Beneath the Headlines

Each month, pastor Mike Woodruff sits down with a thoughtful guest to trace the quiet forces shaping tomorrow’s news.

No hot‑take sparring. Just brisk questions on birthrates, algorithms, ideas, and idols, all aimed at giving thoughtful Christians a clearer map of the moment and a steadier hope within it.

Expect solid data, memorable lines, and a nod toward grace.

Subscribe and gain a firmer grasp of the stories happening beneath the headlines.

Last refreshed: July 1st, 2025 at 8:12 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode 10: The Story of the Formation of the Bible

Today we step back and consider the formation of the New Testament. Perhaps you have not thought much about how they determined which books and letters became part of the Bible. But it is an important question, and the hero of last week’s podcast plays a part.

Oct 03, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 10

Episode 9: Athanasius and the Council of Constantinople

Today we consider a brave and tireless worker named Athanasius. He was born in the last third century, attended the Council of Nicaea, was elected Bishop of Alexandria when he was still quite young and wrote several important books. But what he is most noted for, was tirelessly fighting to defend the Creed of Nicaea (which was drafted to declare the full deity of Jesus) from decades of attacks. If you have heard the statement, Athanasius Contra Mundum, it is all about this man....

Sep 26, 2020•21 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Episode 8: The Council of Nicea

Last week we considered three ways Constantine the Great shaped the world. Today we look at a fourth – he convened The Council of Nicaea , which was the first of the seven major church councils. The council – which unfolds a bit more like a Chicago political conference than you might expect, and which also includes a cameo appearance by Santa Claus (you’ll have to listen to understand) – is remarkable for many reasons. One of the most remarkable is the way it displays the hand of God. Below you ...

Sep 19, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Episode 7: Constantine

Today we consider the life of the Roman Emperor Constantine, whose influence was enormous.

Sep 12, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Episode 6: The Apostles Creed

The Apostle’s Creed was not written by the Apostles nor is it found in the Bible, but it is a work of monumental importance. It is the elevator speech of the Christian faith, and every week, hundreds of millions of people recite it – most of whom have memorized it. Perhaps you have as well. In today’s episode, I look a bit at the history behind the Apostles’ Creed, and also make a few other observations about it. Here is the Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and ear...

Sep 05, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Episode 5: The Ante-Nicaean period

Today’s episode finishes our overview of the Ante-Nicaean Fathers – the group of church leaders who bridged the gap between the Apostles and the Council of Nicaea. We began our focus on this 225 year period back in week three, with a look at the apologist Justin Martyr. Last week I mentioned Bishop Polycarp. In today’s episode we look at four leaders and four challenges.

Aug 29, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Episode 4: Polycarp the Early Church Father

We remain in the second century today as we consider the life – and death – of Polycarp, an early church leader. Bishop Polycarp was from Smyrna and was discipled by the Apostle John himself. He was considered one of the 3 most significant early church fathers. We can learn much about courage from Polycarp.

Aug 22, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 3: Justin Martyr

Today we move into the 2nd century – the era of the Church Fathers (also called the Patristic Period). Our focus is on a Samaritan philosopher named Justin Martyr, who is famous for a number of things, principally for writing the First Apology - i.e., the first defense of the faith. (He is also famous for being killed for his faith. “Martyr” was not his last name. As you will learn, he was martyred). Quotes from Justin Martyr : We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate wit...

Aug 15, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 3

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