In this episode, I sit down with Steve Kim, a speaker with Apologetics Canada and a PhD student researching transhumanism, to explore one of the most pressing worldviews emerging in our time. We talk about what transhumanism is, why it matters, and how it’s already shaping how people think about identity, purpose, and salvation. Drawing on the ideas of Nietzsche and Chesterton, Steve helps us see what’s at stake in the push to become “more than human”—and how the Christian gospel offers a far mo...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 94
When news broke about Michael Tait’s confession and the disturbing allegations surrounding him, many Christians were shocked. But should we be? Maybe it is worth considering what James 2 has to say about favoritism and Christian celebrity culture. https://www.ryleyheppner.com https://apologeticscanada.com/ryley-heppner/
Jun 25, 2025•8 min•Ep. 93
In this episode I sit down with skateboarding legend, Ray Barbee, to explore the heart behind his creativity and faith. We talk about the early days of his skateboarding journey and how music, photography, and especially his relationship with Jesus have shaped the way he approaches art and life. Ray Barbee is a legendary skateboarder, musician, and photographer known for his smooth style, creative spirit, and joyful presence. Turning pro for Powell-Peralta in 1989, he helped shape the early days...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 92
A promise that no one else can make, but God; if you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him. https://www.ryleyheppner.com https://apologeticscanada.com/ryley-heppner/
Jun 19, 2025•7 min•Ep. 91
In this episode, Brett McCracken joins me to talk about his new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death and the spiritual toll of living in a world of endless scrolling, constant noise, and digital distraction. Brett offers insight into Neil Postman’s prophetic warnings, the dangers of dopamine-driven media, and how the church can resist the tide with a vision of embodied, thoughtful discipleship in the digital age. Brett McCracken is a senior editor and director of communications at The Gospel Coalit...
Jun 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 90
I’m now officially a speaker for Apologetics Canada! https://www.ryleyheppner.com https://apologeticscanada.com/ryley-heppner/
Jun 11, 2025•1 min•Ep. 89
What do ancient manuscripts found in desert caves have to do with the Bible in your hands today? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Perrin—author of Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds—joins us to unpack the strange, surprising, and deeply relevant world of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We talk lost texts, wild apocalyptic imagination, messianic hopes before Jesus, and why these 2,000-year-old documents still matter for Christian faith, biblical interpretation, and how we read Scripture today. Dr. Andrew B. Perrin...
Jun 10, 2025•58 min•Ep. 88
Are the Gospels historically reliable? In this episode, I sit down with renowned New Testament scholar Craig Keener to discuss his book Christobiography: Memory, History, and the Reliability of the Gospels. We explore how the Gospels fit within the genre of ancient biography (bios), what that means for their historical accuracy, and how eyewitness testimony shaped the accounts of Jesus' life. Keener also addresses common objections about memory, oral tradition, and historical reliability, offeri...
Feb 22, 2025•54 min•Ep. 87
What is the heart of Paul’s message in Galatians, and why does it still matter today? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner to explore the powerful themes of his book, Christ Crucified: A Theology of Galatians. We discuss justification by faith, the role of the law, Christian freedom, and the centrality of the cross in one of Paul’s most urgent and passionate letters. Dr. Tom Schreiner is an Associate Dean for the School of Theology and the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of...
Feb 19, 2025•54 min•Ep. 86
Joshua Porter has lived a life of raw creativity and radical faith. From fronting a beautifully chaotic band to becoming an author, filmmaker, and pastor, his journey has been anything but conventional. In this episode, we dive into his unexpected path—exploring music, storytelling, and the intersection of art and faith. Joshua S. Porter is pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington. He is also a former member of the experimental art-punk band, Showbread, ...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, I talk with wakeboarding legend Shaun Murray about the role of faith in his life and career. We discuss what it means to trust God through the ups and downs of professional sports, how his faith has shaped his perspective on success and identity, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Shaun shares how he stays grounded, what keeps him passionate about coaching and mentoring others, and why his relationship with Christ is at the center of it all. Whether you are into wakeboa...
