Shows / The Common Good Podcast
The Common Good Podcast
The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to…
Episodes
- The Common Good Podcast
When You Realize Parenting Is One Long Goodbye
Brian reflects on a season of family transitions, then moves through a series of short devotional and cultural topics: Wendell Berry’s legacy, a take on…
- The Common Good Podcast
Sojourn Church: Reaching Metro Detroit's Unchurched, One Conversation at a Time
Brian talks with Steve Van Noort and Scott Wyatt, lead and assistant pastors of Sojourn Church, a new PCA church plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan started…
- The Common Good Podcast
A Chilling Documentary, Sportsmanship That Shines, and Daryl Strawberry's Redemption
Brian discusses the disturbing new Netflix docuseries on the death of pastor's wife Mika Miller and the alleged abuse she suffered, pushing back hard against…
- The Common Good Podcast
From Gang Member to Pastor, and God's Call to Bold Enjoyment
Brian defends a well-known pastor criticized for using AI as a research tool in sermon preparation, arguing it's no different than consulting commentaries as…
- The Common Good Podcast
Learning to Notice God's Subtle Movements with Jeremy Sims
Brian talks with Jeremy Sims, professor of spiritual formation and author of The Way of the Spirit: Recognizing and Responding to God's Subtle Movements…
- The Common Good Podcast
Performative Politics, Worship Without Feelings, and Bending the Knee to Jesus
Brian opens frustrated by what he sees as performative culture at every level — from politicians renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America" to grandstanding…
- The Common Good Podcast
Coyote vs. Acme and a Petra-Fueled Christian Throwback with Paul Asay
Filling in for Adam Holz once again, Plugged In's Paul Asay joins Brian for a fun Friday lineup. They dig into Coyote vs. Acme, the long-shelved…
- The Common Good Podcast
Focus on the Family Begins Search for Its Next President
Brian talks with Gary Schneeberger, assistant to the president for media relations at Focus on the Family, about the ministry's search for a new president as…
- The Common Good Podcast
Processing Tragedy in Nepal, the Backlash Over Dolly Parton, and the Case for Christian Joy
Brian opens with a heavy reflection on catastrophic glacial flooding in Nepal, using the tragedy to talk about the fragility of life and living with urgency…
- The Common Good Podcast
The Case of the Missing Youth Pastors with Sarah Zylstra
Brian, a former youth pastor himself, talks with Sarah Zylstra of The Gospel Coalition about her article investigating why so many church youth pastor…
- The Common Good Podcast
Rediscovering Agape Love with Dr. Winfred Neely
Brian talks with Dr. Winfred Neely, professor and author of A Love to Live By: Rediscovering Agape Love in Scripture. Winfred unpacks why he chose the term…
- The Common Good Podcast
Remembering Dolly Parton, and Wrestling with Suffering, Pleasure, and Contentment
Brian pays tribute to the passing of Dolly Parton at 80, reflecting on her decades-long marriage, her genuine kindness, and closing the hour with nine of her…
- The Common Good Podcast
An Alabama Team's Miracle Win, the Cost of Youth Sports, and Learning to Listen Well
Brian shares an inspiring underdog story of an Alabama high school football team snapping a 101-game losing streak with a dramatic comeback win. He digs into a…
- The Common Good Podcast
A Tragic Loss on the Football Field, and When Unhealed Illness Brings Shame
Brian opens with heavy hearts over the tragic death of a Wisconsin high school quarterback following a football injury, reflecting on the fragility and brevity…
- The Common Good Podcast
All Your Life: Closing the Gap Between Spiritual Awakening and Real Discipleship with Dr. Lina Abujamra
Brian welcomes back Dr. Lina Abujamra — physician, founder of Living With Power Ministries, and author of the new book All Your Life: What It Really…
- The Common Good Podcast
Dropping a Son Off at College, Sandy Patty's Comeback, and How to Forgive Someone Who Isn't Sorry
Brian reflects on the whirlwind week of moving his son into Grove City College, wrestling with the mix of pride, sadness, and trust required to release a child…
- The Common Good Podcast
A Deeper Look at The Odyssey, and Recommendations for Family Movie Night with Paul Assay
Filling in for Adam Holz, Plugged In's Paul Asay joins Brian for a rich conversation on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, discussing how the film softens…
- The Common Good Podcast
Sending a Son to College, Gen Z's Gambling Habit, and the Danger of Spiritual 'LARPing'
Brian reflects on an emotional weekend leading up to taking his son to college, weaving in a review of The Odyssey and its theme of longing for home as a…
- The Common Good Podcast
Little League Cheating Scandal, Gambling's Grip on Young Men, and a Coach's Viral Sermon to a Pitcher
Brian dives into a wild Little League World Series scandal out of Oklahoma, where a dominant regional program appears to have committed years of eligibility…
