Advertise on podcast: The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

In this episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with author Delano Squires to unpack a crucial yet frequently overlooked dimension of social justice: marriage, fatherhood, and family structure. Drawing from his personal background growing up in New York, his experience in local government, and insights from his book, The Vanishing Black Family, Delano shares why human flourishing ultimately begins in the home. The conversation probes the stark disparities in family structure, redefines justice through the lens of children's rights, and addresses the political and cultural obstacles standing in the way of a true marriage revival. Takeaways: Marriage as a Public Good & Justice Issue: Why conversations around family often prioritize adult desires over the fundamental rights of children and why every child deserves to be raised in a loving, low-conflict home with their mother and father. The Reality of Family Disparities: Delano outlines key statistics (such as the 70-percentage-point gap in unmarried vs. married birth rates between Black and White families in D.C.) and discusses why family structure should be recognized as a core social indicator. The Role of the Church: A candid look at how sections of the Black church traded biblical fidelity on sex, marriage, and family for political engagement and how returning to a scripture-grounded foundation is essential for renewal.  Navigating the dynamic between acknowledging systemic and historical harms while encouraging individuals and communities to take ownership of their future. Resources Mentioned  The Vanishing Black Family by Delano Squires The DeVos Center for Human Flourishing at The Heritage Foundation Them Before Us (Founded by Katie Faust) The Last Seen Project See the full video episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Benjamin Watson sits down with Connecticut State Representative Treneé McGee, the youngest Black woman ever elected to the Connecticut General Assembly (116th District). A former actress, studio founder, and self-described political "unicorn," Representative McGee shares her unique journey from studying film and acting to running for public office, taking a stand for her faith, and advocating for a holistic approach to justice. Takeaways: From the Stage to the Statehouse: McGee reflects on her life in the arts, the spiritual fast and community calling that shifted her path toward public office, and how her parents provided the foundational anchor of faith that guides her career. The "Unicorn" Label & Whole-Life Advocacy: As a pro-life Democrat, McGee addresses being labeled an anomaly in her party, her shift toward a "womb-to-the-tomb" approach to justice, and her experiences navigating national media attention. Maternal Health & Systemic Disparities: A deep dive into the work of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, including recent Connecticut legislation focused on hospital accountability report cards, safe haven laws, and child welfare reforms. Gen Z, Cultural Shifts, and Bipartisanship: McGee and Watson discuss generational shifts regarding social issues, why the political middle is often composed of Black and Latin communities, and the reality of cross-aisle collaboration in state government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when a culture pursues justice while ignoring God’s standard of righteousness? In this deeply insightful episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson welcomes legendary pastor, author, and theologian Dr. Tony Evans. Founder of The Urban Alternative and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dr. Evans reflects on over five decades of ministry, his personal journey growing up in Baltimore, and the spiritual roots of his "Kingdom Agenda." Dr. Evans unpacks the inseparable relationship between biblical righteousness (God’s standard of right and wrong) and justice (the equitable application of that standard), calling them the "Siamese twins" of God's throne. Together, Benjamin and Dr. Evans examine how split theology, political idolatry, and cultural misdefinitions lead to societal chaos. From practical family discipleship around the dinner table to the prophetic responsibility of the local church, Dr. Evans calls believers to live fully under God’s authority to bring lasting restoration to their homes, communities, and nation. Takeaways: Roots & Radio Beginnings: Dr. Evans shares how a tiny, 1970s broadcast in a cubicle sparked five decades of global teaching, and the legacy projects currently carrying God's word to 85% of the world's population. Family as the First Sphere of Justice: The importance of identifying a child's unique "bent" and using the family dinner table for active discipleship rather than passive entertainment. Righteousness vs. Justice Defined: Understanding righteousness as God's divine prescription and justice as the fair, equitable pharmacy that dispenses it to society. The Danger of Splitting "Twin Towers": Why separating social justice from biblical truth leads to legalism, confusion, and systemic failure. The Gospel Beyond the Sanctuary: Unpacking Galatians 2 to show how Paul addressed Peter’s personal hypocrisy and prejudice by calling him back to his primary identity in Christ. The Passive Wrath & Judgment of God: How societal division, systemic injustice, and national chaos emerge when the Church abdicates its biblical role. Resources: The Kingdom Agenda by Dr. Tony Evans The Tony Evans Study Bible & Tony Evans Bible Commentary The Urban Alternative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with Joe Knittig, CEO of Care Portal and The Global Orphan Project. Joe shares his journey from working as a labor attorney to shifting his focus to family preservation and child welfare. The