In this episode, Mike sits down with Dr. Abigail Favale, the author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory . She teaches at the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life and holds degrees in philosophy, women’s writing, and English literature. In this conversation, they explore: - Dr. Favale's journey from progressive feminism to Catholic orthodoxy - How motherhood and spiritual crisis reshaped her worldview - The clash between the "gender paradigm" and a Christian visio...
Jun 05, 2025•51 min
In this episode of Beneath the Headlines , host Mike Woodruff sits down with Dr. Nathan Hatch, a renowned historian, former president of Wake Forest University, and scholar of American religious history. Dr. Hatch reflects on the current crisis of trust in institutions — from higher education to politics — and offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing universities today. He shares personal stories of leadership, the importance of character formation in education, an...
May 16, 2025•54 min
With over 40 years in ministry, best-selling author and pastor John Ortberg thought he'd seen it all. Then, he discovered the principles behind AA. In his book Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough , John shares profound insights on how the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous can be transformative for everyone—whether struggling with addiction or simply seeking deeper spiritual growth. In their conversation, Mike and John explore: - The 12 Steps as a Spiritual Pathw...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Dr. Darren Whitehead is a pastor, author, and founder of Church of the City in Nashville, Tennessee. And his most recent book The Digital Fast: 40 Days to Detox Your Mind and Reclaim What Matters Most offers a transformative approach to breaking free from the grip of smartphones, social media, and constant digital distractions. In this conversation, Mike and Darren explore: The hidden costs of our tech addiction and how it’s rewiring our brains. Practical steps to detox from digital overload and...
Jan 30, 2025•50 min
In this episode of "Beneath the Headlines," host Mike Woodruff interviews Glen Scrivener, an Australian writer, pastor, and apologist currently living in the UK. The conversation centers around Scrivener's book "The Air We Breathe" which explores how modern Western values like human rights, equality, progress, and compassion are deeply rooted in Christian thought and tradition. Key points discussed include: How many secular intellectuals (like Tom Holland, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and Louise Perry) are ...
Nov 07, 2024•48 min
Join Pastor Mike Woodruff and guest Collin Hansen, editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, as they explore: The evolution of journalism from traditional reporting to advocacy Challenges in discerning truth in today's media landscape Impact of changing media on faith and society Strategies for thoughtful news consumption The importance of local journalism Hansen's upcoming book on theodicy and evil The enduring relevance of World War II in shaping moral understanding Key topics include: Media bi...
Sep 26, 2024•54 min
Enjoy listening to Mike lead a panel discussion about restoring trust at the sold-out inaugural Lakelight Institute Good Work Summit. Panelists include Dr. David Miller (Director of Princeton Faith and Work Initiative), Mike Zafirovski (former President of Motorola) and Tom Tropp (Chief Ethics Officer at Gallagher).
Nov 11, 2023•52 min
Oct 15, 2023•54 min
Today Mike’s guest is American philosopher Christian Miller, PhD, an award-winning professor from Wake Forest University who recently authored The Character Gap, has authored numerous other books and articles, and is a regular contributor to publications including Forbes. He is also director of The Honesty Project. Mike and Dr. Miller discuss his work and how our character shapes our lives.
Sep 30, 2023•52 min
This week we are sharing with you a link to a podcast that Mike appeared on as a guest. In it, he talks about the importance of thinking well, particularly at this moment in history when we are allowing other voices to think for us. Mike argues for more “white space” as the volume and velocity of life is increasing every day. Mike also talks about some of his news rules including “less is more.”
Sep 23, 2023•47 min
On this week’s podcast, Mike’s guest is journalist, podcaster, and author Collin Hanson, who recently published a book on one of the 21st century’s most influential church leaders--Tim Keller. Collin is vice president for content and editor in chief of The Gospel Coalition, as well as executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Listen to Mike and Collin go behind-the-scenes on the life of Tim Keller and also discuss our need for an even more intentional voice of reason and ...
Sep 16, 2023•1 hr
This week’s Press On guest is Dr. Jeff Brannon, chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Belhaven University, and author of the recently published The Hope of Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of the Resurrection. Dr. Brannon and Mike discuss the hope of Christ’s resurrection, which changes everything.
Sep 07, 2023•51 min
In today’s podcast, Mike talks with Ian Vaillancourt, a professor in Ontario and an award winning author about his most recent book, The Dawning of Redemption, which provides an accessible overview of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). Dr. Vaillancourt is particularly focused on the way the Bible is an unified work and the big themes are introduced early.
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In this week’s podcast, Mike explores the rise of Conspiracy Theories. What are they? Why are they growing and how do we deal with them. His guest is Jared Stacey, a PhD student in Theological Ethics at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
Aug 26, 2023•59 min
In this week’s episode of The Press On Podcast, Mike talks with Katie Schnack, the author of Everything is Not Fine: Finding Strength When Life Gets Annoyingly Difficult (IVP: Sept. 2023). Through lots of stories (and humor) Katie reflects on the struggles she and her husband face when their son is born with very serious – and life-long – medical challenges.
