Best Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding Podcasts (2024)

1
["What about?" Wednesday] Robby Lashua, Apologist, Stand to Reason: What about the Role of Baptism in the Life of a Believer? Is it a Prerequisite of Salvation? 30:22

3h ago30:22

30:22

As you will hear discussed in today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, there are a host of theological issues that our foundational to the Christian faith. Conversely, there are other issues that, while important, are not as pressing as others. Some issues represent prerequisites to salvation. Others represent preferences. But, as our student question…

1
Jennie Dalcour, Clinical Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Understanding the Current Trends within Risky Behaviors and Youth 21:09

2h ago21:09

21:09

As we continue to espouse the benefits of the Family Care Learning library of online parenting courses and resources, today we sit down for a Kingdom Culture Conversation with Jennie Dalcour, a clinical supervisor for Christian Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. In today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, Jennie considers major points and trends from th…

1
Self-Acceptance in the Aftermath of Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso 51:46

4d ago51:46

51:46

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back trauma bond expert and author Nadine Macaluso, LMFT, Ph.D., to introduce her latest book, Run Like Hell, A Therapist’s Guide To Recognizing, Escaping, Healing From Trauma Bonds. The pair also discuss the markers of a trauma-bonded relationship and how to use NARM to address the c…

1
Jennie Dalcour, Clinical Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Staying Ahead of the Anxiety and Trauma that Students are Destined to Encounter 30:16

3d ago30:16

30:16

As we continue to espouse the benefits of the Family Care Learning library on online parenting courses and resources, today we sit down for a Kingdom Culture Conversation with Jennie Dalcour, a clinical supervisor for Christian Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. In the first of a two-part conversation, Jennie speaks to the benefits of EMDR, the growi…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Colleen Pfitzinger, Northwest Christian Third Grade Teacher: Matthew 8 and Helping Students to Understand 'Who' and 'What' They Are 22:41

4d ago22:41

22:41

As you watch Colleen Pfitzinger, a member of Northwest Christian's third grade team, around campus, you might be tempted to think she's a bit reserved. But, that's not the story that's coming out of her classroom. Nope. For years, students have reported quite the opposite: that Colleen is not reserved, rather, she's a riot in the classroom...that C…

1
Kids and Religious Literacy - Vicki Garlock 55:02

4d ago55:02

55:02

This episode of ReligionWise features Vicki Garlock, Ph.D., the founder of World Religions for Kids. Trained as a cognitive psychologist, Dr. Garlock's longtime interest in religion and religious diversity has inspired her to produce children's books and train educators on the importance of religious literacy for even the youngest learners. Today's…

1
["What about?" Wednesday] Robby Lashua of Stand to Reason: What about Luke 2:52? Is there an Evolving Christology within the Gospels? 29:31

9d ago29:31

29:31

At first glance, Luke 2:52 seems harmless enough. "Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man." But, wait a minute... Jesus increased in wisdom? In other words, the pre-incarnate Word from John 1 "grew in wisdom" over the course of time? How? Or, Colossians 1's pre-existent, uncreated God-in-the-flesh became more wise? Fur…

1
Will Savoy, Family Coaching Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Counting the Cost of Leading Your Home through the Biggest Challenges Facing Families 31:04

10d ago31:04

31:04

If you’re a busy parent or caregiver that is looking for high-quality, research-based instruction designed to meet pressing needs within your home, Christian Family Care's Family Care Learning library of online, video-based courses is designed to make an immediate impact in your home. These courses are all facilitated by recognized experts in paren…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Chelsey Lawson, Northwest Christian Elementary Teacher: Mining the Deeper Truths Found in Matthew 1 20:21

11d ago20:21

20:21

"Matthew 1 is boring!" "The genealogies are a waste of time!" Think again, friend. Given the absolute economy of words within Scripture, as we will learn today with Northwest Christian's Chelsey Lawson, there is an unrivaled efficiency to the presentation of unfettered truth in God's word...to the degree that there is no wasted wordage! Even within…

1
A Compassionate Approach to Incarceration and Reentry with Christine Marallen 42:17

20d ago42:17

42:17

The "goal" of incarceration varies depending on who you ask. Whether you consider prison fair retribution for engaging in criminal activity or an opportunity at redemption, most people agree that the punitive nature of the US criminal justice system neither rehabilitates nor curbs recidivism rates. Emily Ruth invites Christine Marallen to share her…