conversation explores the limitations of traditional charity, the distinctions between poverty-driven neglect and abuse, and how local communities can step in to prevent family separation before it turns into a foster care crisis. Takeaways: Going Upstream: Rather than reacting to crises after a child enters foster care, real systemic change requires addressing practical needs and isolation beforehand to keep families intact. Charity vs. Relational Justice: Transactional charity (writing a check or making a donation) offers short-term relief, but long-term transformation happens through relational, incarnational presence in people's lives. Understanding Neglect vs. Abuse: A majority of children entering the foster care system do so because of neglect—often driven by extreme poverty, relational isolation, or lack of resources—rather than physical abuse. The "50 in 5" Reality: 50% of the children entering foster care in the United States originate from just 5% of counties. Because these needs are geographically concentrated, focused community intervention makes this a solvable problem. Empowering the Local Community: Government and large non-profits cannot replace the role of neighbors and local churches. Sustainable family support relies on activating local networks to care for vulnerable families right where they live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does human flourishing really mean, and how can we use modern economic engines to drive true structural change? In this episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with Mike Mannina, Director of Corporate Engagement at Vident Asset Management. Mike shares insights from his expansive career spanning the White House, post-conflict reconstruction in Afghanistan, and his 10-year tenure as co-founder and CEO of ThriveWorx. He breaks down the four dimensions of capital (social, human, spiritual, and financial), explains why traditional top-down development often fails, and introduces a market-driven, locally led approach to justice. Finally, Mike pulls back the curtain on the emerging landscape of shareholder activism, showing how everyday investors can steward public equities to combat systemic injustices like conflict minerals, human trafficking, and illicit digital exploitation. Defining Human Flourishing: "Living out our design in community for the good of ourselves and others." Systemic Economic Barriers: How historical value-chain imbalances in industries like coffee and cocoa leave producing nations with only 10% of the total revenue. The ThriveWorks Model: Rebuilding ethical supply chains for major enterprises like Chick-fil-A while transferring $140M+ in economic value back to farming communities. The Four Dimensions of Capital: Why addressing poverty requires more than financial transfer—it demands relational (social), knowledge (human), and moral (spiritual) connection. Relief vs. Development: Why short-term mission trips provide temporary relief, but long-term structural solutions require reverse-engineering the policy process inside-out. Shareholder Activism & Stewardship: How $35 trillion in public equities held by Christians and values-driven investors can be leveraged through proxy voting and board proposals to hold major corporations accountable. Resources Mentioned: When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to The Just Life podcast! To kick off Season 3, we’re asking “What does true biblical justice look like when it isn't decoupled from righteousness?” To answer this question, host Benjamin Watson sits down with Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor of both Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, scholar, author, and founder of the Black Boy Literacy Campaign. Together, they unpack the deep connection between the Hebrew concepts of mishpat (justice) and tzedakah (righteousness), examining how the historical lens of the Black Church provides a framework where justice is not an extracurricular addition to faith, but an essential outgrowth of it. From navigating modern political binaries and Western theological arrogance to understanding the prophetic voice, Dr. Dates shares why true justice cannot exist without the constraint and character of a righteous God. Takeaways: The "Twin" Connection: Benjamin and Dr. Dates share their unique personal connections, shared birthdate, sports rivalries, and family life. Redefining Justice: Defining justice through the lens of John Perkins and biblical scripture as restoring creation back to God’s original design. The Black Church & Historical Context: How enduring centuries of historical oppression shapes a theological view where faith and active justice are inherently intertwined rather than juxtaposed. Scriptural Integrity vs. Licentiousness: Addressing the danger of seeking justice without the boundary of biblical righteousness. The Hebrew Blueprint: How justice and righteousness appear side-by-side dozens of times throughout the Old Testament prophets.  