Feb 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 84
Matthew’s Gospel is more than just a historical account—it’s a masterpiece of theology, fulfillment, and discipleship. In this episode, I sit down with New Testament professor Charles Quarles to explore the depth, structure, and significance of The Gospel According to Matthew, and to talk about his new Matthew commentary in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series. Charles Quarles is an experienced pastor, missionary, and theological educator. He served as Senior Pastor of three churc...
Jan 31, 2025•45 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, I sit down with renowned biblical scholar Beverly Gaventa to discuss her latest work, a groundbreaking commentary on Paul's letter to the Romans. We explore the rich theology of Romans, focusing on its central themes of grace, righteousness, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Beverly shares her insights on how this letter speaks to the church today, the challenges of interpreting Paul’s complex arguments, and what makes Romans a timeless theological masterpiece. Dr. Bev...
Jan 27, 2025•52 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Holmes, author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ. We discuss the challenges kids face in today’s culture, from performance-driven identities to issues of gender and peer pressure. Jonathan shares practical insights for parents, youth leaders, and mentors on fostering gospel-centered conversations and guiding children toward a secure, Christ-centered identity. Whether you’re a parent or someone invested in the spiritual gro...
Jan 25, 2025•52 min•Ep. 81
In this episode I dive into a conversation about faith, skateboarding, and Nitro Circus with professional skateboarder Beaver Fleming. From his journey into action sports to joining the legendary Nitro Circus team, Beaver shares the highs and challenges of his career, the wildest stuff he's attempted, and the lessons he's learned along the way. We explore how his faith in Christ has shaped his life and career, keeping him grounded in a culture often focused on thrill and self-promotion. Whether ...
Jan 16, 2025•51 min•Ep. 80
In this episode, I sit down with film critic and author Abby Olcese to discuss her new book, "Films for All Seasons." Abby highlights how the changing seasons influence our emotional connection to movies, how certain films reflect the rhythms of life in profound and unexpected ways and how Christians can engage thoughtfully with film. Abby Olcese is a writer on film, popular culture, and faith. Her work has appeared at Think Christian, Sojourners, Paste, RogerEbert.com, and /Film. She is also th...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 79
I had the immense privilege today of getting to chat with renowned biblical scholar G.K. Beale to explore the profound depths of the Book of Revelation. Known for his expertise in biblical theology and his groundbreaking works on Revelation, Dr. Beale unpacks the book’s rich symbolism, its connections to the Old Testament, and its enduring message for the Church today. Dr. Gregory K. Beale is Professor of New Testament at RTS Dallas. He has had a long and distinguished academic career, teaching ...
Jan 10, 2025•40 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, I sit down with Kevin S. Chen, author of "Wonders From Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology." Kevin shares insights into the "nexus passages"—key texts that bridge themes, stories, and promises across Scripture—and why they matter for understanding the Bible as a whole. Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just beginning to dive into Scripture, I hope this conversation (and ultimately Kevin's new book) will deepen you...
Jan 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, I sit down for a second time with James McGrath to discuss his fascinating new book, "John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer." We dive into the life and legacy of John the Baptist, exploring his historical significance, his relationship with Jesus, and how his ministry shaped the Gospel story. James shares insights from his research, including the role of non-canonical texts like the Mandaean scriptures, and tackles misconceptions about John’s c...
Jan 06, 2025•56 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Lundgren to explore his new book, The Pursuit of Safety: A Theology of Danger, Risk, and Security. Jeremy challenges assumptions about safety in modern life, asking how a biblical worldview reshapes our understanding of risk, fear, and trust in God. Together, we discuss what it means to follow Christ in a world obsessed with security, how Scripture invites us to embrace faithful risk-taking, and the implications for the church, mission, and daily disciplesh...
