Does localism offer an antidote to the hostile partisanship that typically marks American politics? Can it even address the cultural problems of anxiety and loneliness? Dr. Mark T. Mitchell, co-founder of Front Porch Republic and Dean of Academic Affairs at Patrick Henry College, joins Liberty to talk about the importance of intentional living, phy…

In this episode, Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center challenges Christians to reframe the way they interact with politics. As Dr. Spencer and Liberty discuss topics like cultural Christianity and Christian nationalism, Dr. Spencer argues that Christians' political involvement should stem from a place of discipleship, not a desire…

How do you make a difference after the election is over? Build relationships with your elected officials—even those in Washington, D.C. In the second part of her interview with Know Why, Debbie Wuthnow, president of iVoterGuide, offers tips on contacting your representatives and telling your story to make a difference.…

Debbie Wuthnow joins the Know Why Podcast to discuss the many ways just one vote can make a difference. Debbie is the president of iVoterGuide, an organization that has equipped and educated millions of voters. In this episode, Part 1 of a two-part interview, Debbie shares stories of elections that were determined by a slim margin, and explains why…

In Part 2 of his interview with Know Why, Richard Lim, host of the podcast This American President, explains what federalism is and why it's essential for protecting freedom. He also sheds interesting historical perspective on the division in America today, and notes which aspects of the current presidential election cycle are historically unique. …

Knowing about presidential politics in the United States requires knowing about the Electoral College. What is it? Why do we have it? How does it work? How does it impact the weight of your vote? How does it impact candidates' campaigning strategies—and why does that matter? Richard Lim, historian and host of the podcast This American President, jo…

Many people abandon faith values upon entering the political sphere. But it doesn't have to be that way. Chris Butler, Executive Leader at the AND Campaign and Lead Pastor at Chicago Embassy Church Network, joined Know Why to discuss how Christians can engage in partisan politics without making their party their identity. Listen to hear Chris's pra…

Primaries, propositions, and partisanship, oh my! Does political jargon make your head spin? In Part 2 of our interview, campaign manager Lisa Hendrickson explains primaries, offers tips on staying engaged and effective in between election cycles, and discusses the importance of being willing to find common ground with your political opponents.…

Feel confident next time you head to the polls! To kick off our new series, Know About Political Engagement, Lisa Hendrickson joins the Know Why Podcast with tips on becoming an informed voter. Drawing from her years of experience managing campaigns and working in various political roles, Lisa encourages listeners to own their vote and know why it …

Lauren McAfee and her husband, Michael, know firsthand what it's like to face back-to-back tragedies and unforeseen trauma. How can we handle the anxiety and grief that results from life spinning out of control? Jesus' teachings and life offer helpful examples, which Lauren and Michael write about in their book Beyond Our Control: Let Go of Unmet E…

Brant Hansen is back for Part 2! The radio personality and author discusses research from an atheist that points to the genius of Jesus' teachings on anger, forgiveness, and anxiety. Listen and learn why Brant says Jesus is the "smartest man who ever lived."Por Know Why Podcast

Talking about anger has never been more fun! Radio personality and author Brant Hansen joins the Know Why Podcast to discuss his book Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. In Part 1 of his interview, Brant explains Jesus' teachings on anger and forgiveness, sharing personal testimonies revealing that "the way to freedom is …

In Jesus' radical inclusion of women, was he bucking God's system, or acting in perfect alignment with the rest of Scripture? In Part 2 of her interview with Know Why, Dr. Sandra Glahn of Dallas Theological Seminary tackles the issue of gender roles and what the church gets wrong. She also sheds helpful light on a few under-preached stories of wome…

In Part 1 of this interview, Dallas Theological Seminary professor Dr. Sandra Glahn offers insight into Jesus' interactions with women and what it means for Christian women today. She explains cultural context surrounding several Bible stories and passages, answering hard questions (such as why Jesus' 12 apostles were male). Dr. Glahn also exposes …

Do Jesus' teachings on justice conflict with Old Testament teachings on justice? In Part 2 of Know Why's interview with apologist Jon Noyes, we examine the continuity of biblical justice throughout the Old and New Testaments. Jon even argues that a proper understanding of justice can help us answer this question: Why do bad things happen to good pe…

Gen Z is oriented toward social justice. As part of our Know About Jesus series, Jon Noyes from Stand to Reason joins us to discuss what Jesus said about justice. In Part 1 of a two-part interview, Jon, a former atheist, explains differences between the cultural and biblical definitions of justice. He also shares how he went from thinking "Christia…