Faith & Politics: Unpacking why African-American Christians historically view issues like civil rights, fair representation, and voting access through the lens of righteousness. Resources: What Has Justice to Do with Righteousness? by Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful, partner-exclusive episode with the International Justice Mission (IJM), host Benjamin Watson sits down with his long-time friend, 18-year NFL veteran, and 3-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. While Matt is widely celebrated for leading the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a different kind of legacy: one rooted in faith, family, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Matt and Benjamin dive deep into what it truly means to be available for God’s calling, sharing personal stories from their NFL days, the impact of mentorship inside the locker room, and the worldview-shifting moments that opened their eyes to global injustice and human trafficking. The Power of Locker Room Legacy: Matt reflects on the generation of believers who came before him, his own parents, who co-led couples' Bible studies and chose to stick around, providing a blueprint for faith, marriage, and parenting in a cutthroat industry. The Catalyst for Global Justice: Matt shares a moving, pivotal story from a college service trip to a leprosy community in Kingston, Jamaica, where a man named George McPhee completely redefined what true joy, worship, and peace look like. Waking Up to Modern-Day Slavery: From learning about IJM through a series of divine appointments to discovering human trafficking happening at a motel just 400 yards away from his stadium in Nashville, Matt discusses the moment he realized doing nothing was no longer an option. Using Your Platform for Common Ground: How Matt and his wife, Sarah, turned their home into a space to educate teammates on non-negotiable issues like human trafficking and clean water, finding unity across diverse locker room dynamics. The Locker Room Blueprint for a Divided World: A look at why sports culture successfully bridges racial, political, and ideological divides and how a shared mission allows people to deeply care about issues that affect their brothers, even if it doesn't directly impact them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with fellow NFL tight end Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints. Partnering with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Benjamin and Juwan dive deep into what it means to use an influential platform to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Juwan shares his personal journey from blind spots to active advocacy, how his background as a Black man helps him identify with the oppressed, and why "the just life" ultimately requires the sacrifice of our most valuable resource: our time. Finding Your Lane: Much like a football team where every player has a distinct role, you don’t need to own an organization to fight injustice. You just need to find your lane and utilize your unique abilities. The Power of Awareness: Awareness is the first step toward advocacy. Recognizing the staggering reality of modern-day slavery—even when it makes us uncomfortable—forces us out of our self-contained bubbles. Proximity to Pain: True justice work begins in your own backyard. Juwan emphasizes the importance of serving the immediate community of New Orleans before trying to fix global issues. Defining "The Just Life": For Juwan, living justly means sacrifice - sacrificing comfort, ignorance, and time to prioritize the human rights and needs of others over our own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when the final whistle blows on a 13-year NFL career, but the passion for your community is just getting started? In this special episode of The Just Life, in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM), host Benjamin Watson sits down with his former New England Patriots teammate, Super Bowl champion, and current CBS/ESPN analyst Jason McCourty. Broadcasting live from the Super Bowl in San Francisco, the former teammates reminisce about the unique brotherhood of the NFL locker room and dive deep into what it truly means to be a voice for justice. From an eye-opening police ride-along in Nashville that exposed the reality of the school-to-prison pipeline, to testifying alongside his identical twin brother, Devin, at the Massachusetts State House for a landmark $1 billion education bill, Jason shares his evolution from an athlete "giving back" to a dedicated advocate for structural reform. They also discuss the power of the Players Coalition, the personal mission behind their Tackle Sickle Cell campaign, the digital divide exposed by COVID-19, and the beautiful, complex chaos of fatherhood. Key Takeaways:  The Locker Room Sanctuary: Why the NFL locker room is a rare space where guys from all walks of life can safely disagree on politics, religion, and social issues, yet maintain a foundation of mutual respect and deep trust. The Catalyst for Activism: How Colin Kaepernick taking a knee in 2016 sparked a wave of awareness that led Jason to ask himself: “What work am I going to do on Monday to back up the fist I put up on Sunday?” Exposing the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Jason shares a sobering story from a local Nashville elementary school ride-along that changed his perspective on how standard policy can criminalize normal childhood behavior. The Power of the Outside Bridge: Why athletes and everyday citizens don’t need to be policy experts to make a difference; instead, they can use their platforms to amplify grassroots experts and facilitate tough, cross-sector conversations. Shining a Light on the Education Gap: The behind-the-scenes story of how a group of newly crowned Super Bowl champions walked into the Massachusetts State House to successfully advocate for a $1 billion education funding bill to raise the baseline for underserved communities. Demystifying Sickle Cell Disease: Jason explains the hereditary history of Sickle Cell, its connection to malaria resistance on the African continent, and why breaking the cultural taboo of silence around the trait is so crucial for Black and African-American families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when you trade standard Slack notifications and offseason relaxation for a deep-dive immersion into the front lines of human rights? In this special partnership episode with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Benjamin Watson sits down with nine-year NFL veteran, author, and ESPN analyst Sam Acho. Sam opens up about his unique childhood navigating spaces as the son of Nigerian immigrants, moving between a predominantly Black church, a predominantly white school, and summer medical missions in Nigeria. He shares how these early experiences planted a lifelong hunger for systemic equity, leading him to an NFLPA externship with IJM that altered the course of his philanthropic life. From taking a quiet, eye-opening bus ride through the West Side of Chicago to purchasing a local liquor store to build a community-run food market (Austin Harvest), Sam challenges listeners to move past passive social media activism and use their specific, everyday gifts to execute tangible justice. 