Episodes
Losing the Signal: What the Death of AM Radio Means for Christian Wit…
What happens when a culture unplugs from the constraints that once helped us listen well? In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer and Nate reflect on the slow disappearance of AM radio from new vehicles—a shift ...
Zach W. Lambert | A Better Way to Read the Bible: Escaping Weaponized…
Can we read the Bible without reducing it to a rulebook, a road map, or a political weapon? In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer sits down with pastor and author Zach Lambert to explore his new book Better Wa...
Jenn Suen Chen | Dim Sum, Identity, and the Table of God: How Our Sto…
What does dim sum have to do with discipleship? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, James Spencer talks with author and spiritual formation leader Jen Suen Chin about her book Dim Sum and Faith: How Our Sto...
The Phony Age: Navigating Digital Deception, Noise, and the Need for …
Can we still spot the truth in a world that specializes in counterfeits? In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer and Nate unpack the unsettling implications of the internet’s influence on our minds, our trust, a...
Alex Kocman | Borders, Nations, and the Order of Love: A Christian Co…
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Alex Kocman—missions leader and co-host of the Missions Podcast —for a wide-ranging conversation on immigration, national identity, and how ...
Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund | Is Your Job a Calling? Ret…
What if the sacred-secular divide is more imagined than real? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) and business professor Denise Daniels ...
Erin Moniz | Intimacy, Identity, and the Church: Reimagining Relation…
What if our dating struggles, friendship breakdowns, and even church conflicts trace back not to technique—but to theology? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Erin Moniz—Anglican deacon, ...
Alan Noble | You Are Not Your Own: Resisting the Gospel of Radical Au…
What if the crushing weight of modern life isn't a bug in the system but a feature of a false belief? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Alan Noble to explore his compelling book, You A...
Chrystal Downing | More Than a Message: Dorothy Sayers, Film, and the…
What do a detective novelist, a WWII radio drama, and a blockbuster film have in common? According to Dr. Crystal Downing — everything. In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Crystal Downing, former co-dire...
Paul Hoffman | AI, the Imago Dei, and the Fight for Our Humanity
Is artificial intelligence just a tool — or are we slowly making it a partner in how we think, relate, and even worship? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Dr. Paul Hoffman — pastor, theologian, and co-au...
AI, Adolescents, and the Apocalypse? Discerning the Digital Age Witho…
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Nate Giarratano to unpack the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a controversial 10-year moratorium on state regulation, and what it means for Ch...
Laura Richter | Formation at the Top: Catholic Healthcare, Mission In…
What does it look like to lead not just with strategy, but with soul? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer speaks with Laura Richter, executive advisor to various healthcare systems, about the quiet revol...
Romney Ruder | Revival Behind Bars: Discipleship, Dignity, and Breaki…
What if the next revival didn’t start in a church... but in a prison? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Romney Ruder, President of Lifeline Global Ministries, to explore how God is transforming lives beh...
Ben Matthew | Anxiety, Faith, Fear, and Finding Peace in Christ
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Ben Matthew, professor of clinical counseling, as they explore the complex topic of Christians and anxiety. This insightful discussion delves into biblical per...
Kyle Norman | Finding Jesus When Faith is Hard
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with special guest Reverend Kyle Norman, author of Alive, Loved and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith Is Hard . In this heartfelt episode, Rev. Norman shares his personal ...
Shane Wood | Encountering Christ in Revelation
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation . Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyon...
Restoring Fallen Leaders: Integrity, Platforms, and the Hidden Cost o…
Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve...
Stanley K. Ridgley | DEI and the Challenges of Meritocracy
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI...
Biblical Discernment: How to Identify False Teaching in Today's Church
In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast, Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano explore the critical difference between false prophets and false teachers in Scripture. Learn practical biblical discernment tools to ev...
Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave | Worship, Grief, and the Grace of God
This episode features Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, who shares his remarkable 25-year journey in Christian music ministry. Mike reveals how God has consistently shown up in both celebratory milestones and devastating person...
Lisa Harper | Theology for the Tenderhearted
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Bible teacher, author, and podcaster Lisa Harper for a rich, heartfelt conversation about her new book A Jesus-Shaped Life . Together, they explore how diving...
Join Me in Germany: 2025 Reformation Tour
In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour , running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in ...
Discipled Men: Rethinking Masculinity Through the Lens of Christ
In this episode, James Spencer and Nate Yertano kick off a series on biblical manhood by asking a foundational question: What does it really mean to be a man under the authority of Christ? Too often, discipleship is confused ...
Gregg Quiggle | False Religion, the Barmen Declaration, and the Fight…
In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle for a deep dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked documents of the 20th century—the Barmen Declaration. Against the backdrop of Germany’...