The Common Good

Brian talks with Ian Vaillancourt about his new book "Unfolding Redemption: The Heart of the Gospel in the Story of Old Testament History".

Brian talks with Jim Ramos of Men in the Arena and author of the new book "Guardrails: Ten Boundaries for an Unbreakable Marriage".

Brian talked with Adam Holz from Focus on the Family's "Plugged In" (https://www.pluggedin.com) about a new podcast recommendation.

Brian From sits down with Mark Boone, owner of All Citizens Lending to talk about how to handle the anxiety that comes with dealing with household finances. 

On the Friday before Spring Break, Brian talks about the ongoing TSA hassles at airports, as well as the story about Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm suing his parents for millions of dollars, accusing them of misusing his money. He also talked about what happens when the church injures. He also reflects on what it means to prepare for Easter next week. 

Brian From covers a wide range of topics that matter for faith and everyday life — from a landmark $3 million jury verdict finding Meta and YouTube liable for a young woman's social media addiction, to Russell Moore's reassuring reminder that God's call to "not be anxious" is an invitation of grace, not a rebuke. Brian reflects on John Piper's powerful challenge that the most important thing parents can do is show God to their kids, explores Trevin Wax's freeing insight that God's will functions more like a map than a GPS, and shares Ian Simkins' fascinating look at the Tetris Effect and how what fills our minds ultimately forms our lives. As Easter approaches, Brian closes with a stirring call to recover a sense of awe — the kind that moved Moses, Isaiah, and Peter to respond to God's call — reminding listeners that a big view of God is what fuels a passionate, enduring faith.

Brian From sits down with Bret Eckelberry from Focus on the Family's Plugged In ministry to discuss their second annual Screen Fast — a seven-day challenge encouraging families to step away from personal screen time. Bret shares the spiritual and mental health benefits of unplugging, including research showing that 75% of teens report feeling happier and more peaceful when away from their phones, and how replacing screen time with intentional activities can deepen relationships with God, family, and friends. Families interested in joining can visit pluggedin.com/screenfast to download the free Screen Fast Survival Guide, complete with daily devotionals and activity ideas.

Brian From tackles a packed lineup on this Wednesday edition of The Common Good. First, with TSA agents going unpaid during the government shutdown, Delta Airlines makes a bold move — pulling perks from members of Congress. Then, are parents holding their kids back in 8th grade for sports scholarships actually helping them — or just setting them up for disappointment? Brian weighs in on the growing youth sports obsession and what it's costing kids socially and academically.

With America's wealth gap at its widest in a generation, Brian reflects on what our faith has to say about financial anxiety and where we place our hope. Then, a fascinating new study reveals why two people can read the same story and reach opposite conclusions — and what the "echo chamber effect" means for Christians who claim to be people of the truth.

Finally, Brian closes with powerful words from Tim Challies: if the Christian life is already hard, why do we keep making it harder? From the weight of sin to the danger of running alone, this is a reminder to throw off what entangles and run the race marked out for us — not just to start well, but to finish well.

Brian From covers a range of stories that each point back to a central question: what are we really living for? He reflects on the heroism of the Air Canada pilots killed at LaGuardia Airport, whose split-second decisions likely saved dozens of lives. He then turns to the sobering death of OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky — a man who built a $3 billion fortune and died of cancer at 43 — asking what Scripture has to say about where we place our hope. Brian also addresses what God is doing in the seasons when He seems absent, drawing on Tim Challis and a moving Tim Keller story about perspective, faith, and the watchtower. On the cultural front, he discusses West Hollywood's new polyamorous household protections and what they might mean for the church. Plus: Chicago's staggering gun violence statistics, encouraging baptism growth across the country, the new phenomenon of "phubbing" and what it's doing to our relationships, and why the strongest leaders — and the strongest parents — are the ones willing to say I'm sorry.

Brian From reflects on the importance of moral consistency, calling out the double standard that emerged when President Trump celebrated the death of Robert Mueller — and challenging Christians to hold all people to the same standard of decency regardless of politics. He explores what it means to make Jesus the center of our lives rather than ourselves, drawing on Tim Challies' reflections on pastoral pride and John the Baptist's declaration that "he must become more, I must become less." Brian also connects the flood of scam calls and misinformation in today's culture to a deeper spiritual hunger for truth, urging the church to meet the moment by not just proclaiming Jesus as the way and the truth, but actually living it out.

