Michael Easley inContext

What if spiritual growth didn’t require more intensity—but more consistency? In this episode of Michael Easley InContext, Michael is joined by Hanna Seymour to discuss her book Everyday Spiritual Habits and the powerful idea that spiritual disciplines are meant to become reflexes, not burdens. Drawing from Scripture, spiritual formation theology, and the science of habit formation, Hanna explains how small, daily practices—what she calls “seed habits”—can lead to lasting spiritual maturity over time. Rather than chasing an idealized version of quiet times or comparing ourselves to pastors and scholars, this conversation reframes spiritual disciplines as accessible, grace-filled rhythms for real life. Together, Michael and Hanna explore prayer, Scripture, joy, gratitude, celebration, solitude, and practicing the presence of God in ordinary moments—while also addressing distractions, comparison, and the pressures of modern life. This episode offers a hopeful vision for anyone longing to walk tethered to Jesus in the middle of busy, demanding seasons. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Why Habits Matter 02:45 – The Survey That Sparked the Book 05:10 – Atomic Habits Meets Spiritual Formation 08:30 – Consistency vs. Intensity 12:10 – Reframing Spiritual Disciplines for Real Life 15:20 – Prayer as a Daily Reflex 18:45 – Habit Triggers and Spiritual Cues 22:40 – Technology, Distraction, and Attention 26:50 – Joy, Gratitude, and Celebration 31:20 – Practicing the Presence of God 36:10 – Seed Habits and Spiritual Growth 41:45 – Closing Encouragement Key Topics Covered -Spiritual disciplines as habits and reflexes -Why consistency matters more than intensity -Habit formation and Christian growth -Prayer in busy seasons of life -Scripture intake without overwhelm -Gratitude, joy, and celebration -Practicing the presence of God -Technology, distraction, and attention -Spiritual formation for ordinary believers Links Mentioned: Everyday Spiritual Habits by Hanna Seymour Follow on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelinContext https://www.instagram.com/dreasley/ For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E Visit: https://www.michaelincontext.com

In this episode, Michael Easley sits down with Jon Gauger, author, radio personality, and lifelong lover of Scripture, to explore how the Psalms can transform the way we think and speak to ourselves. From anxiety and impatience to sleepless nights and moments of regret, Jon shares how memorizing and meditating on Psalms reshapes our self-talk, helps us navigate life’s challenges, and strengthens our relationship with God. Jon shares his personal journey of replacing negative thoughts with Scripture, including practical examples from his daily life, work, and travels. Michael and Jon also discuss the life of David—the ultimate example of a man after God’s own heart—and how his Psalms provide guidance, encouragement, and hope for us today. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, worry, or mental fatigue, this episode will show you the power of Scripture to renew your mind and bring peace to your soul. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: -How to use the Psalms to combat negative self-talk and anxiety -Practical steps for memorizing Scripture and making it a daily habit -Ways Scripture can bring calm during sleepless nights and stressful days -Lessons from the life of David on repentance, humility, and faith -How to respond wisely and peacefully in moments of crisis -Why worship, patience, and praise are choices that shape our thinking -Real-life stories of mentors, travel experiences, and moments of faith in action Timestamps & Topics Discussed: 0:00 – Opening prayer and welcome 0:29 – Michael’s love for the Psalms and teaching them 1:27 – Introduction of Jon Gauger and Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms 3:12 – Why Jon wrote the book: transforming negative self-talk 7:31 – Understanding constant self-talk and what Scripture says about it 10:21 – Using Psalms for rest and sleep 13:19 – Waiting patiently and trusting God (Psalm 27) 18:12 – “Relax, He’s Doing the Doing” and committing your soul 19:41 – Choosing worship and praise in daily life 20:56 – How social media affects self-talk 25:36 – Pausing and trusting God in crises 28:46 – Brag on God: encouraging others through our response 33:58 – How Scripture memorization influences thought, speech, and action 35:16 – David’s life as a model for self-talk, repentance, and faith 38:16 – Psalm 51: turning to God in moments of sin and regret 39:15 – Closing reflections and encouragement to engage with Scripture Links Mentioned: Powerful Self-Talk From The Psalms by Jon Gauger Follow on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelinContext https://www.instagram.com/dreasley/ For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E Visit: https://www.michaelincontext.com

