Made for People Podcast with Justin Whitmel Earley

Before we release the final episode of the Made for People Podcast, we’re pressing pause for something a little different.Over the past few weeks, so many of you have reached out with thoughtful reflections, personal stories, and honest questions. So instead of rushing to the finish, we’re giving you the chance to shape how this series ends.We’re collecting listener questions—about anything we’ve talked about: friendship in marriage, parenting, loneliness, making friends as an adult, or something we haven’t covered yet—and in a few weeks, Matt, Steve, and I will release a final episode where we respond to your questions directly.In the meantime, we didn’t want to leave you empty-handed—so we’re sharing this short bonus episode on a topic that has come up again and again: geography and how much your physical location shapes your relational life.In just ten minutes, we talk about:✔️ Why moving toward friendship could be one of the most important decisions you ever make✔️ How proximity isn’t everything—but it changes everything✔️ How to think about jobs, neighborhoods, and churches through the lens of community📖 Want more? Grab a copy of Made for People wherever books are sold.💬 Let’s Connect! Follow me on Instagram @justinwhitmelearley and join the conversation.❓Send me your question! DM me your questions or email me at justin.whitmel.earley@thecommonrule.org and we might answer your question in the final episode!

In this insightful discussion, Lauren Earley, wife of Justin and mother of four, shares how friendships have shaped her marriage. They explore the evolution of their friendships from the early days of marriage to parenting chaos, emphasizing the importance of external friendships in maintaining a healthy relationship. Lauren recounts their experiences building community through church and intentional social rhythms. They discuss the balance of nurturing friendships with family life and the mental health benefits these connections bring.

Joey Odom, co-founder of ReclaimWell, shares insights on nurturing deep relationships amid digital distractions. He emphasizes that kids benefit more from seeing adults model friendship than from achieving perfection in parenting. The conversation explores how technology can hinder or help our connections, urging families to intentionally foster meaningful interactions. Odom highlights the importance of creating a welcoming home for friendships and advocates for the power of unstructured, low-pressure moments that deepen bonds.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Curt Thompson, a Christian psychologist and author, delves into how storytelling and vulnerability shape our mental and spiritual health. He highlights that understanding ourselves requires sharing our narratives and that friendship can free our creativity. Secrets, he explains, drain our mental energy, while being truly seen can heal our brains. Thompson emphasizes the transformative power of deep relationships and the importance of genuine connections in fostering personal growth and healing.

In this engaging conversation with Rebecca McLaughlin, author of Confronting Christianity and No Greater Love, she discusses how friendship is a core aspect of evangelism. McLaughlin emphasizes the transformative power of deep relationships, viewing them as essential to understanding faith. She shares insights on the importance of vulnerability in friendships and the surprising nuances in C.S. Lewis' thoughts on this topic. The dialogue also touches on how meaningful connections can nurture families and create inclusive church communities.

Wes Hill, a New Testament scholar and author of "Spiritual Friendship," dives into the transformative role of friendship in faith. He explores how the New Testament blurs lines between friends and family, advocating for covenant friendships as essential to spiritual life. Hill discusses the geographical importance of relationships, emphasizing their need over career moves, and highlights the power of forgiveness in maintaining deep connections. This conversation redefines our understanding of salvation as intertwined with our friendships.

What if the biggest challenges stem from facing life alone? Delve into the power of covenant friendship—beyond casual connections—to enrich your spiritual journey. Discover how drifting away from friends can impact faith and personal growth. The speakers share nostalgic tales and emphasize the importance of inclusivity and forgiveness in friendship. Learn why these deep bonds not only support us in life but may also serve as powerful tools for evangelism in our current culture of skepticism. Finding the right people could be life’s most crucial pursuit.

Modern life makes it far too easy to drift into loneliness, but deep friendships are essential for a thriving life. The Made for People Podcast explores the spiritual discipline of friendship and why it’s the one habit that changes everything. Hosted by bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley with his friends Matt and Steve, this limited-series podcast features conversations with experts and real-life stories on building meaningful, lasting relationships. Subscribe now and rediscover the friendships you were made for.Join us for the first episode on Tuesday, February 25th.