1
Scott Hord, Statewide Training Manager, Christian Family Care: Strengthen Your Home Through the Family Care Learning Library of Online Parenting Courses 19:31

18d ago19:31

19:31

If you’re a busy parent or caregiver that is looking for high-quality, research-based instruction designed to meet pressing needs within your home, Christian Family Care's Family Care Learning library of online, video-based courses is designed to make an immediate impact in your home. These courses are all facilitated by recognized experts in paren…

1
Michael Potter, CEO, Tyndale Group of Christian Schools in Australia: Gut Wrenching Truth about Self-Care in the Midst of Life's Messiness 34:36

23d ago34:36

34:36

As you spend time with Mike Potter, the CEO of the Tyndale Group of Christian Schools in Australia, you are first impressed by his warmth and wit. Actually, more than wit--the dude is seriously funny. Spend even more time and you'll discover a man wholly committed to Christ and meeting the needs of students. Spend a bit more time and, well, that is…

1
Walker and Tanner Wisely: Experiencing the Sort of Wisdom and Reconciliation that can only be Born from Hardship 40:26

29d ago40:26

40:26

Tanner Wisely is a Northwest Christian alum that is presently serving in the U.S. Army in Fort Bliss, Texas and about to move to a new post in Germany. Walker, his brother and a NC senior, is getting ready to play football at Western New Mexico University. In today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, you will here from two brothers who are the best of …

1
Steve Downes, Executive Principal, Calvary Christian College in Australia: Public School Flight, Indigenous Peoples, and the Best Album by Midnight Oil 39:46

1M ago39:46

39:46

To say that Australian education is unique from American education is an understatement. Yet, even within that paradigm, Steve Downes' Calvary Christian College is vastly different than most Australian Christian schools. How? That's the subject of today's far-reaching Kingdom Culture Conversation. So far-reaching, in fact, that we learn of an Aussi…

1
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Shifting the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems With David and Katya Dow 46:15

30d ago46:15

46:15

Without early-stage therapeutic intervention, many at-risk youth face a higher likelihood of becoming adult inmates within the ill-equipped and wildly expensive US prison system. Two advocates, operating at opposite ends of the institutional spectrum, believe that change is possible, especially when we extend trauma-informed support to the youngest…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Geoff and G: What Does it Mean When Jesus Says "Abide in Me" in John 15? 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

What does it mean when Jesus says "abide in Me" within John 15? Is it a trick question? Can we bring ourselves to accept that His love surpasses my tarnished past? Today, Geoff Brown and Chris "G" Gardiner walk through what may be Jesus' most amazing and revelatory truth claim: We have the standing invitation to find perfect rest and peace through …

1
Religion at the Opera - Jane Fitzpatrick 52:42

1M ago52:42

52:42

Today's conversation features Jane Fitzpatrick, a contributing writer to Religion Matters who covers the intersection of religion and the performing arts, with a particular emphasis on the opera. Conversations about religion in the public square happen in all kinds of contexts. This episode considers the many ways that religion is both represented …

1
Craig Murison, Executive Dean, Christian Heritage College in Brisbane, Australia: Does the Notion of "Biblical Integration" Misserve Christian Education? 38:25

1M ago38:25

38:25

Dr. Craig Murison's research efforts are garnering international attention from Christian educators the world over. And, they are starting to ask questions. Awkward questions. Is it possible that the long-pursued aspiration of "Biblical integration" is actually misserving Christian schools and Christian educators? As we'll hear today in a stirring …

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Tyler and Tammy Collins: John 8 Finds Jesus Comforting the Afflicted and Afflicting the Comfortable 26:51

1M ago26:51

26:51

In the span of a singularly beautiful chapter, John 8, we see Jesus coming to terms with the broken--a woman caught in adultery, facing a death sentence--and the self-righteous. As we will hear from Tyler and Tammy Collins today, Jesus does this all with His inimitable grace and truth. Teaching Sophomore Bible, Tyler serves as the chair of Northwes…

1
Paul Campey, Partner, Resolve Consultants: A Candid Deep Dive into the Financial Sustainability of Christian Education Generally and Northwest Christian School Specifically 28:29