1. The Power of Proximity: Sam discusses how a one-week NFLPA externship at IJM's headquarters completely transformed his perspective on human trafficking, moving him from an onlooker who writes checks to an active, lifelong partner. 2. Navigating Identity in the Gray Space: Growing up as a cultural "outcast" who didn't quite fit the traditional frameworks of Black or white America, Sam describes how his Nigerian heritage and unique upbringing allowed him to spot systemic gaps and injustices early in life. 3. Moving Beyond the Timeline: A poignant critique on modern activism—the difference between tweeting "thoughts and prayers" and actually getting on your knees or using your capital to impact real people. 4. The Genesis of Austin Harvest: How a quiet listening session with Chicago youth during the pain of 2020 led a coalition of professional athletes to buy out a local liquor store and convert it into a thriving, youth-operated fresh food mart in a designated food desert. 5. Legacy Through Action: Inspired by his parents' 40-year commitment to medical mission work in Nigeria, Sam breaks down why you don't need a massive platform or political office to act—you simply need to find a community need and fill it. Resources Mentioned International Justice Mission (IJM): A global organization partnering with local authorities to combat human trafficking, modern slavery, and violence against the poor. Austin Harvest: A fresh produce market on Chicago's West Side, transformed from a liquor store by local youth and Chicago athletes. Sam Acho's Books:  Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes Change Starts with You: Following Your Fire to Heal a Broken World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with 14-year NFL veteran, Bart Starr Award winner, and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Partnering with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Benjamin and Kirk explore what it means to live out biblical justice, the reality of spiritual warfare on the front lines, and how a prayer Kirk muttered as a 17-year-old high school student shaped his approach to generosity and advocacy in the NFL. Takeaways: The Innate Sense of Justice: Kirk discusses how humans are born with an intrinsic understanding of right and wrong, using his young son's natural desire to "referee" the neighborhood as a prime example of how our spirits are created to long for justice. A 20-Year Journey with IJM: Kirk shares the origin story of his commitment to combating human trafficking, which began at age 17 when he heard IJM founder Gary Haugen speak at a Sunday night church service. An Answered Prayer: As a teenager, Kirk prayed that God would give him the resources to fund the fight against trafficking. Years later, finding himself playing in Washington DC with an NFL contract exceeding his wildest dreams, he knew it was time to fulfill his end of that prayer. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Reflecting on a powerful moment between his pastor father and Gary Haugen, Kirk reminds listeners that combating systemic oppression isn't just a physical battle; it's spiritual warfare that requires preeminent prayer. The Trap of Distraction: Kirk opens up with vulnerability about the daily distractions of adulthood and how he continuously checks his own heart to ensure personal comfort doesn't cloud his ability to see the desperate needs of others. Defining "The Just Life": Drawing from Micah 6:8, Kirk shares that a just life is defined by three simple but profound commands: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Resources: International Justice Mission (IJM): Learn more about the global fight against human trafficking and modern slavery at IJM.org. Team Freedom: Join the growing community of professional athletes and families dedicating their platforms to ending slavery. Subscribe & Review: If you were inspired by this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to The Just Life on your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does nonviolence actually demand and who does it require us to become? Benjamin Watson welcomes Dr. Bernice King, CEO of The King Center and a leading global voice for social change, for a conversation that moves beyond legacy and into calling. Though many know her as the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, this exchange reveals a fuller picture an athlete’s drive, a creative spirit shaped by music, and a leader committed to being what she calls a “solutionist” in a fractured world. Dr. King challenges the common view of nonviolence as passive, presenting it instead as a disciplined, strategic force capable of real transformation. She confronts the “myth of scarcity,” expands the imagination for what justice can look like, and calls the church to lead with clarity, anchored not in shifting culture, but in a biblical vision of justice rooted in love. Key Takeaways: - The Person Behind the Podium: Dr. King shares rare stories of her upbringing, her competitive nature in sports, and her family’s deep connection to music and the arts. - Nonviolence 365: An exploration of why nonviolence requires more than just "letting your voice be heard"—it requires strategy, infrastructure, and an understanding of the adversary’s position. - The "World