Veteran TV writers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain demystify Hollywood by making career and personal struggles universal. Friends since high school and writing partners for over 20 years, Liz and Sarah have survived and thrived in Tinseltown’s male-dominated entertainment industry, guided by blind optimism and a Midwestern work ethic. Along the way they've learned a lot about kicking ass, kissing ass, and office yoga.
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This podcast title is based on the Holy Sonnet, "Batter my hear, three-person'd God" by John Donne, which is about God and His Holy Word sanctifying us into the men and leaders He has foreordained. Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett discuss today's topics, yesterday's sermons, and life in Christ amongst the communion of saints, while raising children in North Idaho in a covenantal household with a generational vision of dominion in Christ. "Holy Sonnets: Batter my heart, three-person'd God" BY JOH ...
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Want to know how to deal with a toxic work environment? Curious about the best way to give feedback to a Gen Z staffer? Wondering if you should change jobs? This is the episode for you! Today Liz and Sarah talk to Kim Lessing and Kate Arend, the Co-Heads of Film and TV at Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions, about their funny, insightful podcast —…
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Ep. 380: Revisiting Upward Spirals & Skinny Versus Fat IP
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28:52
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Liz and Sarah recently met with a development executive who pointed out that no matter how chaotic Hollywood gets, the work we do is the same. They discuss how this notion helps them stay calm this time of anxiety. In a Take Two about Upward Spirals, Sarah reveals what she’s doing to get back into Upward Spiral mode. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), th…
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Ep. 379: Being Consequential & Sarah’s Wellness Journal
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27:46
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Liz and Sarah use several criteria when choosing which TV projects they want to pursue — a world they love, interesting characters, stories with legs. Now they’re adding a new one… is the material consequential? And what does that mean to them? In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how her new Wellness Journal is helping on her health quest. In Hits & Bombs…
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In honor of All Work August, Liz and Sarah started the month with an intense two days of work at Sarah’s house in Ojai. They realized all over again how productive they are when they’re in the same room, and they’re determined to make it happen more often in the months to come. In Take Two, they revisit the topic of to dream crush or not to dream c…
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Ep. 377: All Work August! (And Liz’s Hiking Gear)
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Liz and Sarah had a delightful No Work July, but it’s time to put their noses to the grindstone — thus, it’s All Work August. They’re writing an outline, developing two pitches, continuing on their novel, and more. In Take A Hike, Liz talks about what gear she took on her recent hiking trip to England. Her new prized possession? A Tilly sun hat. Ne…
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For years Liz and Sarah have fantasized about taking the month of July off work. This year they’re actually having No Work July, and it’s amazing! In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives herself a Bomb for not doing car maintenance in almost a decade, and she gives a Hit to the people at Valvoline in Virginia, Minnesota. Liz gives herself a Bomb for her perpe…
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Ep. 375: To Dream Crush Or Not To Dream Crush?
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Liz and Sarah debate whether they should be cheerleaders or naysayers when offering advice and insight to people thinking about starting a career in Hollywood. To dream crush or not to dream crush? Inspired by her recent family reunion, Sarah suggests “planting activity seeds” in Take A Hike. Some seed suggestions — setting out a puzzle, a chat pac…
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Right now, Hollywood is all about intellection property. Liz and Sarah discuss what they look for in a book (or any other kind of material) when they’re considering whether or not to adapt it for TV. Is there a specific world? Are the characters complex? Does the story have legs? In Take A Hike, Liz reveals that she’s experiencing disconnect anxiet…
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Ep. 373: Conquering The Loneliness Epidemic With Kristen Meinzer & Jolenta Greenberg
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Liz and Sarah talk to the fabulous podcast hosts, Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg, about the new season of How To Be Fine, which dives into the loneliness epidemic and the sometimes fraught nature of friendship. What advice to they have for making friends as an adult? Do they ascribe to the idea of having a friend for “a reason, a season, or …
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Liz and Sarah discuss the current phase of their work cycle — consuming. With an eye toward developing IP, they’re reading, listening, and watching everything that comes their way. And they love it! In Take A Hike, Liz talks about how her recent Saturday afternoon outing to see stylist Allison Bornstein at the Theory Store in Brentwood inspired adv…
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Liz and Sarah discuss the incredible power of encouragement — especially right now. Times are tough in Hollywood (and many places), but hearing that you’re on the right path can make all the difference. In The Mailroom, they answer a question about how to maintain a good attitude at work when you’ve been screwed over. This week’s Hollywood Hack wil…
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Ep. 370: Spring Listener Questions Episode, Part Two!
