The Common Good

Brian From talks with Kyle Isabelli, lead pastor of Avenue Christian Church, about stepping into senior leadership at a young age—and doing so just as the pandemic upended everything. Kyle shares how preaching through the book of Romans has sparked honest, healthy conversations about unity, judgment, government, and disagreement in a deeply divided cultural moment. The discussion ultimately points toward a countercultural invitation: slowing down, staying rooted in Christ, and learning to be present with others—even when we don’t see eye to eye.

Brian From talks with John Kuhfahl, Associate Campus Pastor at The Chapel’s Grayslake campus, about leaving a decades-long career in the pharmaceutical industry to step into ministry. John shares how his business background now fuels the Chapel Care Center, the largest food pantry and clothing closet in Lake County, and how serving tangible needs has reshaped the church’s culture and mission. The conversation highlights courage, calling, and the quiet miracles that happen when the church becomes known simply as “the church that helps people.”

Brian From talks with Pastor Jonathan Bergemann of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Downers Grove about leading a congregation through the aftermath of a devastating church fire. Jonathan shares how displacement, uncertainty, and worshiping as nomads clarified what truly defines the church—not programs or buildings, but the unchanging gospel and deep personal relationships. The conversation offers a powerful reminder of perseverance, hope, and how God often does his most meaningful work when everything familiar is stripped away.

Brian From sits down with Jonathan Masters of Park Community Church to talk about pastoring in a city defined by constant movement, change, and opportunity. Jonathan explains Park’s unique model as a family of interdependent churches, the beauty and tension of shared leadership, and why seeing others grow in their gifts brings him the greatest joy. Together, they offer a hopeful picture of what God is doing across Chicago—far beyond the headlines—and why the gospel continues to flourish in the city’s neighborhoods.

Brian From reflects on the surprising rise in Bible engagement through The Bible Recap and what it reveals about a deeper hunger for God’s Word and a belief in a God who does immeasurably more than we can imagine. He then turns to a sobering spiritual question—what could we ever do to repay our debt to Christ—exploring grace, gratitude, and why the answer is ultimately nothing at all. Along the way, Brian challenges cultural trends around money, boredom, productivity, and distraction, calling listeners to move beyond “doing nothing” and instead invest their lives in what truly matters.

Brian From sits down with Philip Miller, senior pastor of Moody Church, to talk about his unexpected calling into ministry and what it’s like to shepherd one of Chicago’s most historic congregations. Philip reflects on preaching through the pandemic, leading a deeply diverse church, and staying faithful without being overwhelmed by the weight of legacy. The conversation highlights the enduring DNA of Moody Church—welcoming the stranger, preaching the Word, and trusting God to transform lives over time.

Brian From sits down with Steve Carter, lead pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook, to talk about calling, leadership, and stepping into a historic church with deep roots and a strong legacy. Steve shares what he loves most about pastoring, the unique DNA of Christ Church, and how presence, character, and faithful shepherding shape a healthy congregation. The conversation closes with a powerful pastoral word of hope for those walking through grief or hardship, pointing listeners toward perseverance, resurrection hope, and Christ as the anchor for their souls.

Brian From is joined by Chad Negley, campus pastor of Parkview Church, to talk about calling, leadership, and what it really means to shepherd people well. Chad shares his journey into ministry, the unique role of a campus pastor, and why relationships are essential for spiritual growth and breaking down barriers between people and God. The conversation closes with a word of hope for listeners feeling weary or stuck, pointing them toward the rest and renewal Jesus offers to those who come to Him.

Brian From reflects on how Christians can witness with humility and conviction in a post-Christian culture, emphasizing listening, action, and peacemaking over winning arguments. Along the way, he explores stories that spark joy and self-examination—from an orange-juice lottery miracle to a surprising experiment in breaking phone addiction with an old-school landline. The hour closes with a challenge to move from comfort to action, from outrage to peace, and to live out a faith that is visible, rooted in God’s Word, and marked by love for others.

Brian From reflects on the passage of time—from the 40th anniversary of the Bears’ Super Bowl win to the Challenger disaster—and what those moments teach us about pressure, pride, and doing the right thing. Along the way, the episode explores failure and redemption, political double-speak, perseverance in sports, career wisdom from a retiring CEO, and why character must outweigh convenience. Brian closes with a devotional call to courage, resolve, and faithfulness, reminding listeners to stand firm, assume the best in others, and live with integrity in both public and private life.

Brian From talks with pastor and Belonging author Bill Calvin about why people don’t stay in churches for programs or preaching—but because they find real relationships. Drawing on 46 years of ministry, Bill shares practical wisdom on hospitality, shared meals, and creating environments where people belong before they believe. The conversation offers hope both for church leaders seeking to foster deeper community and for listeners who feel lonely, reminding them that helping others belong is often the first step toward finding belonging themselves.

