Libsyn Directory

Ray Ortlund: Where Is God When We Are at Rock Bottom?

Release Date: 06/12/2025

David French on Political Violence in America and Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Good Faith

What Does Charlie Kirk’s Murder Reveal About Extremism and Division? Host Curtis Chang sits down with Good Faith “founding friend” and New York Times writer David French to reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the rise of political violence in America. Together, they explore how formative experiences have shaped Baby Boomers and Gen Z differently, the role of influencers versus institutions, and the dangers of extremism across the political spectrum. With compassion for the personal tragedy at the center of this event, they also...

C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, and Emily Wilson on Women’s Spiritual Battles

Good Faith

Modern Challenges of Self-Worth and Lies Host Curtis Chang talks with author and women’s ministry leader Emily Wilson about faith, motherhood, and battling the lies of shame and self-hatred. Drawing from C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters and her new book Sincerely, Stoneheart, Emily explores how screens, productivity pressures, and cultural messages distort our identity—and how the truth of God’s love can set us free. (00:01) - Reimagining CS Lewis for Modern Times (04:54) - Women and Good vs. Evil (08:27) - Women and Men’s Unique Vulnerabilities to Evil...

Dr. Alison Cook Confronts Shame, Inner Critics, & Competing Emotions

Good Faith

Why Is Your Inner Life So Complicated? Host Curtis Chang and therapist Dr. Alison Cook connect dive into conversation about the intersection of Christian faith, psychology, and emotional health. Together they explore how overcoming shame, naming emotions, and quieting one’s inner critic can lead to spiritual growth and deeper empathy. Drawing on the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, Dr. Cook provides tools to manage the competing voices within. (00:01) - Exploring Inner and Outer Complexity (03:45) - Compassionate Curiosity and Inner Complexity (17:16) -...

Daniel’s Campfire Story: Building Bridges in a Divided America

Good Faith

We Can Find Common Ground Even in Washington, D.C. Good Faith’s series of Campfire Stories invites listeners to hear how ordinary people are living out extraordinary faith in complex times. In this episode, Daniel, a pastor in Reston, Virginia, reflects on 23 years of ministry near Washington D.C., where politics and faith are in constant conversation. Inspired to bring the community – inside and outside of his church – together through civic discourse, he championed an initiative to create spaces for meal sharing and meaningful dialogue, creating curiosity and seeking unity across...

The Epstein Files, Conspiracy Theories, and the Church with Emily Belz & Pete Wehner

Good Faith

From Jeffrey Epstein to QAnon, Why Do Conspiracies Thrive in Churches? The Atlantic’s Pete Wehner, Christianity Today’s Emily Belz, and host Curtis Chang dive into QAnon, conspiracy theories, and the MAGA movement’s influence on American politics, culture, and the church. From Donald Trump’s messianic image to the shadows of Jeffrey Epstein, they reveal why conspiracies thrive in times of distrust—and how faith communities can fight back with truth and resilience. (01:58) - Understanding the QAnon Conspiracy Movement (04:10) - The Impact of QAnon Beliefs ...

John Kasich on Suffering, Truth, and the Power of Local Faith Communities

Good Faith

Faithful Actions and a Blueprint for Societal Healing Former Ohio Governor John Kasich joins Curtis Chang on the Good Faith Podcast to share how character, faith, and even suffering shape real leadership in a divided America. Drawing from the Governor’s new book Heaven Help Us, he and Curtis unpack why objective truth matters more than ever, how faith communities and neighborhoods can spark real change, and why grassroots action beats toxic politics every time. The conversation explores the power of authentic relationships and faith-driven hope to help fix what’s broken in...

Dr. Curt Thompson: Is God Still Good When the Pain Doesn’t Go Away?

Good Faith

What if suffering isn’t the enemy—but the doorway to beauty, connection, and hope? Psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson joins host Curtis Chang for a raw and redemptive conversation on how pain, anxiety, and fear of abandonment shape our lives and our faith. Grounded in both Scripture and neuroscience, this episode challenges the myths we carry about control and invites us into deeper attachment with God and others. (00:01) - Exploring Suffering and Transformation Send Campfire Stories to: Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Thompson's ...

Gaza, the U.S., and Political Divides with Nathan Stock

Good Faith

Finding Common Ground in a Divided World What can strife in Israel and Palestine teach us about America’s own political polarization? Host Curtis Chang sits down with conflict resolution expert Nathan Stock of the Carter Center to explore some of the hard truths from Middle East—and the surprising parallels here at home. From media-fueled division to the hope for bipartisan breakthroughs, Curtis and Nathan unpack how deep-rooted conflict forms—and offer pathways to bring healing and hope. (00:01) - Navigating Conflict in the Middle East (14:05) - Lessons from...

Redefining Neighbor and the Fight Against Poverty with Gisele Garraway

Good Faith

Empathy and Empowerment in Economic Challenges What if economic justice isn’t about charity—but solidarity and investment? Harvard MBA Giselle Garraway shares how she left corporate America to found ThriveFunds, a platform that empowers working poor families with dignity-centered investments in their everyday lives. From a street sweeper chasing dreams of restoring a broken family to a working mom caring for both her husband and aging parents, Curtis and Gisele uncover how small, targeted support and investments can transform lives—and shift hearts across economic lines. They...

David French & Russell Moore: Superman Isn't Just a Movie, He's a Mirror of America

Good Faith

Is Superman Woke—or Just Wonderfully Human? Can a superhero cut through the world’s chaos better than a political debate or another sermon? New York Times columnist David French and Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore explore why Superman still strikes a cultural nerve—especially in the age of outrage and “wokeness” debates. From his immigrant origins to the often-overlooked theme of adoption, they unpack how James Gunn’s 2025 reboot revives timeless questions about identity, belonging, moral courage, and kindness. This conversation is more than capes...

More Episodes

How do you hold on to faith when life falls apart?

Pastor and author Ray Ortlund joins host Curtis Chang for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about suffering, betrayal, regret, and even death—drawing from personal stories and the powerful promise of Isaiah 57:15. From the fractures of the global church to intimate heartbreak, Curtis and Ray explore how spiritual honesty, resurrection hope, the Psalms, and lived community can sustain us through rock-bottom moments. If you're facing pain, loss, or doubt, Ray offers a faithful roadmap toward healing and hope.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

John Wesley’s Rules for Small Groups
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together (pdf)
A discussion on John Wesley’s theology of dying
Isaiah 57:15 ESV
Matthew 5:10-12 NIRV
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV

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