for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Jerry's writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of C…

1
Ep. 206 Tara Beth Leach - Living in the Light 50:52

2M ago50:52

50:52

In this conversation, Tara Beth Leach shares her personal journey of discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus as a teenager, moving beyond a "cultural Christianity" to truly affirming her faith. She emphasizes the importance of living in Christian community and bearing witness to the love and grace of God, rather than just fighting against cult…

1
Ep. 205 Jenai Auman - Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized 59:37

2M ago59:37

59:37

In this episode, Jenai Auman covers her personal experience of feeling othered within the church, and how that led her to write the book "Othered". She discusses the biblical themes of othering and marginalization, and how God pursues and cares for the marginalized. Jenai also shares insights on building healthy communities that welcome and embrace…

1
Pushkin Goes to the Olympics 38:40

2M ago38:40

38:40

Legends are made at the Olympics and this summer shows across the Pushkin network are bringing their unique takes to Olympic stories. This special episode includes excerpts from a few: a Cautionary Tale about underestimating female marathoners, a Jesse Owens story from Revisionist History’s series on Hitler’s Olympics, and—from What’s Your Problem—…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 5: The Amateur’s Hour 36:25

2M ago36:25

36:25

A German Jewish high-jumper is determined to get her shot at Olympic greatness. And an idealist faces an existential choice. In the fifth episode of Hilter’s Olympics, Avery Brundage faces the reality for Jewish athletes in Nazi Germany and makes a critical decision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Ep. 204 Tony Jones - The God of Wild Places 57:59

2M ago57:59

57:59

What would you do when all you’ve known disappeared? When the construct of your spiritual life was removed? Well, what Tony Jones did was enter wild places. In it, he found a new connection to God, to his dogs, to nature, and the world that is teeming with life. In this conversation, Tony shares about the ups and downs of ministry and family life a…

1
Ep. 203 J. Dana Trent - Finding Your Way Through Trauma Towards a Life of Meaning and Belonging 57:51

2M ago57:51

57:51

I can’t imagine coming home from preschool and being christened into the drug trafficking business by your father. But Dana Trent can because that’s exactly what happened to her. In this conversation, Dana and I discuss her story growing up with two mentally unwell parents as told through her excellent memoir Between Two Trailers.Dana shares experi…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 4: Outcast in Olympia 42:45

2M ago42:45

42:45

The cheerleader-in-chief for the American Olympic movement was a brilliant, self-made Chicago tycoon named Avery Brundage. Brundage did more to ensure the success of the Berlin Games than anyone except Hitler. But what exactly were his motivations? We meet the man behind the curtain and witness his secret shame. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

1
Ep. 202 Bryan Loritts - Enduring Friendship 58:33

2M ago58:33

58:33

There is a loneliness epidemic. We’ve lost our ability to connect to one another. In this conversation with Bryan Loritts we discuss the importance of enduring friendships. God's primary way of shaping people is through relationships with others and the Bible places a high premium on relationships, seen in concepts like the Trinity and salvation. J…

1
Ep. 201 Alan Briggs Returns - A Lighter Way to Live and Lead in a Heavy World 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

I have seen leaders, ministry workers, and missionaries burnout over and over. There has to be something that works. Alan Briggs says part of it is a training issue. We train for the launch, but not for longevity. In this episode, Alan discusses leadership burnout and how to cultivate healthy, sustainable habits to avoid burnout. Alan shares insigh…

1
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 3: Mustache to Mustache 35:44

2M ago35:44

35:44

With the fate of the Olympics on the line, Charles Sherrill travels to Germany to take up the question of Jewish athletes directly with the Führer. We dig through a dusty archive to uncover a long-buried account of their meeting. The wolf met with the chicken. Guess who won? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Ep. 200 Rich Villodas - The Narrow Path 1:00:05

2M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

In this conversation, Rich Villodas and I focus on Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and what it means to follow the narrow path. We discuss how the Sermon on the Mount helps navigate cultural diversity, the differences between the narrow path and broad way of living, Jesus' teachings on topics like the Beatitudes, money, anxiety, and ind…

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