THINQ Media Podcast
THINQ Media & Gabe Lyons
THINQ Media educates, equips and empowers Christian thought leaders to create conversations that lead to wisdom.
We do this through our new digital platform, a podcast network, and a series of regional and national events designed to convene leaders around topics that matter to Christians today. Listen to the THINQ Media Podcast to learn, explore and consider how you can be faithful in our cultural context.
We do this through our new digital platform, a podcast network, and a series of regional and national events designed to convene leaders around topics that matter to Christians today. Listen to the THINQ Media Podcast to learn, explore and consider how you can be faithful in our cultural context.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 7, 2024 • 30min
Finding Faith Through Atheism: Dr. Denis Alexander | Episode 278
Do you believe science has its roots in Christian thought? In this episode, Gabe talks with Dr. Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion and Emeritus Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge. They discuss what science can and can't tell us. They also discuss Dr. Alexander's books, including his latest, Coming to Faith Through Dawkins, which is a compilation of the faith journeys of 12 men and women from different backgrounds who all reached the same conclusion: that Christianity is more intellectually undeniable than New Atheism. Listen in as they highlight a few of these stories and how Christian theology dispels even the strongest arguments New Atheism makes. Resources: Coming to Faith Through Dawkins Is There Purpose in Biology?: The Cost of Existence and the God of Love Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
May 2, 2024 • 26min
The Intersection of Dreams, Memories and Faith: Dr. Connie Svob | Episode 277
Join Connie Svob, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University, as she explores the fascinating links between dreams, memories, and faith. Connie discusses how dreams can offer healing and spiritual insights, making a compelling case for their role in mental health. She delves into the effects of memory on personal identity and faith, detailing the protective influence of spirituality against depression. Additionally, Connie emphasizes the importance of intergenerational conversations about dreams and beliefs for nurturing future generations.
May 1, 2024 • 31min
A Finely Tuned Universe: Dr. Luke Barnes | Episode 276
Is there intelligent life outside of earth? In this episode, Gabe poses this question and many others to Dr. Luke Barnes, a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. Dr. Barnes is a Christian whose faith inspires him in his work to explore God's unique creation and look for patterns and reasons behind what's happening in the universe as a whole. Tune in as they talk about stars, planets, galaxies, and supercomputer simulations that reveal what would happen if even one particle or force is changed in the universe. Resources: A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos Closer to Truth episodes Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Apr 24, 2024 • 21min
Social Perceptions of God Across Different Religious and Cultural Worldviews: Dr. Kathryn Johnson | Episode 275
In this episode, Gabe discuss people's perceptions of God with Dr. Kathryn Johnson, an associate research professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University. Dr. Johnson has developed a scale for measuring how people think about God, based on the theory that people generally view God as either authoritarian or benevolent. Listen in as they discuss how these perceptions direct people's values, beliefs, and behaviors. Plus, hear how non-human agents, like diseases, artificial intelligence, and demons, also play into people's perceptions and how they interface with God. Resources: Exorcisms & Demonology - Adam Blai Spiritual Warfare Q&A – Adam Blai and Gabe Lyons Confronting Demons – Fr. Carlos Martins Demons and Exorcisms Q&A – Fr. Carlos Martins and Ryan Bethea Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Apr 23, 2024 • 30min
Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles? | Dr. Ian Hutchinson | Episode 274
In this episode, Gabe speaks with Dr. Ian Hutchinson, Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, about his research in the field of fusion energy and how it relates to his faith in God. As a plasma physicist, Dr. Hutchinson describes the marvels in the universe created by God he's witnessed through his work. Dr. Hutchinson dispels several cultural myths that science is somehow at odds with the Christian faith. From his own research and that of several famous scientists throughout history, such as Galileo and Isaac Newton, Dr. Hutchinson shows us there is in fact a deep consonance between science and Christianity. Tune in to find out how he encourages parents to cultivate environments for children where science and faith are compatible. Resources: Dr. Hutchinson's Book: Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?: An MIT Professor Answers Questions on God and Science Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Apr 18, 2024 • 27min
How Children View God and the Afterlife: Dr. Melanie Nyhof | Episode 273
