Sifted Wheat podcast

#Religion #Christianity #Leslie Lamb #Society #Relationship #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

Sifted Wheat

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Sifted Wheat was created to bring conversation about relationships and real life situations. There is a lot of information available to us, a lot of opinions, but with Leslie’s combined experience of ministry and mental health, it’s designed to be a safe place to learn and to grow and to discover that we can heal. As humans we can go through a lot and pick up a lot along the way, and here we can explore what we need to hold us together, where we can be challenged to think differently, and how we can be encouraged to live an empowered life.

38 episodes

Sifted Wheat

updated 5 days ago

Series home•Feed

38 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #Leslie Lamb #Society #Relationship #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

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Sifted Wheat

1
Dear Counselor: How do I remove my anger? 16:43

5 days ago16:43

16:43

Despite the original question sent in by the listener, "How do I remove my anger?" I dig into how to move through anger so that we don't feel stuck in it, act out of it in ways that hurt others, or keep the toxic habit of pushing it away. In this conversation we will address: What do we do with anger? Is it a sin? How do we know when our anger has crossed over into sin? Where does forgiveness help or hinder our anger? Wherever you find yourself in this space of anger, you will hear something that can help you. I provide some practical steps to processing anger by exploring and investigating other more vulnerable feelings that might be attached, which actually increases empathy and our emotional intelligence as we make it a daily practice. Have you left a rating or review? That 10 seconds or less would help us so much! Or even better, take that same time and share it with a friend that could use support with their anger! Want to connect? Here’s some options: Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/siftedwheatpodcast Follow and subscribe on Podbean: https://siftedwheatpodcast.podbean.com/…

Sifted Wheat

1
Dear Counselor: How do I love my toxic family members? 14:57

19 days ago14:57

14:57

Struggling with family members? Not sure what steps to take or what it looks like to love and/or help someone who exhibits toxic behaviors? This conversation is important to listen to! In this conversation we will address: The difference between “unhealth” and “toxicity” The difficulties of separation and validation What is our role in loving a toxic family member? What is the role of the community towards those estranged from their family? Wherever you find yourself, I think you will hear something that will help you figure out your next steps or validate your choices to love with distance. Have you left a rating or review? That 10 seconds or less would help us so much! Want to connect? Here’s some options: Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.lamb.9/ https://www.instagram.com/siftedwheatpodcast Follow and subscribe on Podbean: Sifted Wheat Podcast Or contact us at: siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com…

Sifted Wheat

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Dear Counselor: Where was God when I was being molested? 15:20

5 weeks ago15:20

15:20

This is a HARD question, but as a counselor I know it is a necessary one. We are starting a new series “Dear Counselor” where you asked me your questions, and I sat with the Lord and my experience as a counselor to bring you support and an answer that might instill hope. The truth is, you might not like the answer, you might struggle with the concept, and in either of those spaces, there is so much grace for you! I encourage you to listen with an open heart and open mind and not to just stop there but consider and journal what thoughts and feelings come up. I’m not your “usual” podcast - I’m not here just to educate or inform but hopefully to impact your heart to heal. Want to connect? Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.lamb.9/ https://www.instagram.com/siftedwheatpodcast Follow and subscribe on Podbean: Sifted Wheat Podcast Or contact us at: siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com…

Sifted Wheat

1
Making our way back to healthy sexuality 13:12

7 weeks ago13:12

13:12

We can’t end this series without talking about healthy sexuality, and in this conversation I provide a roadmap that can help us get back to it. We need to move through what pornography taught us, what trauma embedded and any other confusion that might be making it something different than it was meant to be. There are some points that might not be appreciated, that go against what culture tells us about sexuality and health. We discuss the role of marriage in intimacy and how it is more than just sex but “knowing” that builds trust and security and deeper affections, and we introduce an exercise that has been proven to help couples let down their guard and feel more seen with their partners to be vulnerable and more securely connected. You are invited to join the conversation an discover the path for yourself. Scriptures included: Genesis 6 Galatians 5:16-26 Genesis 4 Gratitude and thanks to our newest social media support - Adrienne Murray You can find us on socials @siftedwheatpodcast or send us as email at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com…

Sifted Wheat

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Exploring Platonic Intimacy - A Conversation with Dr. Brooke Keels 50:37

