Send us a text The Black Church has been studied from sociological and justice perspectives, but Professor, Preacher, Consultant and Speaker, Dr. Walter R. Stickland II noticed a missing piece: the theology that has shaped Black Christianity throughout history into the present. Like a choir with the altos missing, Strickland explains, he wants to l…

Send us a text Love seems like the most over-discussed topic in Christianity, but what if we still don't fully understand it? Dr. Joe Dongell offers a fresh, deep perspective of love that is sure to ignite your passion for God once again. Join us as we learn from Dr. Dongell and his newest work The Most Excellent Way: John Wesley's Theology of Love…

Send us a text What role does anxiety play in the Church? As Americans start paying more attention to mental health, what role can Christians play in the healing process? Author and professor, Rev. Dr. Michael Jordan joins the Better Together podcast to share ways laity and clergy can point people to Christ with integrity in an Age of Anxiety. Supp…

Send us a text Our finances (good, bad and everything in between) are often symptoms of what is going on underneath. Let’s go beneath the surface as we explore some of the lies we tell ourselves and the strongholds hindering our financial progress. For more, check out Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Freedo…

Send us a text Our experiences with money shape us, but we don’t always stop to notice how. In God’s hands, even the worst experiences can be used to draw us deeper in our faith and grow us as disciples of Jesus Christ. Join us as we unpack some of the teaching from our latest book Healthy Money. Use discount code IPPICARDO30 to get 30% off the boo…

Send us a text In this week’s episode of the Healthy Money podcast series, we dive into the topic of "Childhood Money Memories" and how they shape the way we think about and handle finances today. What memories from your childhood impact your relationship with money today? Were you raised in a home where money was talked about openly or was it a so…

Send us a text Why is it so challenging to align what we know about money with what we actually do? Join us in this episode as we dive into the Healthy Money Mindset Assessment, a free tool designed to help you discover your unique financial mindset. Created by authors Rosario and Callie Picardo, this 17-question survey offers real-time results and…

Send us a text On this episode of the podcast, we welcome Matt Lake, pastor and author of Crossing the Discipleship Chasm. Matt shares insights from his new book, offering a transformative approach to adaptive discipleship that bridges the gap between cultural obstacles and the church's original mission. He challenges us to move beyond quick fixes …

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matt O'Reilly to discuss his new book, Free to Be Holy. Much of the gospel you’ve heard might focus on hope for the next life, forgiveness, and freedom from guilt. But what about freedom from the sin itself? Free to Be Holy shines a light on the often-overlooked part of the gospel: holiness for t…

Send us a text From the vantage of a medical missionary doctor in West Africa, Dr. Ryan Porter was struck by the Gospel Deficiency in the United States, when he returned home. It inspired him to write a book about renewal and revival, offering practical tools and encouragement for Christians as we learn to share our faith with the world. Join the c…

Send us a text We welcome Caleb Ingram, the visionary leader behind Declare Dayton. In this episode, Caleb shares how his initiative is uniting churches to transform lives and communities in Dayton and across Ohio. Learn about the powerful ways Declare Dayton rallies churches, partners with community leaders, and equips people to spread God’s love …

Send us a text Stephanie Moore Hand and Michael Beck explore how pastors and congregations can use Scripture to foster racial harmony, justice, and liberation within their church communities. Our episodes guide you through four practical pathways to identify and address unjust patterns in church life, share inspiring success stories from diverse le…

Send us a text Rev. Dr. Sarah Baldwin was one of the small team of individuals shepherding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that began in February 2023 at Asbury University and soon rippled out to impact the world. She shares her eyewitness account, how it impacted her personally, what she's seeing in Gen Z, and the continued impact of the outpour…

Send us a text Bishop Frank Beard leads the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church, but first, he is a disciple of Jesus and a man of prayer. Bishop Beard shares his journey that started with cookies and kool-aid to prayer as a pastor in a hospital room to a prayer closet in his basement to a breakthrough prayer initiative …

Send us a text Rev. Jill Beck pastors three churches in Florida, including the newly launched Compassion Church. She shares her journey from domestic violence victim to healing to answering God's call and now helping others. Let her journey inspire and challenge you. Support the showBy Callie and Rosario Picardo

Send us a text Combining faith and recovery, Pastor Greg Delaney returns to the Better Together Podcast this week to share how Christians can walk alongside loved ones struggling with addiction and how the Church can play a role in recovery. Greg works with churches across the country as well as the state and national government to advocate for fai…

Send us a text Pastor Greg Delaney is a leader in the recovery community, locally with boots on the ground but also at the state and national level. This week on the Better Together Podcast, Greg shares his story and how the possibility of life gave him the hope to overcome addiction one day at a time. Support the show…