Brian From is joined by Caitlin Connors of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for a clear, timely conversation on the Hyde Amendment and its role in current health care negotiations in Washington. Caitlin explains why Hyde remains a cornerstone of the pro-life movement, what recent comments from the Trump administration mean politically, and why taxpayer funding of abortion remains a central issue for both parties. The discussion also unpacks the realities of the post-Roe landscape, showing why the abortion debate has intensified—not faded—and what listeners can do to engage thoughtfully and responsibly.

Brian From reflects on a tragic shooting in Minneapolis and the need to recover compassion and lament before rushing to political conclusions. The episode also explores the covenant nature of marriage, the surprising benefits of rest and afternoon naps, and why Sabbath matters in an exhausted culture. Brian closes with a deeply personal reflection on resentment and bitterness, challenging listeners to honestly confront unresolved hurt and pursue healing rather than letting pain quietly take root.

NYT article about husband feeling sorry for wife grieving affair 

Afternoon naps are good for your brain — here’s how, and 4 ways to get the most out of it 

Josh Barzon on X: "The Rise & Fall of “Elephant Room”" / X 

Brian From is joined by Rhonda Robinson, writer and editor at Focus on the Family, for a thoughtful conversation about the growing popularity—and hidden complexity—of at-home DNA tests. Drawing from her own adoption story, Rhonda shares how discovering biological connections can reshape identity, reopen wounds, and surface stories families may not be prepared to navigate. Together, they explore why curiosity about ancestry is deeply human, but why wisdom, discernment, and emotional readiness matter before sending off that DNA sample.

On a brutally cold January day, Brian From reflects on storms, family milestones, faith, and the ways God forms us in ordinary moments. From celebrating his 26th wedding anniversary to wrestling with the need for Christian community, spiritual fruit, and intentional relationships, the episode weaves together personal stories and thoughtful devotional insights. Brian closes by challenging listeners to rethink success—not in terms of status or achievement, but faithfulness, love, character, and a life well-lived before God.

Shining Science on X: "🚨 Research shows repeated complaining physically rewires your brain to prioritize stress and negativity. The way we speak about our daily challenges does more than just vent frustration; it physically alters the architecture of the brain. When we engage in chronic https://t.co/DjBxOrBTKd" / X 

Is This What Your Life Is Missing Right Now? – Jim Putman 

challies on X: "Flashback: "...it is clear that when fruit does not spring up in the life, the word has never truly gone down into the heart. This is ever a perilous condition, for though the Lord may bear long with the fruitless, he will not bear always." https://t.co/1E9FilnIHN" / X 

Roe v. Wade - Wikipedia (1973) 

Exclusive | NYC public schools aren't teaching cursive writing — we have to fix this | New York Post 

These states rank as the best, worst places to drive in 2026: Poll | FOX 32 Chicago 

Microchip helps reunite family with dog lost for over 10 years - UPI.com 

Daily Devotions 

Brian From talks with Pastor Matt Hoffmann of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and School in Park Ridge about ministry, leadership, and loving a local community well. Matt shares how a Christian school opens doors for gospel-centered relationships, why he serves as a police chaplain, and what it looks like to walk alongside people in moments of crisis. Joined by Associate Pastor Ethan Luft, the conversation closes with a grounded word of hope for listeners navigating suffering, reminding them that God is present and at work even in the hardest seasons.

Brian From talks with author David McIver about his book Looking for the One and why so many Christians long to share their faith but feel hesitant or unprepared. David shares powerful, ordinary stories of listening to the Holy Spirit, recognizing who Jesus is already pursuing, and discovering that evangelism is something God wants to do through us—not something we perform for Him. The conversation reframes faith-sharing as relational, Spirit-led, and deeply rooted in identity as beloved children of God.

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz from Plugged In to talk about the January “dead zone” at the movies and why so many big releases feel absent right now. They dive into the Netflix-only crime thriller The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, discussing what parents should know—especially its extreme and distracting level of profanity. The conversation also explores the bigger shift of major Hollywood stars moving to streaming platforms and what that means for movies, storytelling, and family viewing choices.

Brian From is joined by Pastor Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church to talk about his call to ministry and what he loves most about being a pastor. Derek shares why “ordinary” churches—rooted in preaching, sacraments, and everyday faithfulness—are often where deep discipleship and quiet, life-changing ministry happens. The conversation also touches on church planting, blue-collar faith, and Derek’s surprising side passion: performing Shakespearean improv comedy.

Brian From sits down with Todd Busteed of Gap Digital to explore the careful craft behind audio Bibles and audio drama. Todd shares how accuracy, humility, and even reverence guide the process of recording Scripture, from pronunciation choices to music and dramatic elements. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how God’s Word is thoughtfully translated into sound—and how creative media can serve the church and inspire the next generation of Christian storytellers.