Make It Simple

Oct 29 2024 60 ep. 52 mins 8
Make It Simple Podcast artwork

Matt Popovits and Rachel Ryder take complicated issues and, with the help of an expert, breaks them down into ideas we can understand, truths we can apply, and questions worth pondering--and he does it all through the lens of faith. Through thoughtful insights and interesting conversations, they move through topics ranging from parenting, anxiety, and racism, to gender identity, the enneagram, politics and more.

  Religion & Spirituality  Kids & Family
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Of Mountains and Measurements with Erick Sorensen

Oct 29 2024 37 mins  
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome Erick Sorensen to talk about Chapter 3: "Of Mountains and Measurements" and what do we do about grace when it seems so counter-intuitive.You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.org or anywhere books a

The Myth of the Cosmic Scale with Jared Wilson

Oct 22 2024 39 mins  
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome Jared Wilson to talk about Chapter 2: "The Myth of the Cosmic Scale" and how the point was never to be perfect (spoiler alert: you won't achieve it anyway).You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.org

The Spiritual Junk Drawer with David Zahl (JDJ Book series)

Oct 15 2024 33 mins  
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome David Zahl to talk about Chapter 1: "The Spiritual Junk Drawer," and discuss what's in our spiritual junk drawers, and why it's good to declutter our religion.You can grab your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus by Matt Popovits today at 1517.o

Finishing Well with John Busacker

Apr 22 2024 56 mins  
This week, the podcast welcomes John Busacker for our season finale episode, where we discuss what it means to finish things well in all aspects of life. John shares wisdom to be considered as we look at what it means to move through life with intention. It’s a perfect conversation to close out this podcast season.John Busacker is a writer, speaker and the Founder of Life-Worth,

Christian Nationalism with Dr. Jordan Cooper

Apr 15 2024 61 mins  
Dr. Jordan Cooper joins the podcast to help us break down and understand Christian nationalism and share wisdom about living as a believer and a citizen. It’s a meaningful conversation with a new perspective on political responsibility. Jordan Cooper is an ordained Lutheran pastor, a Professor of Systematic Theology, the Executive Director of Just and Sinner, and the President of

The Power of Storytelling with Joshua Salzberg

Apr 03 2024 62 mins  
This week, Matt and Rachel welcome screenwriter and filmmaker Joshua Salzberg, who shares about the power found in storytelling. He shares how stories help change and shape us, and often, leads us to great empathy. It’s a very fun episode, filled with a lot of wisdom (and a little bit of movie talk). To learn more and stay updated about Joshua's newest project, follow @ThePerform

Hopeful Lament with Terra McDaniel

Mar 20 2024 48 mins  
Terra McDaniel joins the podcast this week and brings a new perspective on grief. She shares how many people don’t know how to process mourning and instead struggle to honor their tears, vulnerability, and the full weight of these disillusioning times. She offers several practical ways to express lament and leaves us with hope for moving forward.Terra McDaniel is a spiritual dire

Care for Special Needs Families with Elrena Evans

Mar 11 2024 43 mins  
Elrena Evans joins the podcast this week to share her experience as part of a family with special needs. She beautifully shares her story and what inspired her to write a book of prayers for when you don't have the words, and she gives us practical and loving ways to truly be welcoming to everyone, especially people navigating a world not designed for them. It's an empathetic conve

Perfectionism with Michelle Thompson

Mar 04 2024 59 mins  
This week, Michelle Thompson is back with Matt & Rachel to discuss perfectionism and shame and shows us grief and acceptance are the pathways to growth. As always, Michelle brings wisdom, warmth, and lighthearted grace to the conversation. You don’t want to miss it.Michelle is the Senior Director of External Relations and Executive Coaching and Consulting, Townsend Institute,

The Importance of Comedy with Steve Theiss

Feb 26 2024 55 mins  
This week, Steve Theiss joins Matt and Rachel to share about the art and craft of comedy. Steve shares insights into the importance of comedy, making people laugh, and the creative process behind humor. Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the comedic world and pick up a few tips on injecting humor into their own lives.Steve Theiss writes, improvises, acts, directs, teaches