- The Common Good Podcast
Spider-Man's Box Office Run, Dinosaur Movies Galore, and Ronald Reagan Hits the Big Screen with Adam Holz
Brian catches up with Adam Holz of Plugged In for a packed summer movie roundup. They discuss Spider-Man's stunning box office run — nearing $2 billion…
- The Common Good Podcast
Bring Your Bible to School Day with Emerson Collins
Brian talks with Emerson Collins, Focus on the Family's program manager of parenting and youth, about Bring Your Bible to School Day, taking place October 1…
- The Common Good Podcast
The Danger of Religious Tests in Politics, and What Improv Is Doing for Anxious Teens
Brian reflects on a heartbreaking update in the case of a drunk driver who killed a new bride, troubled by her father's response minimizing her responsibility…
- The Common Good Podcast
10 Mistakes I Made in Youth Ministry with Steve Eatmon
Brian, a former youth pastor himself, talks with Steve Eatmon, author of 10 Mistakes I Made in Youth Ministry and What You Can Learn from Them, about lessons…
- The Common Good Podcast
Helping Middle Schoolers Find Their Identity in Christ with Heather Holleman
Brian talks with Dr. Heather Holleman, Penn State writing professor and author, about the final book in her middle-grade series, This Seat Is Yours, which…
- The Common Good Podcast
Tornado Alley Chicago, Should Kids Play Alone Outside Be a Crime?, and Finding Hope in Romans 5
Brian starts light with a study on how good posture doesn't just help your body but actually improves mood and decision-making — vindicating moms…
- The Common Good Podcast
That Dad Who Turns Off the Lights, and Should the Bible Be Taught in Public School?
Brian confesses to becoming "that dad" who chases down every light left on in the house amid rising utility costs, using it as a jumping-off point for a candid…
- The Common Good Podcast
33 Days Between Heaven and Hell: A Grammy Winner's Near-Death Story
Brian interviews four-time Grammy-winning music producer Ricky "Slikk Muzik" Offord about his new book, 33 Days Between Heaven and Hell. Ricky, who has…
- The Common Good Podcast
Preaching at a State Prison, and Can Someone Like Jeffrey Dahmer Go to Heaven?
Brian opens with a powerful reflection on preaching at Sheridan Prison this past weekend, describing the depth of community and hunger for God he witnessed in…
- The Common Good Podcast
Horror Movies, Childhood Trauma, and the New Spider-Man
Brian celebrates Adam Holz's birthday before diving into a striking review from Plugged In on the horror film Ice Cream Man from director Eli Roth, sparked by…
- The Common Good Podcast
Political Homelessness, the Hard Work of Forgiveness, and Reclaiming Awe
Brian reflects on feeling politically homeless amid the rise of the Democratic Socialist movement and the MAGA movement pulling both parties toward the…
- The Common Good Podcast
When Life Doesn't Go As Planned, and Why Gen Z Is Choosing Dumb Phones
Brian opens reflecting on what to do when life doesn't unfold the way we hoped — leaning on God's unchanging faithfulness even amid disappointment and…
- The Common Good Podcast
Seth Troutt on Faith, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose
What does authentic masculinity look like in a culture filled with competing messages about what it means to be a man? Brian Fromm sits down with pastor and…
- The Common Good Podcast
Laura Story on Reverence, Awe, and the Story Behind 'Blessings
Brian welcomes singer-songwriter and author Laura Story to discuss her new book Stand in Awe: How Reverence Transforms Our Worship and Our Lives. Laura unpacks…
- The Common Good Podcast
Rest, Reunion, and Learning to Trust God Through Hypocrisy and Hard Hearts
Back from vacation, Brian reflects on a week away with his family in Wisconsin — soaking up time together before his son leaves for college and his…
- The Common Good Podcast
A 400-Year-Old Church, an NFL Comeback, and Why God Uses the Unlikely
Brian opens reflecting on an upcoming family vacation and the bittersweet reality that change is the only constant, then turns to a Christianity Today piece on…
- The Common Good Podcast
The Odyssey Backlash, Little House Reboots, and a Pickleball Comedy with Adam Holz
Brian catches up with Adam Holz of Plugged In for their weekly look at movies and streaming through a Christian lens. They dig into swirling controversy over…
- The Common Good Podcast
Aunt Kim and Uncle Whoever: Why Extended Family Matters
Brian welcomes Kim Trobee from Focus on the Family for a conversation timed to National Aunt and Uncle Day (July 26). Kim explains why aunts and uncles occupy…
- The Common Good Podcast
The Labels We Wear, and the One That Sets Us Free
Brian opens with a reflection on Prince George's thirteenth birthday to unpack how quickly we label people — by politics, by past mistakes, by tribe…
- The Common Good Podcast
Jen Wilkin on Aging, Purpose, and the Church's Calling
Our culture spends billions trying to convince us that aging is something to fear—or even hide. But what if the Bible tells a very different story? Brian…
- The Common Good Podcast
Sabbath, Romans 12 & Courage in the Lonely Hour