Send us a text On this episode of the "Better Together Podcast," Pastor Roz explores the power of boundaries through personal anecdotes and scripture. Roz skillfully blends practical guidance with spiritual insights, emphasizing the critical role boundaries play in fostering health in relationships, personal well-being, and spiritual development. D…

Send us a text Most people are naturally resistant to change, so how do you create a culture that's open and innovative? Brad Aycock, Director of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings for the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, has worked to do just that throughout the conference, and helped churches and leaders shift the culture within …

Send us a text In this episode of our podcast, we delve into Callie Picardo's sermon "New Year's Rhythm - Slowing," based on Isaiah 40:28-31. Callie shares a personal story of overwhelming busyness and the need for slowing down in life. She challenges listeners to examine their own life pace, exploring themes of rest, renewal, and recovery. Drawing…

Send us a text Discover the lost art of rest in our 'New Year's Rhythm Sabbath' podcast episode. We delve into the transformative power of observing the Sabbath, a practice deeply rooted in spiritual tradition yet often overlooked in our fast-paced world. Learn how embracing this day of rest, worship, and delight can combat the relentless pursuit o…

Send us a text In this podcast episode, we delve into the theme of "Simplicity" from Pastor Roz's sermon at Mosaic Church. Emphasizing the need for a simpler life, Pastor Roz shares his personal journey of transitioning from a fast-paced, multitasking lifestyle to embracing rhythms of Sabbath, simplicity, solitude, and slowing down. Drawing from th…

Send us a text Instead of a New Year's resolution, what about a New Year's prayer, a prayer opening yourself up to God-possibilities and breakthroughs in your life? Author, pastor, and leader Sue Nilson Kibbey has helped countless individuals, churches, and groups add breakthrough prayers to their rhythm and seen God move in incredible ways. If you…

Send us a text When crisis comes, the words that guided Jesus can be a guide to us. Pastor and author Jim Harnish unpacks some of these Old Testament words that grounded Jesus to provide insight for us today. It's one more way Jesus helps us find our bearings in life. Support the showBy Callie and Rosario Picardo

Send us a text In the concluding episode of our 'A Full Circle Christmas' series, we explore 'The Prophecy of a Ruler from Bethlehem.' This finale focuses on the powerful prophecy from Micah 5:2-4, predicting the birth of a ruler in the modest town of Bethlehem and its fulfillment as detailed in Matthew 2:1-12. This episode illuminates how this sig…

Send us a text In this episode of 'A Full Circle Christmas,' titled 'The Prophecy of a King,' we delve into the royal lineage of Jesus Christ. Unpacking the prophecy from 2 Samuel 7 and its fulfillment in Matthew 1:1-17, this episode highlights Jesus' descent from King David. We explore the genealogy of Christ, understanding how his kingly heritage…

Send us a text Continue your journey with 'A Full Circle Christmas' in the episode focused on 'The Prophecy of a Nazarene.' This enlightening segment explores the humble origins of Jesus in Nazareth, as prophesied in Isaiah and various other scriptures. We delve into how Jesus' life in Nazareth fulfills the ancient prophecies of the Messiah as the …

Send us a text Embark on a spiritual journey with 'A Full Circle Christmas,' starting with the episode on 'The Virgin Birth Prophecy.' This podcast unveils the intricate tapestry of prophecy and fulfillment surrounding Jesus' birth. We trace Isaiah 7:14's prophecy of a virgin birth and its affirmation in Matthew 1:18-25, exploring the deep connecti…

Send us a text It's hard to stand out in a competitive job market, and it is also challenging to find the right person when you hire. Yet William Vanderbloemen, author, founder and CEO of The Vanderbloemen Search Group, found 12 habits that 30,000 top leaders share, that most anyone can learn to stand out from the rest. Join us as he shares insight…

Send us a text In the midst of the traditions and predictability of Christmas, what if God wants to surprise you? The first Christmas was full of surprises, both good and challenging. Author and Pastor Scott Chrostek joins us to unpack some of those surprises and invites us into a posture of openness with insights from his new book Advent: A Season…

Send us a text This episode explores 'Handling Conflict,' inspired by Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. We face conflicts daily, and our response shapes our growth and relationships. We examine how Paul and Barnabas managed their disagreement, extracting practical and spiritual lessons applicable in our lives. This sermon guides us in resolving conflic…

Send us a text A powerful step deeper in the Christian faith is to explore the writings of the saints of the Church through the ages. Author and pastor Dr. Maxie Dunnam makes those writings accessible in his 40-day devotional Saints Alive. Who are some of those saints and what can we learn from them in our walk with God today as we live out our fai…

Send us a text Being a lefty in a right-handed world is challenging, but there are many other challenges (for instance health, mental, relational, or organizational) that make life harder. What if instead of wishing the challenges away, you embraced the hand you were dealt with and grew? Author, pastor, and bishop, Dr. Lisa Weah helps us do just th…