In Part 2 of Know Why's interview with Pastors Lafe and Hope Angell of Grace Point Family Church, we tackle tough questions, including... Does loving my enemies mean I have to put up with toxic people? How can I follow Jesus when I've known Christians who are so unloving? This episode may challenge you to examine your own beliefs and behaviors in l…

What did Jesus' love look like? How can we emulate it today—especially in a culture that is often so divided? In this episode (part one of a two-part interview), Pastors Lafe and Hope Angell of Grace Point Family Church discuss examples of how Jesus loved with truth and yet without condemnation. They also offer tips on how young people can do the s…

Historical tests affirm that the New Testament we read today accurately reflects the original documents—but were the authors of the New Testament telling the truth? Did Jesus really do the impossible—come back to life? In Part 2 of our interview with Robby Lashua, we walk through the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection, including what non-C…

In the kick-off to our Know About Jesus series, apologist Robby Lashua tackles two tough questions. First, how do we know the New Testament we have today is the same as what was originally written down? Second, how do we know what was written down is true? In this episode, you'll learn about the tests historians use when determining the reliability…

Want to tackle loneliness, anxiety, or depression in 2024? Improving mental health is a common New Year's resolution. In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, returning guest Ben Bennett of the Resolution Movement shares practical tips from brain science that can help you go from feeling pressured to feeling empowered.…

What are the most pressing issues facing teens and young adults today? What questions are they asking about life, purpose, and religion? Joe and Tiffany Williamson work in youth ministry at Thousand Hills Church in Hickory Creek, Texas. They join the Know Why Podcast with firsthand insight into the questions young adults ask, what support they need…

What do listeners want to know about? We looked at our most-downloaded episodes of 2023 and compiled the highlights here! Listen for excerpts from 5 of listeners' favorite episodes of the year, with selections from every Know Why Series series of 2023! In this episode, you'll hear snippets of the following interviews: 1. Is Social Media Robbing Me …

Joshua Barnes of the popular YouTube channel The Bible Explained is back. He demonstrates why Jesus' birth is unique compared to the origin stories of ancient mythical gods. Josh also highlights intriguing prophesies that predicted the details of Jesus' birth hundreds of years before it happened.Por Know Why Podcast

Have you ever heard that Christmas has pagan origins? Does the date we celebrate Christmas—December 25th—have anything to do with ancient holidays like Saturnalia, Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or even the Winter Solstice? Are traditions like caroling and decorating trees borrowed from other religions? Find out in this interview with Joshua Barnes, c…

Chatbots can be problematic, but can they also be useful? If artificial intelligence can do everything we can do, what makes humans unique? Back to think through tough questions like these is Kate Lucky from Christianity Today. She shares insight from her recent feature piece, “AI Will Shape Your Soul,” a deep-dive into what theologians and tech ex…

Are you prepared for a world where AI bots have replaced customer service workers, tutors, and even therapists? Do we lose part of our humanity when inconvenient, messy conversations with people are replaced by streamlined, efficient chatbots? Here to think through this with us and provide some answers is Kate Lucky from Christianity Today. She sha…

How can problematic technology use hamper a child's emotional development? How can you tell if a child's relationship with media is problematic? Answering these questions and more on the Know Why Podcast is Jane Shawcroft. A PhD student at UC Davis, Jane studies the effects of media and technology on children and adolescents. Whether you have kids,…

When college students enter Dr. Brad East's class at Abilene Christian University, they're often spending 6 hours or more on social media per day. Then he challenges them to give it up. Listen to this episode as Dr. East shares what young adults gain when they give up their screen addiction—and what you lose when your life is spent staring at your …

What does an ancient story about a father, two sons, and a promise have to do with the Israel-Hamas war? In this episode, Know Why Podcast interrupts its series on Healthy Tech Habits to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas that began with Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, this episode addresses the biblical h…

Are you in control of your screen time... or is it the other way around? Listen as Doug Smith helps kick off Know Why's series on healthy tech habits. In the episode Liberty and Doug discuss his recent book, "[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free," written from his perspective as a former software devel…

In Part 2 of Know Why's interview with Peyton Luke, Peyton talks about a public "fail" she experienced in college and what it taught her about life and career. Peyton also pinpoints the root of much of America's workism and offers pointers for developing a healthier work-life balance. Don't miss this final episode in the Thriving at Work Series!…

Over 80% of people experience imposter syndrome. Has that ever been you? In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, Liberty's longtime friend Peyton Luke, Media Specialist at First Liberty Institute, shares how she overcame imposter syndrome and learned to handle the hurt of being misunderstood in a professional position. Peyton and Liberty also disc…