A serial Guinness World Record holder from Idaho just balanced 195 rolls of toilet paper on his forehead for 30 seconds — and Brian From is genuinely…
- The Common Good Podcast
10 Questions Every Kid Should Ask About the Bible with Todd Chipman
How do we get the Bible? Why should we read it? How do we interpret it? Todd Chipman, author of 10 Questions About the Bible: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and…
- The Common Good Podcast
Finishing Well, Leaving a Church & Theoretical Christianity
Spain wins the World Cup over Argentina in extra time — one goal over eight games of tournament play — and Brian From gives it its due before…
- The Common Good Podcast
Control, Smoke & Shaquille O'Neal's Ecclesiastes Moment
Canadian wildfire smoke is still blanketing the Midwest, and Brian From opens with the theological thread underneath the inconvenience: control and comfort are…
- The Common Good Podcast
The Odyssey: Matt Damon, Casting Controversies & Why the R Rating Surprises with Adam Holtz
Everybody's talking about The Odyssey — Christopher Nolan's sweeping epic starring Matt Damon as Odysseus — and Adam Holtz from Plugged In joins…
- The Common Good Podcast
Inside Out, The Rookie & Lilo and Stitch with Bret Eckelberry
Family movie night sounds simple — but Bret Eckelberry, managing editor and movie reviewer at Plugged In, makes the case that it's one of the most…
- The Common Good Podcast
Wildfires, the ESPYs & Finishing the Race Well
Canadian wildfire smoke is blanketing Chicago and stretching all the way to New York, and Brian From turns the haze into a parable: the decisions we make set…
- The Common Good Podcast
Summer Activities & Bible Translation with Melissa Paredes of Wycliffe
It's a hundred degrees outside and your kids are asking what's next — Melissa Paredes, Senior Director of Content Marketing at Wycliffe Bible…
- The Common Good Podcast
Preaching, Apathy & the Heart of Ministry with Mike Bullmore
What does it mean for the gospel to be functionally central — not just theologically true in the abstract, but actually animating the way a pastor…
- The Common Good Podcast
Faith, Community & Small Class Sizes at St. Peter Lutheran School with Julie Messina
Back to school season is just around the corner, and Brian From sits down with Julie Messina, principal of St. Peter Lutheran School in Schaumburg, Illinois…
- The Common Good Podcast
AI, Translation & The Chosen with Wendy Lord
The Chosen is being translated into 600 languages — and Wendy Lord, Vice President of Localization at Come and See Foundation, is overseeing the effort…
- The Common Good Podcast
Lukewarm Churches, Renting Barbecue Friends & the Dark Night of the Soul
In Russia, you can now rent a barbecue companion for $15 to $65 a day — jokes and anecdotes included, no lasting friendship expected. Brian From opens…
- The Common Good Podcast
Lindsey Graham, Ecclesiastes & What if You're Missing Your Life While You're Waiting for It?
Senator Lindsey Graham died over the weekend from what appears to be a tear in his aorta — and Brian From opens not with politics but with perspective…
- The Common Good Podcast
When the Good You Do Goes Unnoticed
How do Christians engage politically without losing their witness, their humility, or their neighbors? A rich meditation on one of the most quietly devastating…
- The Common Good Podcast
Live Action Moana & the Odyssey Controversy with Adam Holtz of Plugged In
The average movie length people say they want is now 88 minutes — which makes the upcoming Odyssey at 172 minutes a particularly interesting bet. Adam…
- The Common Good Podcast
Marriage Resources & Hope Restored with Kim Trobee
Kim Trobee, longtime Focus on the Family spokesperson and senior manager for their marriage ministry, spent six days in Washington DC for America's 250th…
- The Common Good Podcast
If Jesus Is Lord of All, Why Don't We Preach It All? with Paul Blair
Paul Blair is a former Chicago Bear and the founder of Liberty Pastors, a network of over 2,500 pastors across the country who have completed a three-day…
- The Common Good Podcast
Lessons Learned at the Sound of Speed: Phil Cochran on Faith, Work, and Everyday Discipleship
How can Christians faithfully live out their faith in the workplace and everyday life? Brian Fromm sits down with Phil Cochran to explore what it means to move…
- The Common Good Podcast
Quintin Wingate on Hope, Purpose, and Following Christ
On this episode of The Common Good, Brian Fromm sits down with Quintin Wingate for an encouraging conversation about living a life of faith with purpose and…
- The Common Good Podcast
What Does It Mean to Truly Flourish? A Conversation with Brendan McClenahan
What does it mean to flourish—not just succeed, but truly thrive as God intended? Brian Fromm is joined by Brendan McClenahan, Church Engagement Manager…
- The Common Good Podcast
Character in Politics, the Key to Happiness & Biohacking Your Way to Forever
The US goes down four to one to Belgium, ending another World Cup run in the round of sixteen — the same place they've been stuck for five straight…