Advertise on podcast: Dwell On These Things

Chris Hearty sits down with Josh Dannemiller, Matt Johanson, and Brad Oatney to talk honestly about what it looks like to be a highly committed spiritual father — the relational investment it takes, the cultural pressures working against it, and what they wish they'd known sooner. Speaker: Chris Hearty, Brad Oatney, Josh Dannemiller, Matt Johanson

Pat Reeder sits down with Tim Nunn and Ryan Lowery to take a wide-angle look at artificial intelligence — from the transhumanist worldview driving Silicon Valley, to the practical ways AI is already reshaping work and ministry, to what Christians should keep in mind as they navigate it all. Speaker: Ryan Lowery, Tim Nunn, Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder sits down with Kevin Vanhoozer, theologian and author of Is There a Meaning in This Text? and Mere Christian Hermeneutics, to talk about what it actually means to read the Bible biblically — why authority and interpretation are inseparable, what postmodernism got right and wrong, and why a Trinitarian framework changes everything about how we approach Scripture. Speaker: Kevin VanHoozer, Pat Reeder

Pat Reeder interviews author and podcaster Rebecca McLaughlin about the hidden costs of parasocial media and the surprising research behind her book, "How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life". McLaughlin unpacks Harvard research showing regular church attendance rivals exercise in its mental and physical health benefits, and explores why disillusioned young women—far from being unreachable—are often just waiting for an invitation. They close by previewing her upcoming book on how Christianity transformed sexual ethics and where that legacy diverges from modern feminism. Speaker: Pat Reeder, Rebecca McLaughlin

Keira and Kalyssa join the podcast to talk honestly about what it's actually like to try to maintain a high commitment to God and Christian community while raising young kids — including the pressures, the lies that are easy to believe, and why "I only have 20% to give" might not be the obstacle it feels like. Speaker: Keira Williamson, Kalyssa Deken, Abbey Merker

Pat Reeder talks with Steve Bauer and Mike Sullivan, both of whom lost their wives years apart, about what actually helped and didn't help in the aftermath — from the role of community to the spiritual hazards of isolation and identity. It's a candid look at grief that doesn't rush toward easy answers. Speaker: Mike Sullivan, Steve Bauer, Pat Reeder

Abbey Merker interviews John and Ruth, who served overseas for 13 years, about recognizing and responding to God's calling. They trace how individual burdens developed from childhood through short-term trips, discussing the long waiting period between sensing a call and actually moving—including wrestling with timing, seeking counsel, and watching other couples discern different paths. They address common mistakes like impatience, autonomy, and lack of submission, emphasizing that calling requires internal motivation paired with willingness to receive input, resilience through failure, and daily time with God to cultivate the ability to hear his voice. Speaker: Abbey Merker, John & Ruth

Abbey Merker interviews Marian Guzzo and Mary Beth Gladwell, friends since age 14 who met at an all-girls Catholic high school and became believers together in the 1970s. They discuss maintaining their friendship over six decades despite living in different cities, raising families separately, and serving in different home churches—meeting weekly for coffee, walks, and prayer, even when their ministry lives didn't overlap. Both credit this friendship with sustaining them through losing parents, family crises, and personal struggles, and they challenge the cultural trend of cutting people off quickly while emphasizing that close friendships outside marriage are essential, not optional, for long-term spiritual health. Speaker: Marian Guzzo, Mary Beth Gladwell, Abbey Merker

Abbey Merker interviews Katie and Kim, who left Columbus four and a half years ago to help plant a church in a new city. They share their decision-making process—navigating prayer, counsel, fears, and flip-flopping convictions—and discuss the surprising realities of homesickness, team dynamics, and ministry changes they didn't expect. Both reflect on how being stretched in uncomfortable circumstances deepened their dependence on God and changed their character in ways that wouldn't have happened if they'd stayed, while also acknowledging the importance of holding expectations loosely and staying rooted in prayer rather than emotions. Speaker: Abbey Merker, Kate McAtee, Kim Cooper

Abbey Merker interviews Morgan Zahler, new principal at Akili High School, about her journey from intervention specialist to school leadership and her vision for educating students in Columbus. Zahler explains how academic struggles often stem from learning disabilities, environmental barriers, or learned helplessness—and how these struggles directly impact students' spiritual development and sense of identity. She discusses Akili's unique model combining academics with career counseling, life coaching, and spiritual formation, and shares a powerful success story of a student with dysgraphia who went from writing two sentences to drafting a book. Speaker: Morgan Zahler, Abbey Merker

Dave Glover interviews Steve Bauer, who has overseen operations at Dwell Community Church for over three decades, about his transition from business to ministry and the surprising lessons learned along the way. Bauer reflects on major building projects from the Cleveland Avenue campus to Fourth Street and Oakland Park, sharing stories of God's providential timing and closed doors that led to better opportunities. He discusses how ministry refined his character—especially learning patience and understanding that "if God wants something done, it'll be done" Speaker: Steve Bauer, Dave Glover

Abby Merker interviews Nicole Williamson about navigating finances as a Christian, drawing from Nicole's journey of paying off over $100,000 in debt on a modest income. Nicole shares ten principles for simple living—from examining your heart's orientation toward money to practical strategies like meal planning and no-spend days—emphasizing that biblical stewardship is about more than extreme frugality. They discuss resisting cultural currents that normalize debt, the importance of boundaries and budgets for creating freedom, and how Nicole's family maintained generosity even while aggressively paying down loans. Speaker: Niccole Williamson, Abbey Merker

John Ross interviews Mike Sullivan, a long-standing member and sphere leader up for eldership at Dwell Community Church, tracing his journey from a 1982 house party to nearly 30 years of adult ministry leadership. Sullivan shares stories from leading home churches through revival seasons, pioneering urban ministry with low-income youth, and navigating the challenge of helping adult groups recapture a vision for planting and multiplication. He reflects on weathering the loss of his wife Edith last year, his approach to starting new ministries in uncharted territory, and why he believes some of Dwell's best days in adult ministry are still ahead. Speaker: Mike Sullivan, John Ross

Pat Reeder interviews Brian Adams about his 2016 workshop on staying spiritually grounded when life gets busy, exploring how to prioritize time with God and loving others amid competing demands. Adams reflects on how his approach has evolved over a decade—especially as a parent of three young kids—while maintaining core biblical principles like the greatest commandments and trusting God through life transitions. They discuss practical strategies for managing attention, the importance of spiritual rest versus mere relaxation, and why loving others (what Adams calls "love therapy") remains the antidote to anxiety and stress. Speaker: Brian Adams, Pat Reeder

Are women really losing interest in Christianity, or is something else going on? In this honest conversation, Keira Williamson, Kalyssa Deken and Abbey Merker discuss the cultural trends, false narratives, and real struggles affecting women's spiritual commitment—from "main character energy" to the tradwife stereotype. They share both the devastating losses and surprising breakthroughs they've experienced, plus practical ideas for how the church can better reach and empower women today. Speaker: Abbey Merker, Kalyssa Deken, Keira Williamson