In the second installment of this two-part interview, radio producer Steve Miller talks about his favorite jobs, what job he hated, and what made the difference. At the core of this conversation are some important questions... is it possible to do what you're passionate about, even when it doesn't pay? Is it possible to enjoy a job that isn't your …

"Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." According to Steve Miller, that ancient proverb is misguided. In the first installment of this two-part interview, Steve shares the long journey he took to discover his true passion—drama—and why it's more than okay that drama isn't his livelihood today. The latest in Know Why's Thriving …

Does the thought of working 40 hours a week at the same place for decades sound unappealing? Here's your permission slip to say so out loud! In this installment of our Thriving at Work series, life coach Kerri Christopher from Clarity Life Consulting acknowledges that "having it all" is exhausting, explains what a "portfolio life" looks like, and c…

Is burnout unavoidable? With workplace stress at an all-time high, it may seem that way. But according Dr. Eddy Brewer, Senior Pastor at Capitol Hill Assembly of God in Oklahoma City, the answer is no! His studies prove it is possible to prevent burnout and cultivate a healthy work-life balance. He shares the "how"—backed by extensive research and …

Can racial justice and pro-life activism go hand-in-hand? In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, the latest installment of our Know About Pro-Lifers Series, Cherilyn Holloway says they not only can, but should. Founder and president of Pro-Black Pro-Life, Cherilyn challenges listeners to think and step outside the box in order to understand the s…

Monica Snyder from Secular Pro-Life is back! In Part 2 of her conversation with Know Why Podcast, Monica tackles tough questions including... Do pro-lifers care about bodily autonomy? Do embryos *really* have heartbeats? Are women being denied life-saving treatment post-Roe? Don't miss this latest installment of our Know About Pro-Lifers series!…

Religious. Fundamentalist. Republican. This stereotype is how many people imagine pro-lifers. Monica Snyder, Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life, busts that stereotype in a two-part interview with Know Why Podcast. In this episode, Monica talks about Secular Pro-Life and uses her background in biology to discuss the beginning of human life and p…

What would it take for churches to provide the love, support, and encouragement women need when they're unexpectedly expecting? Amy Ford, President and Founder of Embrace Grace, Inc., has some ideas. In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, hear Amy's powerful testimony and learn about the ministry making churches a place more people want to run to…

Why do women seek abortion? Is abortion truly the best solution to women's problems? Do pro-lifers adequately address those problems...or do they make them worse? Bringing perspective to these difficult yet important questions is Chelsey Youman, the Texas State Director and National Legislative Advisor for Human Coalition. Chelsey kicks off Know Wh…

If you want to be happy at work, you've got to find your dream job. Right? Maybe not. In this episode, Liberty dives into research on workism, fixed theory, and happiness to find out if having your "dream job" truly matters...and why or why not.Por Know Why Podcast

In recent years, young people in America have participated in important cultural conversations about our nation’s history and how we look at it. Part of that has included questioning whether certain historical figures or other aspects of our history are worth studying, remembering, or honoring. In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, Richard Lim, …

In this relevant episode, Liberty talks with Ben Bennett, author, speaker, and director of the Resolution Movement, about mental health and what it takes to thrive. Ben shares his own story of overcoming anxiety, offering practical hope to generations of young adults. Ben also shares what he has learned about the fascinating (and maybe surprising) …

Many young adults are worried that having children will overburden a planet that’s already overpopulated and further damage the environment. They’re also worried about what kind of environment their kids will be born into. Are these valid concerns — and if not, why not? In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, Liberty takes listeners through resear…

Church attendance in America is declining...is that a problem? In this episode, Know Why host Liberty McArtor talks with Jonathan Teague, Sr. Associate Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, about research showing interesting benefits of attending a house of worship. Jonathan also shares what a Christian church community should look like according t…

Women want “half the pie” but abortion doesn’t give it to them. That’s what Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, founder and president of New Wave Feminists, asserts in this episode of Know Why podcast. Listen as Liberty and Destiny talk abortion, feminism, patriarchy, and what really happened at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C. Whether you consid…

People of faith are free participate in either political party and advocate their convictions, but Christians often don’t speak out when their party is wrong. That’s what Justin Giboney, attorney, political strategist, and president of the AND Campaign argues in this episode of the Know Why podcast. Listen as Liberty and Justin discuss the shortcom…

Can you believe in science and believe in God? Jonathan Witt, Executive Editor at Discovery Institute Press, argues that robust scientific study supports, not undermines, belief in the God of the Bible. If you’ve ever been skeptical about the intermingling of science and religious faith, listen to this episode of Know Why and tell us what you think…