Send us a text In an increasingly disconnected world, author Shannan Martin offers simple ways to live as neighbors. It doesn't have to be fussy or complicated. Shannan takes the pressure off with practical and easy ways to build community from her book Start with Hello. Support the showBy Callie and Rosario Picardo

Send us a text How do you share your faith in a secular culture, more effectively make disciples of Jesus, and lead through hard times? As a pastor, author, and leader of the Dinner Church Collective for Fresh Expressions, Verlon Fosner has learned the power for all of that in the Jesus stories found in the Gospels. Join us as we rediscover our own…

Send us a text Christmas is supposed to be filled with hope, joy, peace, and love, but often it's a time of worry, conflict, misery, and selfishness instead. Author and pastor, Dan Metzger shares insights from the first Christmas in his new book How (Not) to Ruin Christmas that reclaim Christmas. Join us and plan for a better Christmas this year. S…

Send us a text How do you know when you are experiencing a Kingdom moment that might be so defining it turns into a movement? What do you do if you feel stuck and like you keep missing those moments? Pastor and author of Kingdom Moments and Movements, Rev. Robert Glenn Johnson unpacks those questions and more, as well as their implications for lead…

Send us a text Being a Christian is not about trying to be happy all the time. There is a deeper joy that comes from being real and going through healing. Counselor, life coach, author, and rapper, Holly Mutlu shares wisdom from her life and book Joy Is My Jam. Are you ready to move from toxic positivity to real joy? Support the show…

Send us a text We often overcomplicate or avoid sharing our faith because we don't want to do it wrong. What if we are missing one simple element that will make it easy and effective? Bishop James Swanson shares wisdom to encourage and empower you as you share the Good News of Jesus Christ. He also gives a sneak peek of what he will share at the De…

Send us a text How do you pick up the signal when God is calling? Shane Bishop shares practical ways to respond to the God "pings" in our lives and to set the groundwork spiritually to hear and heed God's voice. Support the showBy Callie and Rosario Picardo

Send us a text When was the last time you were astonished by God's Word? How has scripture transformed your life? Biblical studies professor and author, Dr. Brian Russell, shares wisdom and practical insights from his new book Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation. He offers ideas for everyone from those new to the Bible…

Send us a text Professor and Author Dr. Andy Miller III often skipped over the short book of the bible called Jude until he was challenged to go deeper. As he did, he discovered the richness of a contender for the faith who did so with a love, grace, and truth that helped strengthen the church and fellow believers. Support the show…

Send us a text Dr. Mark Elliot's 'Taken by Surprise' delves deep into the Asbury Revival, tracing its spontaneous spiritual ignition on February 8 to its widespread impact. Through a rich tapestry of past revivals, personal testimonials, and the role of media from The Collegian to TikTok, Elliot captures the heart of worship, transformation, and th…

Send us a text One of the myths that has gotten into the Christian faith is that God wants me to be happy. God doesn’t want you to be miserable, but the Lord has more in store for you than surface-level happiness. Rosario unpacks what that is this week on the Better Together Podcast. Support the show…

Send us a text Does God still heal today? If so, what does that look like and how should Christians be praying for healing? More importantly, what are the "why-to's" that undergird the "how-to's" of healing ministry? Dr. Steve Seamands joins the Better Together Podcast to answer these questions and more that are unpacked in his newest book Follow t…

Send us a text Christians are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, but many don't for fear of rejection or doing it wrong. Professor Jack Jackson shares a simple and practical framework for sharing our faith in the context of relationships. Is it possible to practice evangelism in a way that is authentic and effective? Support the show…

Send us a text Bishop Sharma Lewis is a powerful woman of prayer. It has grounded her through the ups and downs of life, and she has seen God move in mighty ways. She shares some of her journey of prayer, and even how God has used the times where she did not get the results she hoped. Support the show…

Send us a text What happens when the Church loses its focus on mission and how do you get it back? Dr. Lillian Smith tackles just that in her book Rooted Again: Re-Establishing Forgotten or Abandoned Connections with God and God's Kingdom Mandate. Learn how both clergy and laity can reconnect with God and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the tran…

Send us a text Speaker, author, and therapist Estrella Rogers has a passion for helping clients develop healthy marriages. Whether your marriage is strong or struggling, Estrella shares wisdom and practical tools for couples at all levels to develop healthier relationships and fall in love all over again. Support the show…

Send us a text What do you do when God asks you to do the impossible? What if God gives you a dreamer bigger than you can do on your own? Cassandra Kirkpatrick recently led a community recovery fest with several hundred people and multiple organizations that was completely free for people to attend. She shares transferable truths from her story to …