9 weeks ago50:37

50:37

In this conversation, I’m joined by my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor. She is the Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse, located in Dallas Texas, where she works to create, implement, and oversee multiple programs. She has worked in the recovery industry in a professional capacity for over 16 years in a variety of roles. I know you will appreciate her wisdom on the topic of Platonic Intimacy, her personal journey of seeing its importance, and the advice she gives us to make it a bigger deal in our lives. We discuss the pitfalls of aligning intimacy with only sexuality, and how done right, platonic intimacy is most stable of relationships. To be fair, we also discuss how it’s a sacrifice to be in relationship and that regardless of what culture tells us, it can’t be based only on what feels good. True depth of relationship is forged in tension and being sharpened. Listen in and find out for yourself how you can develop healthier platonic intimacy and where you can start now to engage it differently and with more intentionality! NOTE: The Verse in Acts (2:43-45) is what Brooke is referring to when she points to sacrifice in community and relationship. And she also references the following source and quote: “But fellowship is a sacrifice that goes beyond convenience.” From The Kris Vallotton Podcast: Developing Healthy Communities You can listen here : https://podcast.krisvallotton.com/developing-healthy-communities Thanks so much for choosing then Sifted Wheat podcast! We are grateful for your support and your listenership. If you don’t mind, would you leave us a rating and/or review? And if this episode was significant, would you share it with a friend or two? Until next time follow us on Instagram @siftedwheatpodcast or email us at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com 🌾🤎…

Sifted Wheat

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Laws of Attraction 16:19

11 weeks ago16:19

16:19

It’s time for another episode in the continued exploration of “sexuality.” What forms and develops our attraction? Why does that matter? And how can we safe guard our heart from the pitfalls of attraction? Those are the questions we are addressing today. And I pray they are not only revelatory but they are impactful to your relationships - the ones you are in, the ones you are developing and the ones you need to leave behind. Where ever you find yourself in the spectrum, there is a word of wisdom and hope for you! Referenced scripture: Song of Songs (Solomon) 8:4 and 9 Follow me on instagram @siftedwheatpodcast or on FB @ https://www.facebook.com/leslie.lamb.9/ or email me at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com…

Sifted Wheat

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Sex isn't everything 16:29

15 weeks ago16:29

16:29

*Trigger Warning* This week’s episode is about exploring why it’s important to realize that sex isn’t everything and everything isn’t sex. I wrestled with what to name this because I didn’t want people to push it away without giving it a chance.. so, I might have given it a bit of a “clickbaity” title to encourage some curiosity? Maybe that’s why you are here, and now that you are, as promised, here are the questions I encouraged you to sift through in your own process of evaluation and assessment of the role of sexuality And the interruption of shame in your story: Where have you confused the mechanisms of sex with intimacy? Where have you placed expectations on yourself or those in your life to meet those needs sexually instead of connecting more vulnerably to be seen and known? Where do you need to set boundaries in relationships so that you can be more confident that it truly is a healthy, life-giving relationship and not a means of releasing sexual frustration? How old were you when you had your first experience? What belief systems resulted from that? Are you still living out of those fears and expectations? Have you resorted to sexual activities to meet non-sexual needs? Then as a parent or as an adult: Have you mistaken sexual behaviors in children as “dirty” or “shameful” without considering they might not understand either of those terms? Have you shamed yourself for these things? Have you considered what you might need when you resort to self-soothing behaviors and pornography? Are you seeking sex or do you really need to be loved, held, seen, valued, comforted? Are you bored, tired or emotional? What can you do instead to shift this temptation to something that is more satisfying and less shame-filled? After you listen, find a safe space to work through these questions with an accountability partner, a spouse, a pastor or a licensed counselor.. the more we open this space in safety, the less hold shame has over us. As always, you can direct any thoughts or questions to our email siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @siftedwheatpodcast for more encouragement, engagement, and content. 🤎…

Sifted Wheat

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Let's talk about sex 18:01

18 weeks ago18:01

18:01

In this conversation we are going to address how my own misuse and exposure to pornography has impacted my heart, my identity and my marriage. I’m opening up space for us to sit with the following questions: Where did you learn about sex? How did you learn what it sounds like, looks like or should feel like? Were you told that porn and masturbation were just a rite of passage? Were you encouraged to bring pleasure to yourself or to others? And then, how has that affected you? How has it impacted the way your see yourself or the way that you see others? How has it affected your marriage? Your relationships? Do you feel like you can’t get enough or do you feel like you can’t do enough to stay sexually satisfied? Per usual, we aren’t dancing around topics that need to be pulled apart and dissected by the light of Truth. So, if you are ready and need support and/ or healing in this space, “Let’s talk about sex.” Scriptures discussed and encouraged to read for yourself: Genesis 1-2 Leviticus 15 1 Corinthians 7:5 You can always reach us at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com or find us on our social media profile on instagram @siftedwheatpodcast. Subscribe to catch the latest episodes!…

Sifted Wheat

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Unwinding sexuality and spirituality 15:35