1M ago28:29

28:29

As we will learn today, education in Australia is different. Very different. Without the stringent separation between church and state that we find in the U.S., the Australian government uses public funding to support both public and private schools. As a result, close to half of Australian students are enrolled in private education with many of th…

1
Elijah Mizysak, Founder, Patriot Productions: Finding the Courage to Start a Christ-Centered, God-Honoring Community Theater Program 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

Elijah Mizsak has been doing theater for ten years with multiple theater companies. But, as a Christ follower, he soon began to see a growing disconnect between his personal faith and aspects of the productions in which he was involved. So, in 2021, as a young man still in his teens, Elijah took a chance. A big chance. Elijah started Patriot Produc…

1
Reclaiming Spiritual Agency through Understanding the Roots of Generational Trauma With Vanessa R. Brooks 48:03

1M ago48:03

48:03

Context is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by those in recovery from complex trauma perpetuated by religious leaders and authoritarian systems of spirituality. That’s especially true regarding former members of Black Christian communities where the church represents more than just a home for shared worship. In this episode of Transfor…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Brett and Sara Irwin: Unwrapping the Free Gift Offered in John 1 32:07

2M ago32:07

32:07

Brett Irwin is a member of Northwest Christian High's math team. He's also the point guy for the AIA Crusader Chess Team, the HAM radio club, and he coaches just under 1,000 teams. His wife Sara, is a crucial member of the NCS Online course development team. To be clear, Brett and Sara are critical members of the Crusader community! Today, Brett an…

1
[Build Here, Build There Update] Jon Coughlin, President, City of Joy International: How a Northwest Christian Building Project is Building the Kingdom in Rwanda, Africa 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

As part of an update on Northwest Christian's unconventional building campaign, today's episode presents an opportunity to see how "Build Here" and "Build There" are both working together to further God's Kingdom purposes simultaneously in Phoenix, Arizona and Rwanda, Africa. "Unconventional" may be an understatement. When BHBT was announced two ye…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Denise Skinner: Luke 18 and Making God's Word a Priority in the Home 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

We have kicked off the annual Red Letter Challenge and you are invited to join us! Each year, as he did this year during chapel on January 24th, Geoff challenges the elementary students to read one chapter of the four gospels each day over the span of four months. In so doing, the school community moves corporately through Matthew, Mark, Luke and J…

1
Scott MacIntyre, American Idol Contestant and Musical Missionary: What do the blind 'see' when they dream? 33:02

2M ago33:02

33:02

Born blind and with a life-threatening genetic kidney disorder, Scott MacIntyre has had plenty of excuses to be discouraged. Nevertheless, his indomitable disposition, self-effacing sense of humor, and realization of joy in Christ has kept him on a course that has allowed him to use his abundant musical gifts for the glory of God. Along the way, th…

1
Compassion and Consent in Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder With Erin Lewis-Gibson 53:11

2M ago53:11

53:11

Here’s a challenge that all mental professionals face: no provider is immune to misdiagnosing a client. This likelihood increases if that client presents with symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Even an accurate, timely diagnosis and treatment of DID isn’t without its complications. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth w…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Andrew Coley, NCS Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Luke 11 Cues Our Response to a Hostile Culture 29:24

2M ago29:24

29:24

We have kicked off the annual Red Letter Challenge and you are invited to join us! Each year, as he did this year during chapel on January 24th, Geoff challenges the elementary students to read one chapter of the four gospels each day over the span of four months. In so doing, the school community moves corporately through Matthew, Mark, Luke and J…

1
Muslim Leadership and Higher Education - Adeel Zeb 59:45

2M ago59:45

59:45

Religious diversity on college and university campuses can be a complicated subject. Varieties of traditions and worldviews have been present at institutions of higher education for a long time, yet recognizing and welcoming those various religious identities has not always automatically followed. Today's episode of ReligionWise features Adeel Zeb,…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Mark and Kim Reiswig Consider Luke 4 and the Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness 27:41

2M ago27:41

27:41

We have kicked off the annual Red Letter Challenge and you are invited to join us! Each year, as he did this year during chapel on January 24th, Geoff challenges the elementary students to read one chapter of the four gospels each day over the span of four months. In so doing, the school community moves corporately through Matthew, Mark, Luke and J…