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Today Liz and Sarah answer more listener questions! Do they weigh in set design? Do writing teams really split a paycheck? Have they ever thought about breaking up? Does Sarah have resources to share for other potential single moms by choice? Is she doing Pilates regularly? And has Liz been going to Orange Theory? They answer all of these questions…
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Ep. 369: Sweet Relief & An Interview with Quiet On Set’s Christy Stratton
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Liz and Sarah are celebrating! They can’t reveal details yet, but they sold a pitch that they’ve been working on since before the WGA strike. With Hollywood in a state of upheaval, the sale brings many emotions — including relief. Then Liz and Sarah interview comedy writer and producer, Christy Stratton, about everything from why she decided to tak…
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Why Baptism? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine ideal, or cuts men …
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Ep. 368: Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode!
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It’s the Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode! Where do Liz and Sarah think the TV industry is headed? How do they feel about actors turned directors? If they were stranded on a desert island what’s the one thing each would bring? Spoiler alert: both items require solar chargers. And so much more! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get…
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How to with Baptism? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine ideal, or c…
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Ep. 367: All About Editing With Debra Neil-Fisher
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Liz and Sarah talk to comedy feature editor extraordinaire turned director, Debra Neil-Fisher, about all things editing. What makes something funny? How does music impact editing? What advantage does an editor have when directing? Then Sarah gives herself a Hit for writing in the morning, and a Bomb for not using her Pilates reformer enough. Liz gi…
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What is baptism? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine ideal, or cuts …
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Ep. 366: Stress Languages & Liz’s Mounjaro-Driven Upward Spiral
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29:11
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Working in Hollywood is often stressful, now more than ever. Liz and Sarah discuss Chantal Donnelly’s stress framework — are you an Imploder, an Exploder, a Fixer, a Number, or a Denier? In Take A Hike, Type One diabetic Liz reveals how taking the weight loss drug Mounjaro has created an upward spiral in her life. She’s exercising, eating well, and…
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Liz and Sarah are asked all the time about what it’s like to be part of a team. Today they discuss the power of partnership and why it’s even more crucial to have each other during the tough times. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about why she’s glad she took Liz’s advice and showed up to a friend’s wedding. Then, in Amplify, Liz suggests listening to …
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Ep. 364: Be A Joiner & A Pitch Hack Round Up
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Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of joining a professional group. They get so much wisdom and support from other female showrunners who deal with the same issues that they do. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals why she’s decided to make self-care her latest hobby. Then they offer a Pitch Hack Round up — elevate your iPad, do a run through for light…
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Ep. 363: Liz Friedman on The Good Doctor (And Other Stuff)
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Liz and Sarah talk to The Good Doctor’s Co-Showrunner, Liz Friedman, about how she approached the end of the beloved series. In Take A Hike, they discuss the nature of friendship. What is the “one essential quality” that Liz and Sarah each value in the other? This week’s Hollywood Hack makes cleaning easy: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Finally, Sarah rec…
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Ep. 362: The Futility Of Attachment (Or Freedom From Fretting)
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25:24
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Liz and Sarah talk about a Hollywood phenomenon that can be seen as positive or negative — everything changes all the time. Depending on their state of mind they call this “the futility of attachment” or “freedom from fretting.” In Take Two, Liz and Sarah share listener thoughts on True Fun, and answer a question about whether working on their nove…
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Liz and Sarah often talk about the importance of drawing boundaries. Today they pat themselves on the back for drawing a boundary at work — but can they maintain it in the future? In Take A Hike, inspired by Liz finally trying an Orange Theory Fitness class, they discuss the benefits of doing something you’ve been putting off. Then Liz and Sarah an…
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Ep. 360: A Special Episode: How To Be On Set
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In this special episode, Liz and Sarah talk about a TV writer/producer’s role on set. Why are you there? (To help execute the Showrunner’s vision.) What should you do to prepare? (Go to lots of meetings!) What should you do during shooting? (Communicate with the director.) They also have several set Hollywood Hacks — wear layers, bring rain pants, …
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Liz and Sarah talk about bake offs — what are they, and why do TV writers hate them? So many reasons! In Take A Hike, they talk about the art of taking compliment. Just say “thank you.” Then they give a Hit to IATSE and the Teamsters, who are in the middle of contract negotiations with the AMPTP. And Sarah gives a Bomb to electric car infrastructur…
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Confession and Repentance - How Should We Confess and Repent?
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Confession and Repentance - How Should We Confess and Repent? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic…
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Liz and Sarah are writing the second draft of their novel, and it’s getting so much better. But now that they feel the book has the potential to be great, the pressure is on! They just have to remember that writing is rewriting. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about True Fun as defined by Catherine Price’s book The Power of Fun. This week’s Hollywood H…
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Confession and Repentance - Why Confession and Repentance?
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21:07
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Confession and Repentance - Why Confession and Repentance? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic ma…
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Liz and Sarah are back from their trip to Seattle, where they were researching a new pilot project. They discuss the many benefits of immersing themselves in research, including having ideas they never would have had at home in their offices. Plus, they both slept GREAT. In Take A Hike, they reflect on No Spend February. Sarah’s main takeaway? She …
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Confession and Repentance - What is Confession and Repentance?