Do you remember your very first image or concept of God? Your first thoughts about death and the afterlife? In this episode, Gabe talks to Dr. Melanie Nyhof, a developmental psychologist at Carthage College who conducts cross-cultural developmental research examining the development of religious and cultural concepts. Gabe and Melanie specifically discuss her research of children's cognitive development related to how they view God and the afterlife. She explains that in addition to different religious and cultural practices, various other sources can influence a child's first interpretations and understanding of God, such as TV shows, movies, and even cartoon-like drawings of God in children's bibles. Tune in to learn what advice Melanie offers to parents as they help their children cultivate an understanding of and belief in God. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Apr 16, 2024 • 29min
Contributions Science Can and Cannot Make in Understanding Morality | Dr. David Lahti, Episode 272
"...in no way could [the theory of evolution] replace, much less undermine, morality," says Dr. David Lahti, Assistant Professor of Biology at Queens College, City University of New York. In this episode, Gabe has a fascinating conversation with David, covering everything from the learned behaviors of birds and what makes birds happy to why young people are leaving the church. They dive into the age-old nature-nurture debate and discuss why scientism cannot explain away morality. Tune in to hear more about Dr. Lahti's research and the complexities he's found at the intersection of idealism, scientism, and cultural relativism. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Lahti Lab Veery Bird Song
Apr 11, 2024 • 25min
How Artificial Intelligence Impacts Human Connection: Dr. Rosalind W. Picard | Episode 271
In this episode, Gabe interviews Dr. Rosalind Picard, a renowned scientist, inventor, engineer, and member of the faculty of MIT's Media Lab. Rosalind helps us define and understand affective computing and what role empathy, emotion, and human connection have in relation to A.I. and other technologies. They talk about the relational and ethical tensions in building technologies that people come to rely on. Rosalind also shares a powerful example of how wearable technologies can save lives. Listen in as Gabe and Rosalind ask the tough questions around affective computing and discern whether or not we're becoming more or less human with the help of these technologies. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Rosalind's Ted Talk: An AI Smartwatch that Detects Seizures MIT's Media Lab Affective Computing Research Group MIT's MindHandHeart Initiative Center for Neurobiological Engineering
Apr 9, 2024 • 24min
What It Means To Be Human: Dr. Curt Thompson | Episode 270
"…the Bible gives us a grounding for what it means for us to be human, but science can give us a bigger window into the mechanics of how we then apply that meaning on a day-to-day basis," says psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson. In this episode, Gabe continues our Science and Faith series with Curt, discussing how God has designed our brains to function and how much this design reveals the unique nature of every human being. Curt draws neurobiological correlations to the biblical narrative, specifically about our human need for relationship in order to flourish. He shares how our lack of relationship and community caused by our cell phone and social media usage is driving the mental health crisis. Tune in to hear what Curt suggests we can do to simplify our lives and foster community, comfort and confidence in ourselves and our children. Resources: https://curtthompsonmd.com THINQ Talk: Mental Health Practices, Curt Thompson THINQ Talk: Q&A: Mental Health + Suicide, Curt Thompson, Scott Sauls, Rebekah Lyons NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompson, a THINQ Media Podcast Create an account to access more trusted content on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
Apr 4, 2024 • 35min
The Science of Spirituality: Lisa Miller | Episode 269
"In the United States, we wait for people to bottom out," says New York Times bestselling author and psychologist Lisa Miller. But she reminds us "we were built for this," describing how God designed and equipped us with an awakened brain made of three circuits that we can access: We are guided. We are loved and held. And we are never alone. THINQ Co-Founder, Gabe Lyons, kicks off our special Science and Faith Series with Lisa, discussing the compelling science and data behind our human capacity for spirituality and how our brains literally become more resilient and robust as we engage in our faith and relationships. Tune in as Gabe and Lisa dig into how important this truth is for combatting suicide and mental health issues, specifically in our military and our children. You'll learn ways to encourage and prioritize spiritual development and promote mental and physical health. Resources: The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving US Army TRADOC Leadership Professional Development Webinar: Spirituality and Health with Dr. Lisa Miller NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompson, a THINQ Media Podcast Create an account to access more trusted content on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.