1
Trauma-Proofing Corporate Culture and Work Environments with Adriana Leigh 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth has the pleasure of chatting with Adriana Leigh, founder and principal consultant at Adriana Leigh Group Consulting (ALG). The pair discuss Adriana’s own struggles with generational trauma and institutionalized trauma, trauma in the workplace, and Adriana’s work in gender-based violence prevention.…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Geoff and G Introduce the Red Letter Challenge for Spring 2024 and Look at the Gospel of Mark 32:45

2M ago32:45

32:45

We have kicked off the annual Red Letter Challenge and you are invited to join us! Each year, as he did this year during chapel on January 24th, Geoff challenges the elementary students to read one chapter of the four gospels each day over the span of four months. In so doing, the school community moves corporately through Matthew, Mark, Luke and J…

1
Introducing The Complex Trauma Training Center with Training Director Brad Kammer 19:56

3M ago19:56

19:56

On this bonus episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Brad Kammer, NARM® Senior Trainer and executive producer of this podcast, to introduce the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). CTTC is a professional organization providing therapist training, consultation, mentorship, and community for psychotherapists and mental health prof…

1
[Red Letter Challenge] Gordon Wickert, Hope in Numbers: Hiding God's Word (Big Time!) in Your Heart 37:00

3M ago37:00

37:00

Welcome to the Red Letter Challenge - Superintendent Geoff Brown's annual challenge to the community to begin reading through the four gospels, one chapter per day, over three months. Interested? You can get all the details right here! As we kick off three months of Kingdom Culture Conversations rooted in the Red Letters and the gospels, we welcome…

1
Cultivating Hope and Healing Through Community-Focused Somatic Resiliency Training With Elaine Miller-Karas 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

What if we could dispatch somatic resiliency skills to under-resourced neighborhoods, disaster areas, and conflict zones via the same community-focused networks that deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies? Emily Ruth has the privilege of speaking with Elaine Miller-Karas, co-founder and executive director emeriti at the Trauma Resourc…

1
Eunice Lenk, Bible X Games: Preparing to Launch the First Legit Bible-Based Video Game 29:07

3M ago29:07

29:07

Video games are huge. Approximately 3.26 billion people worldwide play video games. 89.5% of video game sales happen in the digital world. In 2022, gamers in the US spent $55.5 billion on games. But, prior to the advent of Bible X, it's been a domain largely avoided by Christendom. Why? But now, through one of the most successful video game develop…

1
["What About?" Wednesday] Robby Lashua of Stand to Reason: What about Allah? Is the Allah of Islam the same god as Jehavoh of Judaism and Christianity? 25:08

3M ago25:08

25:08

In 2015, Larycia Hawkins, a professor at Wheaton College in Illinois, decided to wear a headscarf during the Advent season as a gesture of solidarity with Muslims. In doing so, Hawkins quoted Pope Francis, saying that Christians and Muslims "worship the same God." But, are they? Is Allah of Islam the same god as Jehovah or Judaism and Christianity?…

1
Tim Reed, Former Arizona Christian University Faculty Member and Campus Pastor: Establishing a Healthy Trajectory for Pastoral Ministry 31:41

3M ago31:41

31:41

According to the Barna Group, six in ten senior pastors describe youth ministry as one of the top five priorities of their church. Yet, too often these vital ministries are underfunded and understaffed. The result is that youth ministers are burning out and leaving the ministry altogether. In today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, we talk transparen…

1
Spirituality and Philosophy - Tad Robinson 52:43

3M ago52:43

52:43

This episode welcomes back Tad Robinson, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Muhlenberg College. In his recent work, Robinson has asked how reframing questions of religious activity as spiritual rather than religious might lead to different insight and understanding of prayer, meditation, and a variety of other practices. We also discuss the realitie…

1
[Countdown to NXNW] Chris Zimmerman, Red Five Media: Discussing the Biggest Box Office Bombs of All Time 20:29

3M ago20:29

20:29

What was the biggest box office bomb of all time? Aren't you just a wee bit curious? Today, we start the countdown to the NXNW High School Film Festival taking place at the Harkins Norterra theaters in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, January 19th. That evening will also see the premiere of the latest Northwest Christian School film production, "Test Ta…