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Confession and Repentance - What is Confession and Repentance? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxi…
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Liz and Sarah talk about how they’re coping with what they call “priority whiplash.” They have to be ready to jump off one work project and onto another when opportunity arises. Next, they interview author Chelsey Goodan about her new book, Underestimated: The Wisdom And Power Of Teenage Girls. What’s the best way to give a compliment? What is the …
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Lord's Day - How Should We Administer the Lord's Day?
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Lord's Day - How Should We Administer the Lord's Day? Lord's Day How to, On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either up…
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Liz and Sarah have a ton of work to do, but they’re having trouble getting into “the flow.” How can they stop being distracted by ping ponging projects and focus on one thing at a time? In Take A Hike, Liz shares her happiness dilemma. She loves being social but she always dreads whatever plan she’s made once she’s made it. Then Sarah talks about w…
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Lord's Day - Why the Lord's Day? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine…
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When it comes to pitching, Liz and Sarah are usually the ones who are talking rather than listening. Today they share what they learned when they listened to another writer’s pitch. In The Happiness Project Revisited segment, Sarah shares what she’s doing for the February theme of energy — including going to bed by 10:30PM, the Prolon fast, and Pil…
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Lord's Day - What is the Lord's Day? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the mascu…
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Ep. 353: Nothing Changed But Everything Changed
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29:11
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Liz and Sarah discuss how a great meeting with an executive made them realize how much their perception shapes their reality. Even though technically nothing has changed in terms of Hollywood “getting back to normal,” it suddenly feels like it has. And that’s a good thing! In Take A Hike, Sarah describes the benefits of Kirtan Kriya meditation. The…
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How Should We Pray? On the Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine ideal, o…
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Ep. 352: Our First “Roar 24” & Embrace Your Core
29:06
29:06
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Liz and Sarah headed to The Emerald Iguana Inn for their first “Roar 24,” an intense, twenty-four hour work session. They finished a draft of their latest pitch and made (some) headway on their novel. In Take A Hike, they discuss why it’s fun to “embrace your core.” Are you Cottagecore like Sarah? Or maybe Valleymomcore like Liz? Define your own co…
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Why Pray? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine ideal, or cuts men dow…
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Ep. 351: Bad Work = Bad Notes & No Spend February
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27:21
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Liz and Sarah had an insight after a recent notes call about a pitch they’re working on— it’s a lot easier to give good notes on good material. If you’re getting bad notes, examine your project to determine if you need to make a fundamental change. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah share why they’re doing No Spend February and reveal exactly what items…
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What is Prayer? On Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett Welcome to the podcast series called, "Good Christian Men: Brilliance at the Basics for Husbands and Fathers Seeking to Glorify God" What does it mean to be a God-honoring man, in a society that either upholds toxic masculinity as the masculine ideal, or cuts m…
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Ep. 350: 2024 Winter Listener Questions Episode!
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Liz and Sarah are celebrating the 350th episode of HIH with Winter Listener Questions. Why did Liz’s mom have Liz and Gretchen six years apart? What tips does Sarah have for adding a new puppy to the family? Will Liz and Sarah host a NON-writing HIH retreat? What writers room from the past do they wish they could go back and be a part of? Liz and S…
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How Should We Read Scripture? On the Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett. Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett talk about God's special revelation in scripture. God's word, the canon or Holy scripture, is inerrant, plenary, verbal, and confluent in our 66 books of the Bible. God's special revelation to us, gives all people…
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Liz and Sarah discuss what they learned by reading the full first draft of their novel. Lesson One? Don’t waste time trying to make it perfect! Then friend of the pod Brook Sitgraves Turner joins Liz and Sarah to talk about her latest project — the amazing documentary, Brief Tender Light, directed by Arthur Musah. Next they introduce a new monthly …
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Why Scripture? On the Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett. Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett talk about God's special revelation in scripture. God's word, the canon or Holy scripture, is inerrant, plenary, verbal, and confluent in our 66 books of the Bible. God's special revelation to us, gives all people the Way, the T…
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All of Sarah and Liz’s New Year momentum has been sucked away by Influenza A and Covid-19. To regain their sense of purpose, they’ve decided that January 16 will be their new New Year’s Day. In Take A Hike, they discuss how asking how decision making is made easier by asking yourself, “Is it a 10?” Pondering a rich dessert? Is it a 10? Contemplatin…
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What is scripture? On the Bend, Break, Burn, and Blow podcast with Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett. Josiah Dyer and Aaron Guyett talk about God's special revelation in scripture. God's word, the canon or Holy scripture, is inerrant, plenary, verbal, and confluent in our 66 books of the Bible. God's special revelation to us, gives all people the Way, t…
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Now that it’s 2024, Liz and Sarah are outlining their goals for the year — as a team and as individuals. First on the list? Sell their novel! In Take A Hike, Sarah announces that she intends to use her new Pilates reformer one hundred and fifty times this year, and Liz says she’s going to take fifty classes at Orange Theory. In The Mailroom, they r…
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