The Holy Post

Leah Libresco Sargeant, author and commentator on family policy and feminism, joins to discuss her book The Dignity of Dependence. She explores dependence as a human reality and contrasts autonomy-focused culture with care-centered alternatives. Short conversations cover policy fixes for caregivers, practical accommodations, and reframing feminism to honor women’s distinct needs.

Justin Giboney, ordained minister, attorney, and co-founder of the AND Campaign, returns with a short take on the Black church's public witness. He discusses resisting the left/right binary, linking spiritual disciplines to public courage, and practicing persuasion over purity. Conversation also touches on nonviolent tactics, moral imagination, and why faithful risk matters more than career safety.

Ryan Burge, a sociologist and former pastor, dives into the alarming decline of commitment in American life and its impact on both church and democracy. He discusses how younger generations are increasingly secular and why political polarization is making congregations less diverse. The conversation also explores the necessity for pastors to cultivate political plurality and rebuild community ties. Plus, the hosts touch on how smaller homes can lead to greater happiness and the quirky mystery of missing monkeys in St. Louis!

Senator Raphael Warnock is the United States senator from Georgia and senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. He discusses viewing the U.S. economic situation as a spiritual crisis and emphasizes the moral implications of inflation and corporate influence. Warnock stresses the importance of faith in public life, balancing his pastoral and legislative roles. He shares insights on bipartisan relationships in the Senate and encourages resisting cynicism while advocating for accountability in leadership.

The podcast features Esau McCauley, a theologian and public commentator, who discusses the controversial U.S. operation in Venezuela, raising questions about legality, morality, and American identity. Sara Billups, an author and cultural commentator, explores anxiety in both personal and church contexts, tying it to broader cultural issues in her book, 'Nervous System.' She offers insights into calming practices for individuals and leaders, emphasizing the importance of a non-anxious presence in politics and community life.

The hosts explore the complexities of both-sidesism, arguing it's not merely about false equivalence but a responsibility when context matters. They discuss the risks of criticizing one side too leniently and highlight the rise of extremism on both political ends. The conversation touches on the dangers of mutual hypocrisy in politics and how good intentions can lead to corruption. Listeners are encouraged to embrace nuance and maintain allegiance to values over partisan identities.

As 2025 wraps up, the hosts dive into listener questions, sharing their unique ways to decompress after intense discussions. They tackle the intriguing notion that demons might not be fallen angels and debate whether ethics can exist outside Christianity. Personal reflections reveal Skye's mood transformation and predictions for 2026, along with a light-hearted discussion on who on the team is best at changing a tire. Expect quirky habits, favorite faith-inspired films, and a surprise engagement announcement!

John Ortberg, an influential author and ministry leader specializing in spiritual formation, joins the discussion to delve into his book, which merges the 12-step recovery principles with Christian discipleship. He highlights the importance of honesty in acknowledging personal struggles and applying the concept of 'step zero'—recognizing when we’re not okay. Ortberg emphasizes that genuine faith involves trust in God's goodness rather than rigid certainty and warns against viewing spiritual practices as mere checkboxes, advocating for their role in fostering authentic love and growth.

Matthew Soerens, Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, joins to shed light on the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration. He discusses the Trump administration's evolving policies, particularly the punitive approach towards immigrants and the chaos of conflicting rhetoric. Soerens passionately argues against collective punishment, citing biblical principles of dignity. He also highlights the need for humane alternatives to detention and the challenges facing various refugee populations. The conversation reveals the complex intersection of policy, morality, and Christian advocacy in today's immigration debate.

Rich Villodas, a pastor and author of "Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal," shares insights on how Advent can combat consumerism and cultural distractions. He emphasizes the importance of communal waiting and traditional practices during this season. Villodas contrasts the fear-driven actions of historical figures with the call for love and peacemaking in today’s fractured world. He encourages listeners to slow down and reflect, offering practical tips for spiritual contemplation. This conversation sparks vital discussions on faith and cultural resilience.