The Boundless Show - podcast cover

The Boundless Show

Focus on the Familywww.focusonthefamily.com
Life is challenging for Christian singles. How do you balance work and personal life? How do you own your faith? How can you date with a purpose? And prepare for marriage? All while honoring God through it all? Hit up The Boundless Show, a Christian podcast for young adults, for some good, honest conversation. The young adult years are full of possibility and choices that shape who you become. Join host Lisa Anderson to discuss the highs and lows, lean on each other, and trust God in this important season of adulthood.
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Episodes

God Bless the USA: Episode 909

Things we love about America, plus how to read a room, and what if you catch feelings for someone who isn’t a Christian? Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters Roundtable: What We Love About the United States Many people like to criticize the United States. Even US citizens love to bag on our country, and while many of our shortcomings are real and even serious, it’s also good to remember what’s good about this nation. As we celebrate Independence Day, we have a conversation about wha...

Jul 03, 202557 min

Compatibility in Marriage: Episode 908

Successful small groups, plus what compatibility in marriage looks like, and what if your date was previously married? Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Church Small Group Success We all long for community, and as Christians one of the best ways to cultivate deep relationships is in a small group with others from your church. But what actually makes a small group successful? We interviewed pastors and small group leaders to discover how to find a small group, what to look...

Jun 26, 20251 hr 4 min

Hope for Home Ownership: Episode 907

Ordering your life, plus how to build a relationship with your future in-laws, and should you wait until you’re married to buy a house? Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Get Your Priorities Straight We’re all guilty of procrastination, wasting time, and over-cluttering our schedules. As adults, we know we should do better, but where do we start? How can we prioritize our lives to make time for what’s really important? Our guests share their own struggles and strategies for how to find ...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 1 min

Why Men Love Sooner: Episode 906

What makes someone a best friend, plus research on why men fall in love more quickly, and is our listener trying hard enough to find someone? Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Who Is Your Best Friend? Who is someone you consider a best friend? Getting to that level of relationship with another person takes time, intention, and the willingness to resolve conflict and give grace. Our guests share about their best friends, what makes a best friend, ways to overcome relational barr...

Jun 12, 202554 min

When to Get Engaged: Episode 905

Motivation for starting over, plus a marriage expert says when to tie the knot, and balancing Christian community with non-Christian friends. Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: National Start Over Day A breakup. A job layoff. An unmet goal. When failure, loss and disappointment happen, sometimes the best thing you can do is press reset. Today is National Start Over Day, and if you need a second (or third, fourth or fifth) chance, you’ll be encouraged by our guests’ stories as they s...

Jun 05, 20251 hr 2 min

Gym Intimidation: Episode 904

Vacation Bible School memories and ministry, plus overcoming your fear of gyms, and when your family has strong opinions about your date. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: We Love Vacation Bible School! For many of us, Vacation Bible School is a fond childhood memory of studying Scripture, singing songs, meeting new friends and playing games. Some even remember VBS as the place they first understood the gospel and accepted Jesus as their Savior. As young adults, it’s now a great...

May 29, 20251 hr 1 min

Doing Wedding Season Solo: Episode 903

How to love weddings as a single guest, plus ordinary workers who did great things, and separating your work life from your personal life. Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Attending Weddings as a Single Wedding season is upon us. It’s an exciting time, but for many single adults it can be lonely or even downright depressing. This week’s guests, all single, share how to confidently show up at weddings, celebrate the bride and groom, and still have fun in the process. If you’re dre...

May 22, 202557 min

Ready for Your Job Interview?: Episode 902

Answering recruiter questions, plus how to craft a personal spiritual retreat, and should you only use Christian dating apps? Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters Roundtable: Questions to Prepare for a Job Interview A job interview is one of the most intimidating things you’ll do. How can you possibly be prepared for the questions you’ll be asked? And what questions should you ask in return? Three career recruiters bring their years of experience to suggest what really matters in a ...

May 15, 202554 min

The Perils of “Living in Sin”: Episode 901

How to navigate Mother’s Day, plus Dr. Greg Smalley continues the cohabitation conversation, and when your date has concerns about your family. Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: What Does Your Mother’s Day Look Like? What does Mother’s Day mean for you? For some, it’s joy-filled, but for others it’s extremely difficult — even painful. Our guests have different histories with the holiday as well as different levels of relationship with their mothers. They’ll share tips for...

May 08, 20251 hr 1 min

900 Episodes In!: Episode 900

Reviewing the last two years of “The Boundless Show,” plus Dr. Greg Smalley with new concerns about cohabitation, and when a family member goes MIA. Featured musical artist: JJ Heller Roundtable: What’s New Since Episode 800? What have been some of your favorite moments from the past two years of “The Boundless Show”? We take a look back at what’s happened with the show since episode 800 and recall what we learned, what surprised us, the moments we loved most — and what made them so great. Send ...