House" Philosophy: Why justice in the Congo or Gaza is inextricably linked to justice in the United States, and why we must shift our loyalties from the "tribal" to the "human." - A New Kind of Capitalism: Challenging the "scarcity mindset" and discussing the potential for compassionate, inclusive economic systems. - Moral Accountability: How to separate "the evil from the person" to maintain a focus on systemic transformation rather than personal destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl-winning coach, Tony Dungy. They explore the intersection of faith and justice, discussing Dungy’s controversial decision to speak at the March for Life, the legacy of his father, and the ongoing challenges regarding racial representation in NFL leadership. Key Takeaways:  - The Courage of Conviction: Coach Dungy discusses his appearance at the 2023 March for Life. He explains why he viewed the national prayer for DeMar Hamlin as a catalyst for recognizing the sanctity of all life, despite the significant professional pushback he received from NBC and the public. - A Legacy of "Making it Better": Dungy shares the moving story of his father, Wilbur Dungy. Only at his father's funeral did Tony discover he was a Tuskegee Airman. He reflects on his father’s mantra: "If they don't want you to fly, sometimes you have to teach yourself," and how that shaped Tony's approach to coaching and civil rights. - Diversity in the NFL: A look at the 2026 coaching cycle and the systemic hurdles facing African-American coaches. Dungy breaks down why the "quarterback whisperer" prototype often excludes minority talent and how he intentionally built his own coaching tree (including Mike Tomlin and Lovie Smith) by going the extra mile in talent scouting. - The Definition of Justice: Dungy defines justice not as a "skin problem" but a "sin problem," rooted in a standard established by God rather than the fickle trends of man. - The Power of Fatherhood: The conversation concludes with the importance of fatherhood as a justice issue - passing down capital, ideals, and faith to the next generation to fight for those without a voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin. From his roots in the agricultural “Muck” of Palm Beach County to a standout NFL career, Boldin reflects on how football shaped his leadership and how personal tragedy reshaped his purpose. Boldin is the co-founder of the Players Coalition, a player-led organization working with more than 1,500 athletes, coaches, and owners to advance social justice and racial equality. He is also the founder of SPORT FOR IMPACT, helping athletes turn influence into meaningful change.  The conversation explores life in “The Muck,” the mentality of “playing angry,” early encounters with policing, and the 2015 killing of Boldin’s cousin, Corey Jones, a case that led to the first conviction of an on-duty Florida officer in 30 years. This episode examines what it means to move from the field to the fight and to pursue justice when it becomes personal. Key Takeaways: - The Quarterback Heart: Anquan recalls his days at Florida State, his transition from quarterback to wide receiver to get on the field, and the grueling recovery from his first major ACL injury. - Life in "The Muck": A look at the socioeconomic divide in Palm Beach County. Boldin explains how the forgotten agricultural region of Florida breeds a unique work ethic and a justified distrust of authority. - The "Angry" Athlete: A candid reflection on how systemic injustice manifests as "playing angry" on the field, and the lack of vocabulary many athletes have to describe the trauma they carry. - The Turning Point: The heartbreaking story of Anquan’s cousin, Corey Jones, who was killed by an undercover officer in 2015. This incident led to the first conviction of an on-duty officer in Florida in 30 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does a just society owe the men and women it sends into harm's way? In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Johnny Joey Jones, Marine Corps veteran, New York Times bestselling author, and FOX News co-host of The Big Weekend Show. In their conversation, Joey shares his journey from a small "one-horse town" in Georgia to serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the Marine Corps. After losing both legs in a combat injury in Afghanistan, Joey faced a hard reset on life. Together, Benjamin and Joey explore why responsibility is better than motivation, the danger of spoiling veterans with low expectations, and why the ultimate way to honor a service member is to expect something great from them. Key Takeaways:  - The Power of "The Hard Reset": Joey shares that his recovery was actually aided by a simultaneous life upheaval, becoming a father and entering a new relationship just as he lost his legs. Because his entire life changed at once, he didn't have a "normal" life to pine for, which helped him avoid the trap of resentment. - Motivation vs. Responsibility: While motivation is fleeting (likened to a "five-hour energy"), responsibility is a permanent driver. Joey argues that having people who depend on you is the most effective way to navigate recovery and find purpose after trauma. - Veterans are Not a Monolith: The military brings people from vastly different backgrounds and political views together. Joey emphasizes that while their bond is forged in shared hardship, veterans remain individual citizens with diverse perspectives, not a single-minded subgroup. - Respect Through Expectation: The highest form of honor we can show veterans is to expect something from them. Rather than viewing them solely as people who need to be "taken care of," we should view them as high-value assets who have a continued responsibility to contribute to their communities, churches, and workforces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices