Episodes
AI, Adolescents, and the Apocalypse? Discerning the Digital Age Without Losing Your Soul
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Nate Giarratano to unpack the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a controversial 10-year moratorium on state regulation, and what it means for Ch...
Laura Richter | Formation at the Top: Catholic Healthcare, Mission Integration, and the Shape of the Soul
What does it look like to lead not just with strategy, but with soul? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer speaks with Laura Richter, executive advisor to various healthcare systems, about the quiet revol...
In Reality: How Cultural Stories Hijack Biblical Interpretation
Are we letting culture shape our Christianity more than Christ? Today, on the PREPPED Podcast, host James Spencer, PhD, explores how cultural narratives—like individualism, consumerism, and political ideologies—can subtly dis...
Romney Ruder | Revival Behind Bars: Discipleship, Dignity, and Breaking Generational Chains
What if the next revival didn’t start in a church... but in a prison? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Romney Ruder, President of Lifeline Global Ministries, to explore how God is transforming lives beh...
Ben Matthew | Anxiety, Faith, Fear, and Finding Peace in Christ
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Ben Matthew, professor of clinical counseling, as they explore the complex topic of Christians and anxiety. This insightful discussion delves into biblical per...
In Reality: How Our Faith Becomes Untethered
Is your faith grounded in God’s Word—or shaped by cultural and personal preferences? In this episode of PREPPED, join us as host James Spencer, PhD, explores what it means to pursue a faith truly anchored in Scripture. As cul...
Kyle Norman | Finding Jesus When Faith is Hard
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with special guest Reverend Kyle Norman, author of Alive, Loved and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith Is Hard . In this heartfelt episode, Rev. Norman shares his personal ...
Shane Wood | Encountering Christ in Revelation
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation . Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyon...
Christianity and Open-Mindedness
Can being open-minded actually lead us astray? Tune in to today’s episode of PREPPED, where host James Spencer, PhD, unpacks the balance between openness and conviction within Christian discipleship. Discover how true open-mi...
Restoring Fallen Leaders: Integrity, Platforms, and the Hidden Cost of Moral Failure
Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve...
Stanley K. Ridgley | DEI and the Challenges of Meritocracy
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI...
PREPPED Highlights: Wisdom, Faith, and Spiritual Growth
Join us for a special episode of PREPPED as we look back at some of the most thought-provoking and insightful moments from our top five most popular episodes so far. These curated highlights feature deep theological insights,...
False Teaching and False Teachers
How can a teaching feel true and still lead you away from God? In this episode of PREPPED join James Spencer, PhD, as we dissect the subtle dangers of false teaching—particularly the kind that offers comfort at the expense of...
Biblical Discernment: How to Identify False Teaching in Today's Church
In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast, Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano explore the critical difference between false prophets and false teachers in Scripture. Learn practical biblical discernment tools to ev...
Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave | Worship, Grief, and the Grace of God
This episode features Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, who shares his remarkable 25-year journey in Christian music ministry. Mike reveals how God has consistently shown up in both celebratory milestones and devastating person...
Responding to God
What if the key to spiritual transformation lies not in our circumstances but in our responses to God? In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, on an exploration of the power of response as a spiritual discipline....
Lisa Harper | Theology for the Tenderhearted
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Bible teacher, author, and podcaster Lisa Harper for a rich, heartfelt conversation about her new book A Jesus-Shaped Life . Together, they explore how diving...
Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour
In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour , running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in ...
Discipled Men: Rethinking Masculinity Through the Lens of Christ
In this episode, James Spencer and Nate Girarratano kick off a series on biblical manhood by asking a foundational question: What does it really mean to be a man under the authority of Christ? Too often, discipleship is confu...
Gregg Quiggle | False Religion, the Barmen Declaration, and the Fight for the Church’s Soul
In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle for a deep dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked documents of the 20th century—the Barmen Declaration. Against the backdrop of Germany’...
Reorienting Attention
Your attention may be more than just a cognitive skill—have you ever considered that it could be a moral compass guiding your spiritual journey? In this episode of PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, for an exploration of ...
Beth Allison Barr | From Pulpit to Parsonage: Gender, Ordination, and the Pastor’s Wife
Historian and author Beth Allison Barr joins Thinking Christian to discuss her latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry . We explore the medieval redefinitions of...
David and Brandon Lindell | Lionhearted Manhood: Leading with Strength, Submitting with Heart
In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer is joined by David and Brandon Lindell—pastors at James River Church and authors of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Life . Together, they tackle the complexities of Christia...
Gregg Quiggle | Martin Luther’s Legacy and the Chaos of Freedom: Reformation, Reform, and the Rise of the Individual
Was the Reformation a spark for spiritual renewal—or the start of theological chaos? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle to explore the sites and significance of the German Reformation in an...