In this episode of Michael Easley in Context, Michael sits down with his pastor and longtime friend Darren Tyler, lead pastor of Conduit Church in Franklin, Tennessee, to address a growing cultural shift: many people—including professing Christians—no longer believe that sin is real, universal, or serious. Using recent Barna research as a starting point, Michael and Darren explore how ideas like “people are basically good,” “follow your heart,” and therapeutic explanations for sin have reshaped how we talk about responsibility, repentance, and grace. They discuss why minimizing sin weakens evangelism, erodes discipleship, and ultimately obscures the beauty of the gospel. This conversation doesn’t minimize real pain, trauma, or injustice. Instead, it offers a biblical framework for owning our present reality, understanding the deceitfulness of the human heart, and running toward joyful obedience in Christ. From pastoral ministry and generational shifts to cultural algorithms and everyday gospel conversations, this episode provides clarity for navigating faith in a confused age. If you’ve wondered how to talk about sin without shame—or why the gospel feels less compelling in today’s culture—this episode is for you. 🔑 What You’ll Learn -Why many Americans—and Christians—no longer believe sin is universal or serious -How cultural narratives about the heart reshape responsibility and repentance -The connection between diminished views of sin and weakened evangelism -Why following your heart often leads away from biblical truth -How pastors can address sin without shame while still preaching clearly -Practical ways to talk about sin and grace in everyday conversations -Why the gospel is more than an example—it’s a substitution -How discipleship suffers when churches stop teaching core doctrine Chapters 00:00 – Why the conversation about sin matters right now 02:45 – Darren Tyler’s journey from the music industry to pastoral ministry 06:10 – Barna’s findings: Are people really “basically good”? 09:30 – How culture redefines sin as trauma or preference 13:45 – The danger of “follow your heart” theology 17:30 – Sin, abuse, and responsibility: drawing biblical distinctions 21:40 – Why minimizing sin undermines evangelism 26:00 – The missing piece in modern discipleship 31:10 – Talking about sin without shame 35:45 – Algorithms, the heart, and modern temptation 40:20 – Why Jesus had to pay the price for sin 45:15 – Sin against God and the meaning of forgiveness 50:30 – Romans 7, Romans 8, and hope for believers 54:20 – Why the gospel is more needed than ever 58:30 – Final encouragement for pastors and everyday Christians Links Mentioned: Conduit Church Follow on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelinContext https://www.instagram.com/dreasley/ For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E Visit: https://www.michaelincontext.com

Christian parents today face an overwhelming challenge: how do you talk to your kids about sex with clarity, confidence, and a truly biblical foundation—without fear, confusion, or shame? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael sits down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to discuss her new book Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design. Together, they unpack how to begin age-appropriate conversations about sexuality as early as age four, why parents should replace “the talk” with ongoing discipleship, and how to address difficult topics like pornography, masturbation, and cultural confusion around identity. If you want practical language and a biblical roadmap for guiding your kids in a hyper-sexualized world, this conversation will equip you with the tools you need. 🔍 KEY TOPICS -Why conversations about sex must start earlier than you think -How to teach God’s good design for marriage and sexuality -Talking to young kids about body parts, privacy, and boundaries -How to be the “first voice” your kids trust -Preparing kids for cultural confusion about sex and identity -Biblical guidance for addressing porn, masturbation, and shame -How single adults can speak into parenting conversations with wisdom Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations on Sexuality 02:55 Understanding God's Design for Marriage 06:11 The Importance of Early Conversations 08:49 Navigating Body Awareness and Shame 11:58 Addressing Indelicate Topics with Children 15:11 The Impact of Technology on Sexual Education 17:58 Discussing Pornography with Kids 21:03 Responding to Children's Questions 23:48 Understanding Gender Dysphoria and Identity 27:03 Overcoming Parental Shame in Discussions 29:50 Resources for Parents 32:56 Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents Links Mentioned: Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design by Elizabeth Urbanowicz Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

How do we guide the next generation when their world is digital, fast-changing, and often confusing for adults?In this episode, Michael Easley sits down with sociologist Dr. Josh Packard to unpack the surprising truth: you don’t need to master every platform or trend to meaningfully influence teens. You need presence, curiosity, and listening.Together they explore why today’s teens feel digitally confident yet relationally insecure, how this tension shapes their everyday lives, and what caring adults can do to build trust in a world full of noise. If you’re a parent, pastor, mentor, or leader investing in Gen Z or Gen Alpha, this conversation will reshape the way you think about discipleship and connection.What You’ll Learn- Why adults don’t need to “keep up” with technology to guide teens- How the digital confidence vs. relational insecurity gap impacts students- Why listening is often more powerful than teaching- The shift from “truth → trust → time” to “time → trust → truth”- Practical ways to engage the next generation with presence and consistencyChapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation07:31 Understanding Generational Differences13:16 The Role of Trust in Ministry18:53 Sacred Listening and Relational Ministry23:32 Growing Up Online: The Impact of Social Media27:34 Navigating Teen Social Media Spaces31:18 Understanding the Digital Generation35:02 Curiosity Over Expertise in Youth Engagement38:48 Building Trust Through Presence43:00 Cognitive Dissonance in the Digital Age47:57 The Challenge of Information Overload52:15 The Power of Listening and Curiosity Links Mentioned Faithful Futures by Dr. Josh Packard Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Should Christians make New Year's resolutions? In this special (re-release) episode of inContext, Michael discusses New Year's resolutions for Christians. Links Mentioned: ⁠Download Michael's Personal Development goals template⁠ To read the show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

