58.4K
Downloads
544
Episodes
God‘s story is the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. But it‘s also humanity‘s story, the story of a world fallen and blown apart and of a world reshaped and restored. It‘s the beginning of all beginnings and the end of all ends. Join Brent Siddall and the Rev Ian ‘Reido‘ Reid as they explore God, time, salvation and the cosmos. Explore the stories of Western culture as they pivot and interact with the main narrative of salvation history.
Episodes
Jan 24, 2026
Jan 24, 2026
22 min
What is Christian hospitality and how do we do it?
Brent talks with Laura Baghdassarian Murray about her new IVP book ‘Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality’.
Laura is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary’s Center for Spiritual Formation. She serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. She’s also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality.
- (0:30) What is Christian hospitality?
- (1:50) Laura’s experience;
- (4:50) Hospitality in the early church;
- (5:50) Boundaries;
- (8:00) Hospitable environments;
- (8:45) Counterfeit hospitality;
- (10:30) Entrepreneurship – the dark side;
- (12:40) Jesus and hospitality;
- (15:40) Social media;
- (17:45) A posture of hospitality;
- (18:45) Spiritual practices;
- (20:00) Listening.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/Becoming-Person-Welcome-Spiritual-Hospitality/dp/1514011948
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Jan 21, 2026
Jan 21, 2026
27 min
Does Dante in ‘Paradiso’ refer to a sort of transhumanism and why?
Brent talks with Jennifer Holberg about ‘Paradiso’ – the last part of ‘The Divine Comedy’.
Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing. She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishing Narratives’.
- (1:10) The structure of ‘Paradiso’;
- (3:55) Dante’s aesthetic;
- (6:00) The warning;
- (10:00) Transhumanism;
- (14:50) Piccarda;
- (19:55) Politics and religious institutions.
Links mentioned in this episode:
World of Dante:
https://www.worldofdante.org/index.html)
Digital Dante:
https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/dante/divine-comedy
Dante Worlds:
https://danteworlds.laits.utexas.edu/
100 Days of Dante:
Editions:
For all in one volume:
Mark Musa, ‘The Portable Dante’ (Penguin)
First rate notes:
Robert and Jean Hollander (Vintage/Anchor)
New poetic translation that retains the terza rima:
Michael Palma (Liveright)
Prose translation:
Charles S. Singleton (Princeton University Press)
Other notable translators:
Robin Kirkpatrick
John Ciarda
Allen Mandelbaum
Older translations by Dorothy L. Sayers
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Jan 17, 2026
Jan 17, 2026
24 min
Have you ever felt directionless, like you’re adrift at sea?
Brent talks with Mitch Bakker about his new book from Mitchell Publications called ‘Drawn: Drawn to Faith, Awakened by Story’.
Mitch is the founder and owner of IDA Design, an award-winning, nationally recognized industrial design firm. His most recent venture was launching a restaurant, StrEATS Taco Kitchen where he finds connection to his community through tacos. He’s also a volunteer in prison.
- (0:55) Feelings of being adrift;
- (3:15) Bereavement;
- (4:15) Empty nesting;
- (9:15) Prison ministry;
- (15:50) Stories cathartic;
- (20:15) Getting in touch with your stories.
Links mentioned in this episode:
/saltofheaven.com/product/drawn-drawn-to-faith-awakened-by-story/
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Jan 14, 2026
Jan 14, 2026
27 min
Can we have a theistic science?
Brent talks with Joshua Farris about his new Routledge book ‘God, Souls, and Consciousness: Deconditioning the Mind from Naturalism’.
Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic. He’s director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritually Driven Leadership.
- (0:45) Naturalism;
- (4:00) Descartes;
- (7:15) Aspects of substance dualism;
- (11:15) Libertarian thought;
- (16:10) Near death experiences;
- (17:30) A theistic science;
- (21:52) AI
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/Consciousness-Routledge-Studies-Philosophy-Religion/dp/1032872896
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Jan 10, 2026
Jan 10, 2026
37 min
‘Everything I’ve been through could have broken me but instead God has used it to shape me. My story isn’t just about survival – it’s about faith, redemption, and knowing that with God you can really rise again’.
Brent talks with Juliet Dawn about her new album ‘Born To Be’.
Juliet is a multifaceted artist whose creative output spans across music, film and literature underpinned by a prophetic Christian ministry. She’s released several albums, produced the feature film ’Pilgrim’s Progress’ and written poetry books.