1
[Countdown to NXNW] Chris Zimmerman, Red Five Media: What Makes for a Great Movie Soundtrack? 22:53

3M ago22:53

22:53

Today, we start the countdown to the NXNW High School Film Festival taking place at the Harkins Norterra theaters in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, January 19th. That evening will also see the premiere of the latest Northwest Christian School film production, "Test Takers", made in partnership with Chris Zimmerman from Red Five Media. In the KCC studi…

1
A Pathway to Peace in the Fight Against Oppression and Religious Trauma with Yasmine Mohammed 54:15

3M ago54:15

54:15

NARM Senior Trainer Brad Kammer invites human rights campaigner Yasmine Mohammed to share her experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Islamic household, including her arranged marriage to a member of Al-Qaeda and her subsequent work as founder and president of Free Hearts Free Minds, an organization providing mental health support to free thinke…

1
[Countdown to NXNW] Chris Zimmerman, Red Five Media: The Ten Most Controversial TV Shows of All Time 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

John Stuart Mill once wrote that "...even when mainstream views are true or justified, if they are never challenged, they risk becoming dead dogmas rather than living truths." In other words, according to Mill, there is value in controversy when it causes us to question social norms, lasting conventions, and established truths. Mill is suggesting t…

1
Susan Konves, Coach, Crusader Archery: Archery in Pop Culture, the Bible, and Building the Kingdom 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

Susan Konves fell into archery through happenstance--a casual afternoon of archery with her family at a Bible camp has led to a lifetime of fun and ministry using archery as the primary focus. Considered by many to be one of the top archery coaches in Phoenix, Susan is actively involved in the National Archery in Schools Program, the Home Educated …

1
Reflections for the New Year on Connection and Continued Growth for The NARM Training Institute with Faculty Members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

It's that time of year again! On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth welcomes esteemed NARM faculty members Brad Kammer, Stefanie Klein, and Marcia Black to reflect on developments within the NARM training community in 2023 and offer insight into their goals for the year ahead. It's a joyful and self-aware discussion, offering a transpa…

1
2023: The Podcast Year In Review with NARM Training Director Brad Kammer and Host Emily Ruth 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

Emily and NARM Training Director Brad Kammer reflect on podcast highlights from 2023, a season filled with vital voices and inspiring ideas. It’s the perfect playlist to close out this year or begin the next! Emily and Brad were thrilled to share the mic with influential practitioners, industry luminaries, researchers, thought leaders and more. Con…

1
["What About?" Wednesday] Robby Lashua of Stand to Reason: What about Genealogies? Why does Paul warn Timothy against them if they are part of the Christmas story? 23:02

4M ago23:02

23:02

As part of their accounts of the birth of Christ--the centerpiece to celebrating Christmas--both Matthew and Luke convey the genealogy/the lineage of Jesus. But, "hold the phone" says a careful New Testament student reader in his question for our "What about? Wednesday" Kingdom Culture Conversations podcast episode today. "If Matthew and Luke consi…

1
Dr. Amy Yoder, English Department Chair, Northwest Christian High School: Candid Conversations about Biblical Worldview Formation that Works...and that Doesn't Work (Part Two) 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

Dr. Amy Yoder is the first post-doctoral fellow in the history of Grand Canyon University, a deserved designation that she achieved due to the cutting edge nature of her research into spiritual formation strategies and high school students. But, the qualification of "cutting edge" isn't just due to the fact that she making the first research forays…

1
Religion, Politics, and Vocation - Sarah Trone Garriott 54:23

4M ago54:23

54:23

Every four years Iowa takes its stage in the national spotlight as the United States presidential race starts to heat up. This first opportunity for voters to choose a candidate to run in the national election, the Iowa Caucuses have an outsized place in our political geography. In this episode of ReligionWise, State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott an…

1
["What About?" Wednesday] Robby Lashua of Stand to Reason: What about Santa? Should Christ-Followers be Anti-Santites? 30:08

4M ago30:08

30:08

You know it is going to be a memorable episode of Kingdom Culture Conversations when we need to kick it off with a disclaimer! As you'll hear on today's "What about? Wednesday" episode with Stand to Reason apologist Robby Lashua: "It truly is up to every believer to approach God’s word humbly and seek out truth independently. Today’s conversation i…

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