Good Faith

Resetting our relationship to alcohol Host Curtis Chang and author Ericka Andersen mark Ericka’s fourth year of sobriety by asking a thought-provoking question: How’s your relationship with alcohol? Together, they explore the challenges of alcohol dependency, why it might be time to reevaluate your connection to drinking, and how to lovingly support others on the same journey. Using the metaphor of alcohol as a “person” woven into our memories and social experiences, they explore the grief that can accompany “breaking up” with alcohol and how the Spirit of God’s still, small voice is sometimes drowned out by cocktail hour. If you’ve ever questioned whether your life might be better without alcohol, this episode offers practical insights and gentle encouragement to take a closer look.   Download our free January reset guide https://bit.ly/4gBXjiW Send your Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org   Resources or references mentioned in this episode: Ericka's 10 Tools to Find Freedom  From Alcohol  We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowen Detox.net’s complete drinking habits study Washington D.C. has the highest percentage of heavy drinkers When a church leader confesses a substance abuse problem (an interview) This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness by Annie Grace The Luckiest Club: online sobriety support community   More From Ericka Andersen: Follow Ericka on Instagram HERE Read ericka’s Substack HERE Check out Ericka’s website: HERE Ericka’s Wall Street Journal piece about Binge Drinking Learn more about J29 Coalition cohorts at J29Coalition.com  

David French, a New York Times columnist, offers keen insights on pivotal stories for 2025. He tackles the implications of January 6 pardons, the potential impact of RFK Jr. in politics, and the evolving Republican stance on abortion. French discusses the distressing potential for mass deportations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He emphasizes the necessity for wisdom and justice in navigating these complex issues, urging listeners to reflect on their role in advocating for the vulnerable and ensuring integrity in governance.

Jessica Hooten Wilson, an author and Great Books Program chair at Pepperdine University, shares her insights on Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga. They discuss the importance of fantasy literature in building generational connections and understanding. Engaging storytelling fosters bonds between parents and children, revealing deep truths through language. They explore how children's literature can reawaken wonder amidst modern disenchantment, emphasizing its role in moral clarity. The complexities of adapting beloved stories are also examined, highlighting the unique power of reading together as a family.

Join Andrew Peterson, founder of The Rabbit Room and acclaimed author of the Wingfeather Saga, as he dives into the heart of creativity and love. He explores how art reflects personal experiences and fosters deeper connections. The conversation highlights the importance of community in nurturing artistic expression and the joy of collaboration. Andrew shares insights on the impact of creativity during Advent, emphasizing the power of love in every creation. Prepare for a heartfelt reminder of how God’s love shapes our artistic journeys.

Chuck Mingo, a pastor and author committed to racial reconciliation, joins the conversation to redefine joy during the Advent season. He contrasts the concept of deep, enduring joy with fleeting happiness, emphasizing how shared experiences cultivate joy even in difficult times. Chuck shares practical strategies for nurturing joy, including gratitude journaling and affirmations with loved ones. They also explore how connecting with others, including children, can enhance joyful experiences, making joy a collective and transformative force.

This week, Andy Crouch, a renowned author and Good Faith contributor, joins Curtis Chang to delve into the meaning of peace during Advent. They challenge superficial views of holiday tranquility, urging listeners to recognize peace as a confrontational force against injustice. The discussion incorporates personal and global reflections, highlights Bethlehem's complex narratives, and emphasizes empathy amid conflict. They also explore transformative storytelling and the essence of embracing peace amidst suffering, offering profound insights for the holiday season.

In this engaging discussion, writer and cultural commentator Sara Billups reflects on hope during the Advent season amid life's challenges. She shares her experiences as a caregiver and a Gen Xer, navigating cultural disillusionment while drawing inspiration from biblical figures. The conversation examines the impact of prosperity culture on personal faith and emphasizes the importance of liturgy and tradition in fostering hope. With practical tips for families and a focus on joyful connections, this talk encourages listeners to embrace a hopeful spirit this Advent.

A sister navigates deep family disagreements over abortion, fostering understanding through compassionate dialogue. The emotional fallout from recent abortion laws is explored, highlighting the need for respectful conversations. Personal faith journeys take center stage, emphasizing community and transformation in the wake of pivotal legal changes. The art of listening becomes a crucial theme, demonstrating how empathy can bridge ideological divides and strengthen familial bonds.

Jon Ward, a seasoned journalist and author with two decades of experience in American politics and culture, joins the discussion to tackle the alarming decline in trust towards mainstream media. He and the host examine the impact of social media and political isolation on news consumption. They suggest that adopting postures of spectator, student, and servant can help foster a healthier news culture. Ward shares his personal strategies for staying informed and highlights the vital role of local news in rebuilding community engagement.

Tim Alberta, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his incisive political insights, joins host Curtis Chang to discuss the potential chaos and key appointments in Trump's upcoming administration. They analyze the unpredictability of voter behavior and the internal conflicts within Trump’s campaign, reflecting on the significant roles of figures like Susie Wiles. Alberta urges listeners to recognize Trump's humanity and the need for compassionate prayer for political leaders, highlighting the transformative nature of faith in today's polarized landscape.