Culture Matters

In this episode, we sit down with counselor Hillary Marvin to unpack how our past—especially our family of origin—shapes the way we relate to God, ourselves, and others. Hillary walks us through the “old house vs. new house” analogy, showing how the gospel reshapes our values, our emotional patterns, and our relationships.We talk about how childhood experiences affect our parenting, our friendships, even our spiritual practices, and why it’s so important to slow down, reflect, and let the Holy Spirit rewire how we live and love. From parenting and marriage to church community and personal healing, this conversation invites all of us to step more fully into the family of God—and to do it with grace, humility, and hope.Topics Discussed[05:00] Entering the Counseling WorldHow an unexpected internship with boys at a children’s home shaped her calling[09:00] Understanding“Old House vs. New House”Using Ed Welch’s analogy to understand emotional and spiritual formation[13:00] How Family of Origin Shapes Our View of GodWhy earthly relationships impact how we see our heavenly Father[18:00] Slowing Down to Understand Our EmotionsCuriosity over condemnation—and how to tell the difference[23:00] Parenting from a Place of HealingRecognizing triggers and values from our past that affect how we parent today[27:00] Modeling Emotion Well in Christian CommunityLearning from the body of Christ how to engage emotions like anger and fear in healthy, godly ways[32:00] Repairing Relationships with Parents as AdultsWhat it looks like to bring humility, honesty, and lament into grown-up family dynamics[38:00] Confession, Repentance, and Freedom in the New HouseHow embracing our limitations makes space for the gospel to transformGuest ResourcesRestore Christian Counseling: Hillary’s private counseling practiceTrust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI): A method for working with children from hard placesFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

This episode, we’re out of our usual space and recording from Neighbor Books in McKinney, Texas. We sit down with owner Joey Honesco to talk about place, calling, and the quiet power of presence.Joey shares his journey of opening a bookstore rooted in community—a “third place” where people connect over books, coffee, and shared rhythms. We reflect on how God uses proximity and intentionality to shape us, drawing from our own stories of friendship, college memories, and the sacred ordinary.We also dig into the tension of urban life—mobility, isolation, and what it really costs to belong. Through it all, we keep coming back to this: community takes work, but it’s worth it. Especially when we see it as preparation for the kingdom to come.Topics Discussed(00:00) – Why Place Matters: God’s Intentional Design(12:31) – Proximity + Presence: How Real Community Happens(15:56) – Life Together: Practicing Connection in a Disconnected World(19:51) – Belonging Hurts: The Cost of Community(33:32) – The Beauty in the Broken: When Community is Worth It(40:47) – Resilience + Shalom: Holding On When It’s HardGuest Resourcesneighborbookstx.comFollow Neighbor BooksFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this conversation with Alan Hooton, an educator and elder at Citizens Church, he redefines leadership as a journey of character and consistency rather than titles. Hooton shares insights on the importance of service and nurturing relationships in both family and community. They discuss leading with love, the significance of showing up for others through challenges, and how genuine care can transform lives. This enlightening dialogue underscores that real leadership often looks like faithfulness, humility, and being present for others.

Jenna Hernandez, a college minister at Citizens Church, passionately shares her experiences working with students at UT Dallas and women in prison. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are, addressing the unique challenges young adults face, such as identity confusion and performance pressure. Jenna highlights how prison ministry teaches dignity and hope, and discusses the power of empathy and friendship within spiritual formation. Her stories remind us that true transformation often occurs in the quiet, overlooked moments of life.