- (1:15) Creative journey;
- (4:00) Learning the craft;
- (6:00) Songwriting;
- (11:30) Poetry and music;
- (13:20) X Factor;
- (18:50) Suffering and challenges;
- (21:30) The new album ‘Born To Be’;
- (23:30) Nashville;
- (27:45) The album.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
29 min
What do we do when God doesn’t heal us?
Brent talks with Meera Mahadevan about her new book ‘When God Doesn’t Heal: How is this Love?’
Meera has had careers across multiple industries. She’s a Broadcast journalist and former news anchor with a forte in international politics. She later transitioned to Corporate Reputation Management. More recently, she’s been engaged with mission organizations with work spanning from Europe to the Pacific. She currently serves on the International board of Alongsiders. She’s journeyed through long-term illnesses and cancer in the last 20 years.
- (0:55) Pain and illness;
- (2:30) Meera’s journey;
- (6:40) The mission field;
- (13:00) Illness;
- (17:45) The Cross;
- (23:15) Suffering.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/when-god-doesnt-heal-this/dp/b0f9tn4dj1
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Jan 3, 2026
Jan 3, 2026
23 min
What if the key to a deeper, more meaningful life lies in the questions we ask?
Brent talks with J.R. Briggs the author of a new IVP book called ‘The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith’.
J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving leaders through coaching, consulting, and speaking. He serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions, and as guest instructor for Friends University in the Masters of Spiritual Formation and Leadership Program.
- (1:00) The questions we ask;
- (2:00) A professional question asker;
- (3:50) We need to ask better questions;
- (4:45) Questions and leadership;
- (5:50) Important questions;
- (8:30) The 4 essentials of question asking;
- (10:15) God and questions;
- (11:05) Jesus’ questions;
- (13:10) The most important question in the gospels?
- (14:15) God questions;
- (18:00) Developing skills in question asking;
- (19:30) A question journal.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/Art-Asking-Better-Questions-Relationships/dp/1514011115
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Dec 31, 2025
Dec 31, 2025
21 min
Does the church still matter in our modern world?
Brent talks with Carmen Imes about her new IVP book ‘Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters’.
Carmen is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University in the States and is the author of a number of books.
- (0:45) The wardrobe;
- (2:00) Why does the church matter?
- (3:20) People leaving the church;
- (5:00) Biblical theology of family;
- (6:00) The Tabernacle;
- (7:30) Ruth and God’s family;
- (8:50) Samuel;
- (10:45) The Psalms and family worship;
- (11:50) Jesus and family;
- (13:00) The church radical in the ancient world;
- (13:50) Paul and family;
- (14:40) Pentecost;
- (16:00) Revelation – the ultimate view of the church family;
- (16:55) HUP;
- (19:20) How are we becoming God’s family?
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/Becoming-Gods-Family-Church-Matters/dp/1514010321
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Dec 27, 2025
Dec 27, 2025
28 min
‘Working in healthcare can be immensely satisfying, but it can also be challenging. Maybe you’re on the verge of burnout’.
Brent talks with Mark Topazian about his new IVP book ‘Healing Purpose: Finding Satisfaction in a Healthcare Career’.
Mark is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. He’s practised and taught at Yale University, at the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African countries. He’s a regular speaker at the Global Missions Health Conference and a Saline Process trainer.
- (1:00) Mark’s career in healthcare;
- (3:30) Ethiopia;
- (4:55) Burnout;
- (7:05) Dealing with burnout and compassion fatigue;
- (9:45) Image of God;
- (12:15) Faith and illness;
- (16:30) Healing;
- (20:55) Interactions about death;
- (23:30) Lament.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/Healing-Purpose-Finding-Satisfaction-Healthcare/dp/1514012383
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.
Dec 24, 2025
Dec 24, 2025
24 min
Do you ever wonder if Jesus really claimed to be God?
Brent talks with Mikel Del Rosario about his new IVP book called ‘Did Jesus Really Say He Was God?: Making Sense of His Historical Claims’.
Mikel is professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He’s co-authored over 30 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement with his mentor, Darrell Bock. He’s host of ‘The Apologetics Guy Show’.
- (0:45) The divinity of Jesus;
- (3:00) Investigating the historical Jesus;
- (6:10) Jesus in the gospels;
- (7:10) The healing of the paralytic;
- (10:50) The authority sayings in Mark 2;
- (12:20) Mark 14;
- (16:10) The Son of Man;
- (18:45) Jesus in Mark;
- (20:30) Did Jesus really say he was God?
- (21:00) The early church and the divinity of Christ.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.amazon.com/Did-Jesus-Really-Say-Was/dp/1514011018
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review.
Connect with us:
Become a Supporter:
If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude.
Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.