May 01, 20251 hr 2 min

Fun With Annie F. Downs: Episode 899

When people transition out of your life, plus Annie F. Downs on being single and not-so-serious, and how to set boundaries with your parents. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: When People Leave Your best friend moves to a new city. Or a sibling leaves home. Or you change churches. All of these have one thing in common: They reset your social circle, plus they bring a sense of grief and loss. When people exit your life, how do you learn to adjust? Our guests talk about departures ...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 5 min

Your Life Tells a Story: Episode 898

Our favorite Easter takeaways and traditions, plus crafting your testimony to share, and keeping up with a Gen Zer who wants to do it all. Featured musical artist: John Waller Roundtable: The Impact of Easter We share our favorite Easter holiday activities and traditions — what we’ve kept (church, brunch, maybe a chocolate egg or two) and what we’ve tossed (Easter bunny photos, ugh) — and how we craft a meaningful celebration. We also discuss why Easter gives us hope, and what that actually mean...

Apr 17, 202556 min

Gender Roles in Dating: Episode 897

Roles and rhythms while dating, plus strategies to combat loneliness, and when he feels attraction in a relationship but she doesn’t. Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells Roundtable: Who Does What When Dating? A listener recently asked what roles, if any, men and women should play in a dating relationship. The question raises many more questions: Should the guy make the first move? Does biblical submission apply in dating? Who should pay for dates? What does leadership of the relationship look ...

Apr 10, 202557 min

Relationship Seasons: Episode 896

Obeying God’s commands about sex (part two), plus Ben Stuart on breakups, engagement and marriage, and how do you prepare to be a stay-at-home mom? Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 2) Do you sometimes feel you’re the last Christian on earth who hasn’t had sex? Or you think God has bigger things to worry about than your sex life, so a little compromise here or there is no big deal. Maybe you’ve caved to sexual sin and are wondering if you’re a Christi...

Apr 03, 20251 hr 8 min

Is Every Christian Single Having Sex?: Episode 895

Obeying God’s commands about sex, plus Ben Stuart on battling adversity and temptation, and how to maximize your final year of college. Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 1) Do you sometimes feel you’re the last Christian on earth who hasn’t had sex? Or you think God has bigger things to worry about than your sex life, so a little compromise here or there is no big deal. Maybe you’ve caved to sexual sin and are wondering if you’re a Christian at all...

Mar 27, 202559 min

Strategies for Saving: Episode 894

How we budget and save for stuff, plus what to do when you feel behind in life, and conversations with someone who has doubts about God. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Are You Living Paycheck to Paycheck? A bucket-list trip. A new house. A different car. The latest smartphone. All great things, but they require money. Many of us have gotten used to living paycheck to paycheck and putting things on credit cards. Is there a better way to spend and save without going into debt or eatin...

Mar 20, 202557 min

Overcoming Trauma: Episode 893

Make your Bible reading more meaningful, plus identifying and addressing trauma in your life, and what did Paul mean by his “thorn in the flesh”? Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: Beyond Bible 101 You grew up in church, but is the Bible still a bunch of stories and moral lessons to you? Do you want to go deeper and not just know facts, but really get to know God himself? The possibilities for personal study and devotion are endless and sometimes overwhelming. Our guests share the...

Mar 13, 20251 hr

Give This Up for Lent: Episode 892

A challenge to ditch your screens, plus a conversation on sexuality and the church, and when your friend says she’s bisexual and a Christian. Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: Join Our Screen Fast In anticipation of Lent, our friends at Plugged In have teed up a screen fast. Wanna join? If taking a break from digital devices including your smartphone, tablet, TV and gaming console sounds challenging (work exceptions are OK), then this fast may be for you. Two Plugged In team members pl...

Mar 06, 202559 min

Wedding Planning Hacks: Episode 891

Plan your wedding like a boss, plus Ellen Dykas on navigating lifelong singleness, and how to see God at work in a culture of negativity. Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: How to Plan a Wedding Weddings are big business, and the pressure to have a “perfect” day is real. To make it all happen, many couples invest thousands of dollars and months of preparation. Is the effort worth it? According to experts, what deserves your time and money, and what doesn’t? What are some things...

Feb 27, 202557 min

Gen Z and Dating Apps: Episode 890

Overcommitment on church activities, plus Suzanne Gosselin on Gen Z’s apathy toward dating apps, and what if your date has mental health issues? Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Church Involvement Overload Sunday services. Volunteering. Helping others throughout the week. Not to mention Bible study, small group, committee meetings and discipleship. If you aren’t careful, doing good and even “godly” activities out of guilt can lead to burnout. Besides, if you’re always at church...