In this episode, Caroline Smiley joins us to explore God’s vision for friendship and community. How do relationships shift across seasons of life? What does it mean to pursue Christlike friendships in a culture shaped by individualism?We dive into the biblical foundation of community, from Genesis to today, and how Scripture challenges our approach to relationships. We unpack how deep friendships reveal both our strengths and blind spots, refining us in the process.Through the lens of a Christ-centered life, we explore how to cultivate friendships that reflect Jesus—embracing diverse perspectives, fostering intentional love, and reimagining non-sexual relationships as spaces for spiritual growth. Join us as we reorient our hearts toward God’s vision for community and imagine friendships that reflect the depth and beauty of His Kingdom.Topics DiscussedWhat Does God Say About Friendship?Why We’re Made for CommunityHow Knowing God Changes How We Do Life TogetherWhy Different Friendships Make Us BetterThe Messy, Beautiful Work of RelationshipsRethinking Friendship Through a Gospel LensHow Understanding Others Helps Us Love BetterBringing Jesus Into Everyday RelationshipsResources MentionedDelighting In The Trinity by Michael ReevesFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Why do spiritual disciplines matter if we’re saved by grace through faith? If salvation isn’t based on works, why do prayer, fasting, and Scripture reading still hold weight? Today, we’re diving into what Paul says in Romans about how salvation isn’t just about avoiding hell—it’s about transformation. Spiritual disciplines aren’t about earning God’s favor; they’re about stepping into the fullness of life He’s called us to.Topics DiscussedThe Value of Spiritual DisciplinesThe Power and Practice of PrayerTraining for Eternity With GodThe Journey of Spiritual GrowthResourcesCheck out Liz's newest bookCheck out her other Podcast: Starting PlaceCheck out The Woodson Institute Follow LizFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

We are kicking off this special mini-series on Spiritual Formation by sitting down with Robyn, a longtime friend and valued member of our church community. At 58, Robyn embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner, embracing the highs and lows of life with faith and humility. She shares her story through the lens of seasons—how adoption, loss, and her relationship with the church have all shaped her walk with Christ.We also talk about the hard stuff—letting go, trusting God, and the illusion of control. What it looks like to release our fears, trust God with the people we love, and find peace even when life feels uncertain?And then there’s joy—the kind that only comes from God. We unpack how deep grief and divine joy can coexist, how scripture can speak into our hardest moments, and why nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from God’s love.So, join us for this conversation. It’s honest, it’s hopeful, and most of all, it’s a reminder that no matter what season you’re in, God is present. Topics DiscussedNavigating Life's SeasonsLearning to Let Go and TrustFinding Strength in God's JoyWisdom and Growth in FaithFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

We’re kicking off a fresh season of Culture Matters with a new approach—less reaction, more intentional conversation. Inspired by Andy Crouch’s vision of Christians as curators, we’re breaking up the season into six to eight-week mini-series that dig deep into faith, culture, and creativity. Along the way, we’ll explore key cultural moments, theological insights, and the stories shaping our world.This episode, we’re diving into TV and film like Silo season two, The Diplomat, and Apple TV’s Shrinking. We’re also discussing Conclave, a Vatican-set thriller, plus Disney’s X-Men ‘97 and a new Spider-Man series.Beyond consuming culture, we’re called to create. We talk about indie artists, the challenge of making authentic Christian art, and our own projects on anxiety and mental health. Creativity isn’t just an outlet—it’s a way to reflect God’s image. So grab a cup of coffee, hit play, and join the conversation.Books Mentioned in this EpisodeBiblical Theology by Andreas KostenbergerUnion with Christ by G.K. BealeGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinMistborn series by Brandon SandersonGift of the Grotesque - Book of Judges CompanionOne with Christ by Sam AlberryUnion with Chris by Kyle WorleyWolf Hall series by Hilary MantelFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Amidst the holiday hustle, have you ever considered the impact of pausing to reflect? Advent offers us this sacred pause, inviting us to step away from commercial chaos and embrace the profound of Advent and Christmas. This episode guides you through the themes of Advent—hope, love, joy, and peace—showing how they anchor us during this season. Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, Matthew and James illuminates our path as we enter into the anticipation of Jesus’ birth and His promised return. We hope this episode blesses you. We will see you next year! Merry Christmas.Follow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Advent reminds us of the hope in a light in the darkness. In this episode, our friends Bobby and Taryn share their story of how God upheld them through joys and suffering and through seasons of lament surrounding the holidays. Topics DiscussedEncountering God in SufferingThe Power of Christian LamentTrusting God in CommunityEmbracing Joy and Sorrow in AdventFinding Grace in SufferingRecommended ResourcesSpurgeon - "Man of Sorrows"Follow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co