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In to break down a buzzworthy new sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling and whether it’s worth a trip to the theater. They also explore a new wave of faith-based content, including a series highlighting women of the Bible and the growing influence of shows like The Chosen. With practical insights for families navigating entertainment choices, this episode offers a helpful guide to what’s worth watching—and what to skip.

Brian From dives into the excitement of March Madness, a viral story of a faith-driven college basketball player, and the staggering costs families are paying for youth sports. He also reflects on personal moments—from watching his kids play to a powerful chapel message—and the deeper truths about identity, love, and faith that shape everyday life. From cultural headlines to spiritual challenges, this episode calls listeners to live with purpose, character, and the courage to stand out when it matters most.

Brian From is joined by Steve Shwetz of Through the Bible to explore the remarkable longevity and global impact of a ministry that continues decades after J. Vernon McGee’s passing. As the program prepares to begin a new five-year journey through Scripture, Shwetz invites listeners to “hop on the Bible bus” and experience God’s Word in a simple, daily rhythm. From powerful stories of transformed lives to practical encouragement for engaging the Bible, this conversation highlights why Scripture still matters—and how to take it one step at a time.

Brian From reacts to rising gas prices and everyday affordability struggles, acknowledging the real anxiety many feel while pointing listeners toward contentment and trust in God’s provision. He reflects on the life and legacy of John Perkins, challenging Christians to live as witnesses marked by reconciliation, unity, and love in a divided culture. From handling disagreement with grace to reflecting on wisdom we’d give our younger selves, this episode offers a thoughtful call to live with perspective, humility, and enduring faith.

Brian From reflects on a moment of cultural mockery toward a Christian athlete and what it reveals about how faith is often viewed in today’s world. He also explores new research showing that belief in the soul and the afterlife remains widespread, creating opportunities for deeper spiritual conversations. Along the way, Fromm highlights a viral Gen Z trend that mirrors ancient biblical practices, encouraging listeners to embrace stillness, trust God in uncertainty, and anchor their faith beyond culture or circumstances.

Brian From reflects on a powerful story of injustice to wrestle with one of life’s hardest questions: what do we do when things simply aren’t fair? He also explores modern challenges facing Christians, from navigating youth sports and church commitments to discerning spiritual authority and avoiding manipulation in faith communities. Throughout the episode, Fromm weaves together practical wisdom and spiritual insight, encouraging listeners to trust God’s justice, pursue forgiveness, and live out their faith with intentionality in everyday life.

Brian From reflects on a snowy Midwest morning, a memorable night taking his daughter to see Hamilton, and the fleeting moments that shape family life. He also honors the legacy of evangelical leader John Perkins, celebrates stories of faith in action, and reacts to everything from March Madness to viral internet headlines. Along the way, Fromm encourages listeners to slow down, embrace rest, and trust that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Brian From talks with Orchard Church pastor Brad Wetherell about his new book Saved to Sin No More and the powerful biblical doctrine of union with Christ. Wetherell explains how this often-overlooked truth shapes a Christian’s identity, empowers the fight against sin, and reframes the believer’s relationship with holiness. The conversation also explores why community, church life, and a renewed understanding of grace are essential in the ongoing struggle to grow in Christ.

Brian From talks with mortgage broker Mark Boone of All Citizens Lending about the current housing market, falling interest rates, and what buyers and sellers should consider as the spring season begins. Boone explains how economic factors affect mortgage rates and why early conversations with a lending professional can help families prepare for major financial decisions. The discussion also explores how faith, integrity, and personal experience shape the way Boone serves clients facing one of the biggest purchases of their lives.

Brian From talks with Plugged In’s Adam Holz about the state of movies and entertainment as the Oscars approach. They discuss the Plugged In Movie Awards, why many Oscar-nominated films feel disconnected from mainstream audiences, and how streaming, rising costs, and massive home TVs are reshaping the moviegoing experience. The conversation also looks ahead to an upcoming documentary exploring the impact of father wounds and identity.