Feb 20, 202557 min

Best Rom-Coms and Romantic Movies: Episode 889

Our favorite romantic films, plus the history of St. Valentine and Valentine’s Day, and attending the wedding of someone you used to date. Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta Roundtable: Best Movies for Valentine’s Day Do you have a go-to film for Valentine’s Day? Do you prefer a rom-com or an epic romance or period drama? To help you celebrate February 14th, our panelists duke it out over the all-time best movies about love and romance. Listen in to see if your favorite makes the list and he...

Feb 13, 202555 min

Is Purity Dead?: Episode 888

Encouragement when your home life isn’t ideal, plus hope for single parents, and are Christians still committed to God’s standard for sex? Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: Love Where You Live What’s your current living situation and how do you feel about it? You may live by yourself, with roommates, your parents, or a married couple or family. Whatever the circumstances, each situation has pros and cons. Our panelists have lived in a variety of settings and with different types of...

Feb 06, 202552 min

Clear Communication: Episode 887

How to communicate to others with honesty and clarity, plus tips for adulting well, and addressing a struggle with OCD. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Say What You Mean You’re trying to plan an event, but you can’t get anyone to RSVP. You know you have to turn someone down, but you don’t want to hurt their feelings. You started a text trail with a friend, and now they’ve gone MIA. Sound familiar? Why is it so hard to initiate, commit, respond, be honest — all the things that ...

Jan 30, 202558 min

Beware of Ghosts: Episode 886

The perils of ghosting, plus a fitness coach’s God-centered approach to health, and should you get married if you’re poor? Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Alternatives to Ghosting “I’ve been ghosted!” It’s a common complaint among daters, but it happens in friendships and other contexts as well. Whether you’re guilty of ghosting or have been on the receiving end of this annoyingly passive “dump,” we’d all agree there are better, kinder, and healthier ways to end a relationship, ...

Jan 23, 202558 min

Build Your Confidence: Episode 885

What confidence looks like, plus a young adult’s journey with chronic pain, and how to honor God in everyday life. Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC Roundtable: Confident Relationships, Work and Identity What is confidence, and how do you get it? It’s probably more than Julie Andrews dancing around a Salzburg fountain and chirping, “I have confidence!” Yet it seems that some elements of confidence can be learned, if not merely wished into existence. Our guests share tips for being more confide...

Jan 16, 202558 min

Rethinking Alcohol: Episode 884

The difference between rest and procrastination, plus a challenge to go 40 days alcohol-free, and do girlfriends need to submit to their boyfriends? Featured musical artist: Danen Kane Roundtable: Are You Resting or Procrastinating? When you’re working hard to reach new goals, it’s important to pace yourself and not burn yourself out. But can you tell the difference between true rest and straight-up procrastination? Our guests share their best insights on when it’s time to take a break versus wh...

Jan 09, 202554 min

New Year Transitions: Episode 883

Embracing changes in a new year, plus what grief looks like, and do you hate responsibility? Featured musical artist: Ginny Owens Roundtable: New Year, New Opportunities A new job. An engagement. Starting a dating relationship. Moving to a new place. One of the beauties of life is the chance to grow, try new things, and step into adventure. But with change comes a whole new set of challenges. To share wisdom on getting through adjustments you’ll make this year, our guests discuss what lessons th...

Jan 02, 202556 min

The Nightmare After Christmas: Episode 882

Intentional relationships with non-Christians, plus what happened after Jesus’ birth, and when friends deconstruct their faith. Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Out of the Christian Bubble Many of us have at least one friend, family member or coworker who’s not a Christian. But if we’re honest, we tend to spend most of our time with other believers; between family, church, ministry opportunities and small group, it’s easy to stay in a faith-filled comfort zone. What are intention...

Dec 26, 202451 min

Keep Dating Fun: Episode 881

How to be a fun date, plus sharing Jesus with the cynical and deconstructed, and how do you accept your current situation in life? Featured musical artist: Ellie Holcomb Roundtable: Fun Date Ideas Dating doesn’t always have to be serious. In fact, your ability to have fun as a couple is a good litmus test for whether you should marry. Our guests share their best strategies for staying chill in the dating process, as well as some of their most creative date ideas. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Th...

Dec 19, 202455 min

‘Tis the Season…for Siblings: Episode 880

Sibling time over the holidays, plus trading anxiety for peace, and should you change jobs to advance your career? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Sibling Connections at Christmas What are your sibling dynamics like during the holidays? Some of us have great relationships with our brothers and sisters, but for others, interactions and conversations can be shallow, awkward, or even tense. Our guests share both good and difficult moments they’ve had with their siblings; if you ar...

Dec 12, 202455 min
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