20 weeks ago15:35

15:35

This is the final topic in the conversation of the two worlds we occupy - spiritual and physical, and the first topic in a conversation about sexuality. In this space, I have done a lot of deconstruction and repairing from my own personal trauma and misinformation, and my hope is that this conversation can help you sit with the following questions: "Is this a trauma or hurt-based response?" "Do I emphasize my sexual desires over spiritual needs?" "Are there spaces where I can replace sexuality with deeper connection with God and others?" "Am I giving access to the enemy through my sexual behaviors?" Listen for more guidance and information to sift through those thoughts.…

Sifted Wheat

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The Truth about Spiritual Warfare 18:19

22 weeks ago18:19

18:19

Is this a topic that interests you or confuses you? It's true that not everything is a demon, but anything that creates divisiveness and pride and moves outside of the truth, tempting us into misconceptions about God and our identity in Him, this is spiritual gameplay. The spiritual world is very real and moves in and out of the things we do and say, and the more that we are aware of that the more we are empowered to resist it. This week we are looking at the spiritual side of our battles. We often overlook this in the overwhelming sensation of emotions and physical experiences, but when we allow spiritual warfare to inform our choices, our thoughts and our actions, it can bring peace instead of defeat. Scriptures referenced: 2 Kings 6 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; 15-22 John 19:11 Ephesians 6:10-18 Follow for more content @siftedwheatpodcast on instagram or email us at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com…

Sifted Wheat

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Your identity informs your life 17:35

24 weeks ago17:35

17:35

We are continuing the conversation about being in a physical world and spiritual world, and this time we are considering how it relates to who we are and how that informs what we do! We will look at the following question: Who does God say you are? I believe we are each born with a purpose that informs our identity, and that God-given identity informs the choices of our lives. We will look at scripture to flesh that out more, and I will share a dream that I had that really helped me to see myself and others differently! Scriptures included for further reflection: Psalm 139 Jeremiah 1:5 Isaiah 49:5 Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-11; 16:18 Acts 13:19 Feel free to email us at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com for any thoughts and/or topics you would like to see addressed in the future.…

Sifted Wheat

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The difference between healing and dealing (with demons) 14:31

26 weeks ago14:31

14:31

Too often deliverance and casting out demons is misused and misunderstood. This is another space where the belief that we live in a spiritual and physical world matters and requires deeper perception and empathy to help the hurting around us and continue to support them. We look at the story of "the demoniac" and the woman at the well to understand more of where and how spiritual warfare can be hidden and not always the most obvious issue, and we see how Jesus encounters them and encourages us to engage them. Scriptures referred to: Matthew 8:28-34 Mark 5:1-20 Luke 8:26-39 John 4:4-42 Luke 11:23-26 Follow and subscribe and share with with those who might be encouraged by this episode! And, if you really like us leave a rating and review! Thanks for listening.…

Sifted Wheat

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A Tale of Two Worlds 14:45

28 weeks ago14:45

14:45

Do you believe we live in two worlds? Regardless of whether you do or don't, this is a conversation about where that shift of worlds might have started and how knowing that can empower us to live more impactful lives. It's not that the spiritual world doesn't exist, and to be honest some can even be too focused on it, but rather, it's acknowledging that it's hidden and active regardless of our belief or unbelief. Thankfully, as you will hear, Jesus opened it up to us again and gave us access to it, and creation waits in expectation for us to engage it. Listen in and learn more! Scriptures to look into: Genesis 3 Romans 5:12-19; 8:19-25 1 Corinthians 3:18 Luke 11:4 👉🏻 Feel free to contact us at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com or find us on social media! Rate, review and share to help us get the word out and support others to love and heal in Christ!…

Sifted Wheat

1
Love the Church 22:14

42 weeks ago22:14

22:14

Do you love the church? Even if (especially if) that question makes you uncomfortable or even offends you, I encourage you to listen in! If we are going to make a difference in the world around us for the GOOD, then we must see the church for who she is (the good and the bad), who she is intended to be, and who she can become. Unsure of what I am talking about or curious to how you can learn to love and be loved in a flawed community of believers (and unbelievers as the case may be)? Then, keep engaging this conversation! As usual, I highlight the issues AND give practical support for how to love the church well. I even share my own challenge to shift that has helped my difficulties with the church and healthier personal church expression. Scriptural references to continue your study: Matthew 13:24-43 Matthew 25:31-46 Mark 6:10-11 John 13:35 John 15:4-11 John 17:13 Colossians 3:16 Ephesians 4:14-16 Hebrews 10:24-25 Feel free to contact us at siftedwheatpodcast@gmail.com or find us on social media! Rate, review and share to help us getting the word out and supporting others to love and heal in Christ!…

Sifted Wheat

1
Love your enemies 14:51

44 weeks ago14:51