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Mike Boyle has spent more than four decades helping athletes—from Olympic competitors to everyday people—move better, perform better, and stay healthy. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of functional strength training, he's never been afraid to challenge conventional wisdom or rethink his own ideas. In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones sits down with Mike to explore what strength is really for. Their conversation ranges from the evolution of fitness and coaching to aging well, injury prevention, intellectual humility, and why changing your mind may be one of the most important skills any coach—or any person—can develop. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to live a healthier, more capable life, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a fresh perspective on what it means to grow stronger. In this episode: How Mike Boyle's philosophy of training has evolved Why functional strength matters at every age The role of humility in coaching and lifelong learning Common fitness myths that refuse to die What movement can teach us about resilience and living well If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about health, performance, and the ideas that shape our lives, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Special Guest: Mike Boyle.

What does genuine political emancipation look like in a world defined by contradiction? And what can Hegel still teach us about freedom, revolution, and the possibility of social transformation? In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones sits down with philosopher Todd McGowan to discuss his provocative new book, Emancipation After Hegel: Achieving a Contradictory Revolution. Together they explore Hegel's revolutionary understanding of contradiction, why freedom isn't the absence of limits but our relationship to them, and how embracing contradiction can open new possibilities for political action. Along the way, Scott and Todd discuss the failures of contemporary politics, the allure of utopian thinking, the importance of negativity, and why attempts to escape contradiction often leave us less free than before. They also consider what a truly emancipatory politics might require in an age marked by polarization, disillusionment, and uncertainty. Whether you're a longtime reader of Hegel or simply curious about philosophy's relevance to today's political landscape, this conversation offers a rich and engaging exploration of one of the most influential—and misunderstood—thinkers in the Western tradition. Special Guest: Todd McGowan.

What does it mean to be a self in an age that won’t let you stay the same? In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones talks with Patricia Martin about her new book Will the Future Like You?—a probing exploration of identity in a world defined by constant disruption. As technology accelerates and the pressure to adapt intensifies, Martin argues that we’ve entered an era of “hyper-reinvention,” where stability is elusive and the self can begin to feel more like a project than a reality. Together, Scott and Patricia explore the psychological and cultural costs of this new landscape: the anxiety of endless self-optimization, the erosion of rootedness, and the quiet fear that we’re always one step behind who we’re supposed to become. But they also ask whether there’s another way—one that resists the demand to endlessly reinvent and instead recovers a deeper, more grounded sense of identity. This is a thoughtful, timely conversation about who we are, who we’re becoming, and whether the future is something we shape—or something that reshapes us. Special Guest: Patricia Martin .

On this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones talks with David Fitch of Northern Seminary about the fallout of the Protestant Reformation—and why it might be time to reform the Reformers. Five centuries after 1517, Protestants still celebrate courage, conscience, and clarity. But what if the Reformation also unleashed forces it couldn’t control? Fragmentation. Hyper-individualism. A faith untethered from embodied community. A church shaped more by modern politics than by the crucified Christ. From a neo-Anabaptist perspective, Fitch argues that some of the Reformers’ necessary protests hardened into new distortions—reshaping authority, redefining the church, and quietly baptizing the spirit of modernity. Scott and Dave wrestle with what was gained, what was lost, and whether Protestantism can recover a thicker, more communal, more faithful witness in a polarized age.​ Special Guest: David Fitch.

On this episode of Give and Take, recorded on Mardi Gras, 2026, Scott Jones talks with Philly fitness and wellness coach Lindsay Lombardi about fasting, feasting, and metabolic flexibility. What actually happens in your body when you indulge? Is fasting a powerful tool—or just another trend? And how do you enjoy the feast without wrecking your progress? This is a conversation about discipline without deprivation, performance without obsession, and building a body—and a life—that can handle both celebration and restraint. Feast smart. Fast wisely. Live strong. Special Guest: Lindsay Lombardi.

In this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones is joined by legal scholar and social innovator Susan Sturm to discuss her powerful new book, What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions. Drawing on decades of work at the intersection of law, education, and organizational change, Sturm offers a hopeful yet demanding vision for how institutions can move beyond performative commitments toward genuine transformation. Their conversation explores how racism becomes embedded in institutional structures, why good intentions are not enough, and what it actually takes to create cultures of accountability, learning, and shared responsibility. Sturm challenges both individuals and organizations to imagine “what might be” if we treated racial justice not as a box to check, but as a collective practice that reshapes how we lead, decide, and belong. Special Guest: Susan Sturm.

In this episode of Give and Take, Scott sits down with writer and former evangelical insider Mattie Jo Cowsert to talk about her candid and compelling new memoir, God, Sex and Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony. With honesty, humor, and a clear-eyed sense of moral urgency, Cowsert reflects on her journey through the world of American evangelicalism—and what it cost her to finally step away. Their conversation explores the entanglement of faith, power, money, and sexuality in contemporary religious culture, tracing how evangelical institutions often shape desire, silence doubt, and reward proximity to wealth and influence. Cowsert shares what it means to “recover” from evangelicalism, how her faith has been reconfigured rather than abandoned, and why telling the truth about these systems is both painful and liberating. Together, Scott and Mattie Jo wrestle with larger questions about spiritual authority, moral formation, and whether honesty and integrity are possible on the other side of disillusionment. It’s a thoughtful and unflinching conversation about belief, belonging, and the courage it takes to name what’s broken in order to imagine something better. Special Guest: Mattie Jo Cowsert.