Aug 19, 2023•37 min
Dr. Phil Ryken is a theologian, an author and the President of Wheaton College. He received his BA from Wheaton College, a Master of Divinity (1 of only 2 degrees after which you will likely lose money) – from Westminster Theological Seminary and then did a PhD in historical theology at Oxford. He joined the pastoral staff at 10th Presbyterian church in Philly in 1995 and became the SP there in 2000 following the death of James Montgomery Boice in 2000. In February 2010 he became Wheaton’s eight...
Aug 12, 2023•1 hr 2 min
This week's Press On Podcast is an interview with Cromwell Awadey, the Executive Director for IN (International Needs) Ghana, and one of the more delightful and winsome leaders I’ve been around. Cromwell leads 30 IN staff in their Accra office, and another 115 in the field. In this interview we talk about the challenges facing Ghana, his leadership style, and some of the remarkable things being done.
Jul 29, 2023•53 min
Gil Hoffmann is a prominent Israeli journalist, who, in 2022 was named one of the Top 100 people “positively influencing Jewish life.” He grew up in the Chicago area, graduated from Northwestern and then moved to Israel, where he became an Israeli citizen, served in the Israeli army, and then became the chief political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post. He is currently the executive director of Honest Reporting.
Jul 14, 2023•46 min
In conjunction with his recent trip to Israel, Mike is re-interviewing several Middle Eastern leaders. In this podcast he speaks with Dr. Salim Munayer, who has spent the last 30 years working in reconciliation work.
Jul 10, 2023•56 min
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Jon Ferguson, who along with his brother, has: 1) planted a thriving church; 2) launched a church-planting network that has led to the creation of thousands of churches around the world; 3) launched Exponential – a conference for churches that plan churches; and 4) has written several award winning books. Mike and John spend most of their time talking about B.L.E.S.S.: Five Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World.
Jun 17, 2023•55 min
Few countries are as old, confusing or as important as Israel. In today’s podcast, Mike goes to 30,000 feet to look down on the history of Israel from Abraham through the present.
Jun 03, 2023•59 min
May 22, 2023•53 min
In this episode of the podcast I have a chance to talk with Jeff Kemp about men, friendship and his new book, Receive . Jeff, who had an 11 NFL career and who has had lots of experience around politics (his Dad, who also played in the NFL, later served as a congressman and as Secretary of HUD). You can access a PDF of Jeff’s second book, Men Huddle QuickStart Playbook ....
May 05, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In today’s podcast I have a chance to talk with Roy Schwarcz, who was raised Jewish in New York City before becoming a Christian in the early 70s. Roy, who has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Jewish Studies, not only talks about Israel and Judaism, he answers a bunch of my questions about both.
Apr 28, 2023•46 min
This 100+ podcast is a discussion with author, speaker and podcaster David Moore about the key books and notable theologians of the 20th century. Listen to a conversation about why we should read and where truth resides. Hear a list of the most influential 20th century people.
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Over the last fifty years, Gordon MacDonald has: served as a pastor, written a dozen best-selling books – most notably Ordering Your Private World – and served as a trustee or senior leader at a variety of organizations, including Christianity Today, World Vision, Intervarsity and Denver Seminary. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Gordon for thirty years, have had him speak in a variety of venues – including at Christ Church - and have called him for advice (or encouragement) from time to time. ...
Apr 14, 2023•57 min
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Jordan “Gorf” Gorfinkel about the Koren Tanakh Graphic Novel – his recently released work on the book of Esther. Gorf, a practicing Jew who previously managed the Batman franchise for DC Comics, and who also has a daily comic strip called Jewish Cartoon – has just signed a contract with Koren to turn the Hebrew Scriptures into 24 graphic novels. The Esther edition, which is designed for all ages, features the Hebrew Scriptures on page, and uses the English tex...
Apr 01, 2023•49 min
Today Michael Gleason joins Mike Woodruff on the Press On podcast to discuss the revival at Asbury College. Dr. Gleason, who earned both Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry degrees from Ashland Theological Seminary, and who has held a variety of ministry roles within the church and at various universities, is the author of both: When God Walked on Campus: A Brief History of Evangelical Awakenings at American Colleges and Universities and When God Walked Among Nations: The Leaders and L...
Mar 25, 2023•49 min
The Press On Podcast with Mike Woodruff welcomes Peter Williams. Peter has an M.A., M.Phil and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Before becoming the Principal of Tyndale House at Cambridge, he served as a lecturer in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen and a faculty member in Oriental Studies at Cambridge. Dr. Williams has served or is serving in a variety of academic settings, such as: Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and a member of the Translation Committee...
Mar 04, 2023•46 min
Dr. Evan Hunter joins Mike Woodruff on Press On to talk about his ongoing work among church leaders in Russia and Ukraine, including his recent visits there. Evan – who previously served on staff at Christ Church – is a vice president of ScholarLeaders, a globally known organization that encourages and equips theological leaders around the world. He is also the executive editor of InSights Journal for Global Theological Education.
Feb 26, 2023•1 hr 1 min
