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A Very Special Episode with Justin Taylor and Collin Hansen

Jan 16, 2025

Guest

Justin Taylor

Guest

Collin Hansen

Justin Taylor, a regular theological contributor, teams up with Collin Hansen, known for his engaging dialogue, in a lively discussion. They start with a light-hearted take on football and its cultural connection to Christianity. The conversation flows into New Year’s resolutions and the challenges of productivity that both confess to avoiding. They share cherished insights from their marriages, reflecting on love, commitment, and the journey from college to parenthood, all peppered with humor and heartfelt anecdotes.

01:09:06

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

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Faith and Sports: A Midwestern Perspective

02:22 • 14min

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Balanced Living through Fitness and Faith

16:34 • 9min

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The Power of Scripture Memorization and Personal Growth

25:18 • 4min

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Productivity Insights and Theological Balance

29:28 • 8min

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Fitness Struggles and Family Reflections

37:39 • 5min

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Love's Journey: From College to Parenthood

43:02 • 23min

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Exploring Gospel-Centered Marriage Insights

01:05:37 • 3min

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Essentialism

The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Greg McKeown

In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default. ' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

Getting Things Done

David Allen

Getting Things Done (GTD) is a personal productivity system developed by David Allen. The book provides a detailed methodology for managing tasks, projects, and information, emphasizing the importance of capturing all tasks and ideas, clarifying their meaning, organizing them into actionable lists, reviewing the system regularly, and engaging in the tasks. The GTD method is designed to reduce stress and increase productivity by externalizing tasks and using a trusted system to manage them. The book is divided into three parts, covering the overview of the system, its implementation, and the deeper benefits of integrating GTD into one's work and life.

Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

What's Best Next

John Piper

Matt Perman

In "What's Best Next," Matt Perman challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding productivity. He argues that true effectiveness stems not from rigid systems or relentless striving, but from a deep-seated faith in God's plan. Perman encourages readers to prioritize their relationship with God, allowing their faith to guide their decisions and actions. He offers practical strategies for integrating faith into daily life, helping readers to find purpose and fulfillment in their work. The book emphasizes the importance of intentionality and discernment, urging readers to focus on tasks that align with their spiritual goals.

the book on Scripture memory

Andy Davis

How to Stay Married

The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told

Harrison Scott Key

Peter Drucker books

Peter Drucker

Brian Chappell's book

Brian Chapell

Tripp's book on marriage

Paul David Tripp

Keller's book on marriage

Timothy Keller

The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports

Paul Putz

Lead

12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church

Paul David Tripp

Crazy Busy

Kevin DeYoung

When Sinners Say "I Do"

Dave Harvey

Mystery of Marriage-20th Anniversary Edition

20th Anniversary Edition

Mike Mason

This Momentary Marriage

A Parable of Permanence

John Piper

Gospel-Shaped Marriage

Grace for Sinners to Love Like Saints

Kevin and Emily Van Dixhorn

Love That Lasts

When Marriage Meets Grace

Gary and Betsy Ricucci

Carolyn Mahaney

C. J. Mahaney

There has been some concern that Justin and Collin have been kept out of the “very special guest” designation. In order to make up for past offenses, this episode, with two very special guests, is being hailed as a very special episode. The three amigos start out by talking about football (of course) and a new cultural openness to Christianity. Then they turn their attention to New Year’s resolutions (which they all have) and books on time management and productivity (which Justin and Collin do not read). The episode finishes with a sweet conversation about their wives and lessons learned over the decades of marriage.

Chapters:

0:00 Sponsors & Intro

4:15 Football, Culture, and Spirituality

15:26 Goals, Habits, and Productivity

40:07 Sponsor Break

42:02 Marriage, That Blessed Arrangement

1:04:46 Books on Marriage

1:08:29 Until Next Time…

Books & Everything:

Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church

Serious Joy Conference

The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work