On this special Christmas Eve episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones is joined by Professor Matthew Milliner of Wheaton College for a thoughtful and unexpected conversation about Mary—seen through Protestant eyes. Often sidelined or approached with hesitation in Protestant theology, Mary nevertheless stands at the very center of the Christmas story. Milliner, an art historian and theologian, helps recover a richer Protestant appreciation of Mary by drawing on Scripture, church history, and the visual imagination of the Christian tradition. Together, Scott and Matthew explore how Mary’s faith, obedience, and vulnerability shape a deeper understanding of the Incarnation—and why reclaiming her place need not blur confessional lines. On a night set apart for wonder and anticipation, this conversation invites listeners to slow down and reconsider the woman who first said “yes” to God, and what her story still has to teach Protestants about Christmas, discipleship, and the mystery at the heart of the Christian faith. Special Guest: Matthew J. Milliner.

It’s the holiday season and the devout are fond of reminding everyone that Jesus is the reason for the season. But what do we really know about Jesus? How reliable are the Gospel accounts—and how much can historians really know the mysterious man from Nazareth? In this episode of Give and Take, I sit down with renowned ancient historian Edward J. Watts to explore what historical methods can (and can’t) tell us about the life of Jesus. Drawing on Roman, Jewish, and early Christian sources, Watts explains how historians evaluate ancient texts, where the Gospels align with what we know of the first-century world, and where questions and tensions remain. The conversation moves beyond simplistic debates about “proof” or “myth,” offering a careful look at how memory, theology, politics, and oral tradition shaped the Gospel narratives. Throughout, Watts reflects on how historical context shapes interpretation and why Christian teaching has always been dynamic rather than fixed. The episode closes with a compelling claim: that the teachings of Jesus, understood historically and thoughtfully, continue to offer real guidance for life in the modern world. For believers, skeptics, and anyone curious about the origins of Christianity, this episode offers a clear-eyed, historically grounded discussion of the historical Jesus—and why these questions still matter today. Special Guest: Edward J. Watts.

It’s the holiday season and for many of you that means curling up on the couch with some popcorn and some candy and watching one of your favorite feel good Christmas movies. What if all those cozy Christmas movies aren’t really about comfort at all—but about desire, loss, and what we’re missing deep down inside? Today I’m joined by Todd McGowan and Ryan Engley from the Why Theory podcast to psychoanalyze our favorite holiday films. From small-town miracles to last-minute reconciliations, we’re digging into what these movies reveal about enjoyment, fantasy, and why Christmas keeps pulling us back in year after year. Grab some eggnog—this conversation might change how you watch Christmas movies forever. You can find their original Christmas movie podcast here. Special Guests: Ryan Engley and Todd McGowan.

My guest is James Fishkin, professor at Stanford University and one of the world’s leading scholars of democratic reform. His new book, Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy?, argues that polarization, mistrust, and democratic dysfunction aren’t just political problems—they’re failures of how we form opinions together. Drawing on decades of research and real-world experiments in deliberative democracy, Fishkin makes the case that when ordinary citizens are given time, information, and the chance to engage across differences, democracy can work better than we imagine. In this conversation, we explore what deliberation really means, how it differs from our current political debates, and whether it can help heal some of democracy’s deepest wounds. It was a great conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I give you James Fishkin. Special Guest: James Fishkin.

On this episode of Give and Take, Scott sits down with pastor, theologian, and author Mandy Smith for a deep and timely conversation about cultivating a spirit of gratitude as we head into the holiday season. For many, this time of year can feel harried, consumeristic, and stressful—an emotional whirlwind that leaves little room for reflection or joy. Mandy offers a gentle but compelling invitation to slow down, pay attention, and reclaim the simple, grounding practices that open us to gratitude. Drawing on her pastoral experience, her writing, and her own honest encounters with the pressures of the season, Mandy shares practical ways to resist the cultural rush and reconnect with what truly matters. It’s a conversation filled with warmth, wisdom, and a refreshing kind of hope—just what we need as the holidays approach. Tune in for an encouraging guide to navigating the season not with exhaustion, but with intention, wonder, and grace. Special Guest: Mandy Smith.

In this episode of Give and Take, Scott sits down with Philadelphia-based fitness and wellness coach Lindsay Lombardi for a smart, practical, and totally doable guide to staying healthy during the holiday season. From navigating parties and travel to actually enjoying your favorite foods without derailing your goals, Lindsay offers strategies that go beyond quick fixes and guilt cycles. Lindsay introduces the Melt Method, a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses movement, eating, living, and thinking. She emphasizes the importance of integrating small, sustainable habits into daily life rather than adhering to intense, non-sustainable programs. They dive into mindset, daily micro-habits, realistic workouts, and how to build a holiday rhythm that supports both joy and well-being. Whether you're looking to avoid the seasonal slump or simply feel better by January 1st, this conversation delivers clarity, no encouragement, and a refreshingly balanced approach. Special Guest: Lindsay Lombardi.

In this conversation, Scott Jones and Bryce Eddy delve into the current state of the conservative movement, discussing the internal conflicts, the rise of the 'woke right', and the influence of figures like Nick Fuentes. They explore the generational divides within conservative media, the cultural tensions surrounding immigration and identity, and the implications of these dynamics for the future of conservatism. Special Guest: Bryce Eddy .

In this episode of Give and Take, Scott sits down with Sarah Hurwitz—former Obama speechwriter and bestselling author—for a sharp, lively conversation about her new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. Hurwitz takes aim at the loudest misconceptions about Jewish identity today—whether they come from bad-faith critics, confused allies, or within the community itself. With her signature mix of wit, rigor, and moral clarity, she lays out what’s at stake when a people’s story is twisted, minimized, or stolen—and how reclaiming that story can be an act of both resistance and renewal. Scott and Sarah trade insights on antisemitism, cultural belonging, spiritual hunger, and the surprising power of rediscovering an ancient tradition in a chaotic modern world. It’s crisp, candid, and deeply engaging—an episode that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of why this conversation matters right now. Special Guest: Sarah Hurwitz.