Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Facebook/Meta, recently went on the popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, to discuss his company's policy changes concerning freedom of speech and expression on their social media platforms. Amid Zuckerberg's admissions of deliberate pressure and interference from the Biden administration, especially regarding COVID-19, the regulars weigh in on the value of freedom of speech. What are its origins? Is it a biblical right? What do we make of our ability to s...
Jan 21, 2025•49 min
Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." and goes on to say that, "even when he is old he will not depart from it." What about when those closest to us walk away from God? Was it our responsibility to prevent it? How does this apply, when all around us we see the kids of pastors, missionaries, and Christians in general, departing from the faith they were raised in? Is there a Biblical formula that we all seem to be missing? The four regulars share their experi...
Jan 14, 2025•21 min
Back in October, Theologian Wes Huff and ancient civilizations researcher Billy Carson recently had a debate on the Mark Minard podcast. Billy argues that biblical texts are inaccurate and that even the crucifixion did not happen, while Wes, a biblical scholar with expertise in ancient manuscripts, counters this position with evidence of the Bible’s historical reliability and unique origins. The aftermath of the viral debate then landed Wes on The Joe Rogan Experience, where Wes was able to shar...
Jan 09, 2025•56 min
New year, new resolutions! But how do we avoid making resolutions that are the desires of a spiritualized hustle culture? "I want this, this, and this (for myself)." Instead, how do we reorient our hearts toward seeking God's will and his dreams for our lives? ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stori...
Jan 03, 2025•47 min
Ben and David come to you from a hotel in Pereira, Colombia, on the final No Longer Music tour of 2024. Ben shares how nearly every single concert has been a fight: obtaining permissions, facing corruption, problems with city officials, and more. Yet in light of that, how every show has resulted in people becoming radically transformed by the message of the Cross and surrendering their lives to Jesus. ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Se...
Dec 19, 2024•34 min
“Carpe diem, seize the day”… At the end of the year, Ben goes solo to address a question that haunts many people: “how do I make my life count?” ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stories directly in your inbox from Ben, David, Luke, and Chad! Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram! Ben Pier...
Dec 17, 2024•19 min
No one can choose when they are born, should they be able to decide when they die? Canada’s MAID program (medical assistance in dying) is one of many Euthanasia-based medical practices worldwide, existing as a legal means of ending one’s life in the case of those whose death is “reasonably foreseeable.” Is there mercy in ending someone’s suffering, or are we in danger of treating people as a vet would treat the terminally ill family hound? With the rise in popularity of such a practice, and the ...
Dec 10, 2024•38 min
Ben is joined by Andy Crouch, author of The Tech-Wise Family , as well as his latest, The Life We're Looking For . Andy Crouch (MDiv, Boston University School of Theology) is a partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship, and he is the author of The Tech-Wise Family , Strong and Weak , and Culture Making . Andy serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary, the Council for Christian Colleges and Unive...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Are you willing to look foolish to reach people for Jesus? What does that look like in everyday life? Can't we just be cool and faithful at the same time? The guys answer these questions and more! Also, are you unlikeable? Leon runs the guys through a likeability test. Play along and see how you score! Rarely = 3 Sometimes = 2 Often = 1 0 - 12 = Unlikeable Jerk 13 - 26 = Slightly Tolerable 27 - 26 = Decent dude/girl ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear wha...
Nov 26, 2024•40 min
Birthdays are a special occasion, yet they can be hard to enjoy. Why do we feel lonely, anxious, or disappointed on a day that is supposed to be joyful and filled with celebration? Ben goes solo to give you tell you why birthdays, empirically speaking, suck. ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stories...
Nov 25, 2024•8 min
Artificial Intelligence has long been seen as an inevitable threat to mankind, but in what way? Is it possible that it's more subtle than something like James Cameron's 1984 film "The Terminator" made it out to be? The regulars react to Ben's story of an AI-generated podcast episode that stirred up questions of meaning and the potential for human obsolescence. Meanwhile, David again expresses his love for Tesla's Cybertruck, and Chad shares his bizarre run-in with a wild animal. ----------------...
Nov 19, 2024•39 min
We all go through hard times, but how do we respond in a Godly way? What does it practically look like to trust God in situations we can’t control? For this week’s episode, Ben shares his thoughts about these questions and reveals an exciting change that is coming to the podcast! ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking...
Nov 14, 2024•9 min
Why is Gen-Z the most depressed, anxious, and overly medicated generation in America? PragerU attempts to answer this question in their new mini-documentary The Void: Finding Happiness in a World of Escapism. But do those solutions satisfy the problem? The regulars reunite for a discussion on whether purpose can be truly created or found by 'getting your act together'; just a few of the many paths put forward by secular culture, and yet ultimately falling short. ------------------------ Question...
Nov 07, 2024•41 min
On October 27th, Korn wrapped up the North American leg of their 30th anniversary tour in St. Paul, Minnesota. But before the show, guitarist Brian Head Welch stopped by the P&I studio along with Ryan Ries of The Whosoevers for an in-person podcast. We often hear stories of God moving: healings, miracles, words of prophecy, and divine appointments - but how can we learn to hear God speak, and be led by him into situations where these types of things might happen? Brian and Ryan share about l...
Oct 31, 2024•30 min
"Will & Harper" is a new Netflix documentary that follows Will Ferrell as he finds out his close friend of 30 years, Harper Steele, is coming out as a trans woman. The two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship. As followers of Jesus, should we respond to the transgender movement? We want to share the truth, but we also want to show love. How do we find the right balance? In an exceedingly rare moment, three out of the four regulars find...
Oct 24, 2024•33 min
As followers of Jesus, how can we practically take a stand for our faith and the truth of the Gospel in the midst of a world that contradicts and opposes it all? Ben and Chad are joined by Alexizz Rodriguez, frontman of the Christian metalcore band Bloodlines . They discuss identity, accountability, and the band's recent launch into the social media spotlight when a clip from one of their shows, where the band speaks out against the destruction of pornography in society, went viral. Check out th...
Oct 17, 2024•25 min
It's that time of year again, and in the United States, things are tense as we get closer to the presidential elections. How can we be politically active without degrading or dehumanizing those around us who might not align with our convictions? How do we treat people as Jesus would? David and Ben sit down together to attempt to answer how to engage in politics without being a jerk as a follower of Jesus. ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min
Does your faith feel dull? What if the key to bring your walk with Jesus to life was doing the ONE thing that most frightened you? Without risk, does faith really exist? All of this and more on this week's episode with the regulars, minus Luke - who is currently in one of the Koreas. ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow the regulars on Ins...
Oct 03, 2024•41 min
Ben is joined by Jacob Coyne - author, preacher, Christian content creator, and founder of Stay Here : a mental health organization and movement dedicated to ending suicide, and healing the broken hearted by equipping millions of individuals in hope-filled suicide prevention training and awareness. Jacob is the author of, "Stay Here: Uncovering God's Plan to Restore Your Mental Health", and shares how we can meet people where they're at with the love of Jesus. Check out Jacob's book here . -----...
Sep 26, 2024•47 min
Ben is joined by evangelist, poet, author, and speaker Preston Perry for a discussion on how we can refine and discern our God-given gifts to better reach people outside of the church, and how we can love God's glory more than our comfort. Check out Preston's latest book, " How to Tell the Truth: The Story of How God Saved Me to Win Hearts--Not Just Arguments . " ------------------------ Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.or...
Sep 19, 2024•47 min
Ben and Aaron are joined by best-selling author of the book The Case for Christ , Lee Strobel! Together, they talk about Strobel's book Is God Real: Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life , while also wrestling through the question, "If God is real, why is he so hidden?" ------------------------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow the re...
Sep 12, 2024•43 min
Ben is joined by American author, Philip Yancey, who explores the most basic questions and the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith. Together, they talk through Philip's story and his new book, " Where the Light Fell: A Memoir ", deconstruction, and how you can speak to someone who is far from God. ----------------------------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instag...
Sep 07, 2024•52 min
As Ben returns from another amazing tour, he comes to you solo to share an invaluable strategy for helping to make the most of the life that we have. ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram! Ben Pierce David Pierce Chad Johnson Luke Greenwood Send us a text...
Sep 05, 2024•18 min
Ben and David come to you from a hotel room in eastern Poland to talk about the shifting spiritual culture and how to talk to people who may be open spiritually but unwilling to commit to anything. ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram! Ben Pierce David Pierce Chad Johnson Luke Greenwood Send us a text...
Aug 30, 2024•30 min
In this episode, Ben meets YouTube personality Jon McCray of Whaddoyoumeme. Jon shares his story of coming to know Jesus, how he started his channel, and what has kept him going through the difficulties of what God has called him to do. Check out Whaddoyoumeme on YouTube, here ! ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow the regulars on I...
Aug 22, 2024•52 min
In this episode Ben, Luke and David are joined by longtime friend and missionary, Valera of Steiger Ukraine. Valery updates the guys on what Ukraine has been like in terms of ministry, everyday life, and simply put - survival, in light of these 900 days of war since the Russian invasion began. ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow th...
Aug 15, 2024•29 min
Ben goes solo for a thoughtful examination of another 2024 Olympic controversy involving an Algerian boxer named Imane Khelif as he asks the question of how we should biblically respond as followers of Jesus. ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram . Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram! Ben Pierce David Pierce Chad Johnson Luke Greenwood Send us a...
Aug 08, 2024•18 min
What in the world happened during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris? Was it a blatant attack on Christianity, or simply a highly sexualized (albeit realistic) depiction of a moment in Greek mythology? Whether it was blasphemy, or a brazen performance (or both?) it's not a question of whether we react or not as Christians, but rather how we SHOULD react to this. In this episode all four of the regulars weigh in with their opinions on this event. ------------------------------- Qu...
Jul 30, 2024•51 min
John 11:35 says, "Jesus wept." So many depictions of Jesus are of a stoic, unfeeling guru or mystic, when in reality there is no person with greater emotional depth than the person of Christ. Why is this? In this episode Ben and David examine the emotional life of our Christian culture, and how it so often falls short of Jesus' example. What can we do about it? How can we weep over the world, as he did? ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you ...
Jul 25, 2024•29 min
Ben and David once again go on the record to discuss the recent assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, David's history in dealing with rats in the home, and most prominently, how we can see what a biblical definition of success in life and ministry looks like when observing the life of John the Baptist. ------------------------------- Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org , or send us a message on Instagram...
Jul 18, 2024•40 min