Dec 20, 2024•54 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, I sit down with Bonhoeffer scholar, Matthew D. Kirkpatrick to discuss his new book, "Bonhoeffer for the Church: An Introduction." Kirkpatrick offers a fresh and accessible look at the life, theology, and enduring legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most influential Christian voices of the 20th century. In our conversation we explore how Bonhoeffer’s insights on discipleship, community, and faithfulness in times of crisis remain profoundly relevant for the church today. Mat...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, I sit down with pastor and author, Jim Essian, to discuss his latest book, "Send: Loving Your Church by Praying, Giving, or Going." Jim shares about his journey from professional baseball to church planting and founding the Plant Fort Worth network, which has helped plant 15 churches in just six years. He unpacks the heart of his new book, what it means to "live sent," and how churches and individuals can embrace God's global mission. Jim Essian planted The Paradox Church in 201...
Dec 13, 2024•49 min•Ep. 73
In this episode I have the amazing privilege of getting to sit down with Sonny Sandoval, the legendary frontman of P.O.D., to talk about his upcoming autobiography, Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds. This conversation was one of, if not the highlight of this podcasting thing so far. Sonny was one of a kind. The nicest guy, and clearly so passionately fixated on Christ. Hope you enjoy and are encouraged by our conversation. And I hope you go grab a copy of Sonny's new book on February ...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, I was joined by Dr. Janette H. Ok, a leading New Testament scholar, to discuss her contribution as editor and commentator in the groundbreaking commentary, "The New Testament in Color." Dr. Ok shares the inspiration behind this project and reflects on how her own cultural background has shaped her approach to Scripture. We explore what "in color" signifies—not just diversity, but also interpretive depth and theological nuance—and how this approach can challenge traditional readi...
Dec 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 70
In this episode I chat once again Timothy Larsen, this time to discuss his wonderful new book, "12 Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales" (Moody Press). Whether you're a lover of classic literature or simply looking to deepen your appreciation of Christmas traditions, and connect them to Christ, this book will do it, and hopefully this conversation as well! Timothy Larsen is McManis Professor of Christian Thought and Professor of History at Wheaton College, an Honorary Fellow, Sch...
Dec 04, 2024•49 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, I sit down with well-known author and blogger, Tim Challies, to discuss his book Running to Win: The Lifelong Pursuits of a Godly Man. We dive into the spiritual disciplines and habits that shape a faithful life, exploring the parallels between the Christian walk and the discipline of running a race. Tim shares insights on marriage, doctrine, self-control and the importance of commitment to godly living in all seasons of life. Tim Challies is a pastor, noted speaker, author of n...
Nov 28, 2024•41 min•Ep. 68
In today's episode, we’re diving into one of the most challenging topics in biblical interpretation: how to approach the Bible's violent texts in a way that is faithful, thoughtful, and pastoral. I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Eric Seibert, a renowned scholar, author, and professor, formerly at Messiah University, whose work has been instrumental in helping Christians wrestle with difficult passages in Scripture. In his new book, "Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts i...
Nov 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 67
Today's episode was with Amy Peeler out of Wheaton College. Amy has just released a new and wonderful Hebrews commentary in Eerdmans' "Commentaries for Christian Formation” series and I had the wonderful chance to chat with her today about it. Our conversation ranged from what led to her initial excitement about Hebrews, to what value it holds for the church today, to how we can overcome the barriers of understanding and applying it. The Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of New Te...
Nov 15, 2024•56 min•Ep. 66
In this episode I have the privilege of chatting with New Testament scholar Dr. Clifton Black to explore his journey as a biblical scholar, his recent book Mark’s Gospel, and his deep insights into the unique qualities of this often-underappreciated Gospel. Dr. Black offers valuable insights on how Mark’s Gospel can deepen our understanding of the Christian faith and its significance for the modern church. Dr. C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Otto A. Piper Professor of Biblical...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 65
The scandal of the Gospel. That a perfect God would substitute himself in the place of the guilty. More than that, in the place of enemies. As Charles Wesley so wonderfully wrote, "How can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me?"
Nov 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 64
