Matt and Rachel kick off season 10 after a much needed break, talking about something we all need but something we often neglect- rest. What do we really mean when we talk about rest, and why is this such a problem in our culture anyway? They take a hard look at the pressure that glamorizes burnout and makes us feel guilty for stepping away, and the mindset that says we can't stop. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To s...

For the last episode of Season 9, Matt and Rachel welcome back their friend Tanner Olson to talk about his new book All the Things I Say to God. They discuss prayer and our tendencies to overthink and over-complicate what comes down to a conversation. They share their experiences with prayer, their favorite ways to pray, and why prayer is complicated sometimes. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, h...

In this episode of "Make It Simple," Rachel and Matt explore the concept of changing one's mind as adults, noting how challenging it can be. They discuss personal examples of shifting perspectives on things like food, politics, and pop culture, highlighting that deconstruction and maturing often involve this process. They discuss how difficult it can be as adults to admit when we're wrong and the importance of discerning which beliefs should be held firmly versus those we should remain open t...

This week Rachel and Matt explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between significant and everyday hurts that create emotional wounds. They discuss the importance of acknowledging these wounds without letting them define us, advocating for a middle ground between denial and over-identification. Through a Christian lens, they emphasize honesty with God and the need to tend to our pain. Matt proposes three steps for healing: recognizing our wounds, differentiating our identity from them, ...

This week, join Matt and Rachel as they share their personal experiences and practical insights on marriage, moving beyond simple advice. Discover the power of being "alone together," the necessity of forgiveness, and Matt's 4 essentials for marriage. They also explore John Gottman's ideas on contempt and the crucial act of "turning toward" your partner's bids for connection. Learn actionable steps to build a lasting and thriving relationship. Mentioned in this episode: Our partners and frie...

In this episode of Make It Simple, Rachel and Matt dive into what truly makes for a "good life," drawing insights from a decades-long Harvard study. Forget the idea of an easy, problem-free existence – they explore how meaningful relationships and the ability to bounce back from tough times are key. They also touch on the unexpected role of faith in building resilience and finding deeper meaning in life's journey. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to htt...

This week, Rachel and Matt discuss the challenges and importance of parenting teenagers. They reflect on their own teenage years and then delve into the significant developmental stage of adolescence, particularly regarding identity formation and faith. The conversation highlights the need for parents to adapt their role from governor to guardian to guide, eventually hoping to become a guru figure in their adult children's lives, while also acknowledging the unique difficulties of navigating ...

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the often-misunderstood concept of discipleship, arguing it's fundamentally about a daily relationship "with God" rather than actions "for God." Drawing from Skye Jethani's book "With," they emphasize that discipleship is about walking with Jesus, resting in His promises, and letting His presence shape our identity and actions. This perspective contrasts with the common view of discipleship as merely learning doctrine or following religious rules, highlighti...

In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about shows we've grown up with and their child stars, and examine how we feel about children in media, given how our culture treats celebrities. Given recent discussions around children's roles in social media, it's a timely conversation. Things referenced in this episode: Book: Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer Book: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy Documentary: Quiet on Set: T...

In this episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the person of Jesus- not the idea of Jesus, the work of Jesus, or even the deity of Jesus. Who is he as a person? Things referenced in this episode: Book: Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund Book: He Loved Them by Jessica Thompson Previous Episode: How Jesus Loves with Jessica Thompson Statistic: Barna Research Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, hea...

This week, we invite Chad Lakies back to help us finish our Junk Drawer Jesus series and talk about how to move forward as believers in today’s culture. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the regional director for North America at Lutheran Hour Ministries, and is a scholar on the intersection of church and culture. Check out his new book, How the Light Shines Through, anywhere books are sold. Support the show ****** For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To...

This week, Chad Bird returns to discuss Idolatry, its large role in our lives, and what we can do about it. Chad is an author and a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He also has a new book out, Hitchhiking with Prophets, available at 1517.org. Support the show ****** For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy y...

Frank Hart is back on the podcast this week to talk with Matt and Rachel about happiness and its role in our lives. Frank Hart is the Pastor of NewChurch in Katy, Texas. He is an author, recording artist, frontman for Atomic Opera, public speaker, and record producer. He is also a happy husband and father. His book, “Joyride: A Beginning in Every End” and various albums of his music are available at FrankHart.com. Support the show ****** For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, he...

This week, we welcome Bob Hiller to discuss Chapter 6, “On Pietists and Party Animals,” and our tendency as believers to swing between legalism and throwing it all out the window. Bob Hiller is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. He is the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517. He is also a co-host on White Horse Inn. Support the show ****** For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head...

This week, we welcome back our good friend Tanner Olson to talk about How God Speaks to us in today’s world. Tanner Olson is an author, speaker, poet and the founder of Written to Speak which aims to spread hope and announce love through spoken word and poetry. He's written three books of poetry: Walk A Little Slower, As You Go: Words for the Unknown, and I’m All Over the Place. Support the show ****** For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To ...

This week, we welcome a special guest, Matt’s good friend and Rachel’s husband, Jeremy Ryder, to discuss Chapter 4: "The Why of Work" and finding balance with this significant part of our lives. Jeremy has worked with many large organizations to help with their recruiting and hiring strategies and brings a heart-filled perspective on the way of work. Support the show ****** For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head he...

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 are sold! *** Erick Sorensen leads Church Partnerships at 1517. He holds degrees from Biola and Lutheran Bret...

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 or anywhere books are sold! *** Jared C. Wilson is an assistant professor of pastoral ministry, an author in...

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.org or anywhere books are sold! *** David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries, an organization he ...

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, LLC, a personal leadership development firm. He has delivered keynotes, facilitated workshops, coached leaders, a...