Summary: In this special Christmas episode, Michael sits down with the legendary Michael W. Smith for a rich, joyful, and deeply reflective conversation about worship, songwriting, and the heart behind Christmas music. Originally recorded in 2020, their dialogue remains just as relevant and refreshing today. Smith shares how his understanding of worship has matured from music-driven moments to an entire lifestyle shaped by loving God and loving others. The two discuss the origins of some of Smith’s most beloved Christmas songs—like “All Is Well” and “The Promise”—including powerful stories behind their melodies and lyrics. Smith describes the surprising ease of some compositions (“it just fell out of the sky”) and the disciplined humility required to step back when a song isn’t ready. He also recounts influences ranging from Bach and Handel to Andy Williams and classic orchestral Christmas recordings he devoured as a child. Smith opens up about the grind and the beauty of his December touring schedule, the spiritual responsibility of leading worship, and the weight of pride that often shadows artists early in their careers. With honesty and warmth, this episode explores worship as a lifestyle, the craft of songwriting, and the glory of Christ at Christmas. Takeaways: Worship is not music alone but a lifestyle of loving God and others. Growth in worship leadership means decreasing pride, disappearing on stage, and guiding people to meet with God. Smith emphasizes that worship requires purity of heart, not just musical excellence. Links Mentioned Prayer by Tim Keller Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll For more inContext interviews, click here.

In this special Christmas episode of inContext, Michael Easley invites you into a thoughtful and engaging Christmas Quiz designed to test what we think we know about the Nativity story. Many of our assumptions come from tradition, art, and cultural imagery — but how much of it actually comes from Scripture? As Michael walks through each question, he highlights key biblical details, corrects common misconceptions, and helps us remember the stunning simplicity of the birth of Christ. This episode isn’t just trivia. It’s a reminder to slow down during a busy season, open the Bible, and return to the true story of the incarnation. Whether you’re listening alone, discussing with your family, or using this quiz in a small group, you’ll gain a clearer view of what the gospel writers recorded — and a renewed sense of wonder at God’s plan in sending His Son. Stay through the final score for a few reflections that will help you read the Christmas story with fresh eyes this year. Resources Mentioned: Download the free Christmas IQ quiz Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:02 – Why We Mix Up the Christmas Story 01:30 – Kids, Storybooks, and Misleading Illustrations 02:20 – Was the Forbidden Fruit an Apple? 03:00 – Christmas Quiz Question #1 03:31 – Christmas Quiz Question #2 03:55 – Christmas Quiz Question #3 04:40 – Christmas Quiz Question #4 05:28 – Christmas Quiz Question #5 06:17 – Christmas Quiz Question #6 07:37 – Christmas Quiz Question #7 08:16 – Christmas Quiz Question #8 08:48 – Christmas Quiz Question #9 09:48 – Christmas Quiz Question #10 10:51 – Christmas Quiz Question #11 11:33 – Christmas Quiz Question #12 13:22 – Christmas Quiz Question #13 13:40 – Christmas Quiz Question #14 15:09 – Christmas Quiz Question #15 16:32 – Christmas Quiz Question #16 17:43 – Glitter, Nativities, and the Herpes of Crafts 18:31 – Where the Christmas Story Appears in Scripture 19:20 – Joseph, Mary, and the Surprise Pregnancy 20:07 – Who Sent Them to Bethlehem? 21:08 – Did the Angels Sing? (The Debate Continues) 22:08 – A Christmas Book Recommendation 23:58 – What Are You Doing for Christmas? 24:40 – Teaching Kids Contentment at Christmas Follow on Instagram and Facebook For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E click here.

Grandparenting isn’t just a season of life — it’s a calling. In this powerful episode, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Larry Fowler from the Legacy Coalition to explore how Scripture calls grandparents to disciple their grandchildren and leave a legacy of faith.Learn how to build spiritual connections with your grandkids, even when distance, age, or family tension makes it difficult. Discover how to balance truth and grace, respect your adult children’s boundaries, and model godly living that draws future generations toward Christ. Topics Covered:00:00 – Why Grandparents Matter Spiritually06:45 – The Biblical Command for Grandparenting (Deut. 4:9)12:00 – How Churches Can Equip Grandparents15:30 – Overbearing vs. Distant Grandparents19:00 – When Adult Children Aren’t Believers23:00 – Prayer and Influence When Words Aren’t Welcome27:30 – Building Lasting Faith Legacies Links Mentioned The Legacy Coalition Legacy Grandparenting Summit 2026 Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

What does it mean to be a godly man today? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Robert Brent, author of Recapturing Godly Masculinity, to discuss the crisis of manhood in our culture and how Scripture calls men to a better standard. Together, they explore: -Why culture confuses dominance with leadership -How humility and responsibility shape godly strength -The role of mentorship, purity, and accountability -What Christlike leadership looks like at home and in the church Join the conversation: What’s one way you’ve seen biblical manhood modeled well? Comment below — we’d love to hear your thoughts. Resources Mentioned: Recapturing Godly Masculinity by Dr. Robert Brent Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:12 – Why Masculinity Is in Crisis 05:43 – What Is Godly Manhood? 12:20 – Strength Under Control: The Example of Christ 18:56 – The Role of Mentorship and Accountability 25:15 – Raising Sons to Be Men of God 32:48 – Purity, Boundaries, and Integrity 38:20 – Final Encouragements from Dr. Brent Follow on Instagram and Facebook Click here for more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E