• Good King Wenceslas 

    In this final Christmas episode of the year, Nate and David pour one last festive cup—pumpkin spice creamer, herbal tea, and Ethiopian roast—and turn their attention to the story behind one of the most mysterious Christmas carols: “Good King Wenceslas.” They trace the real-life history of Saint Wenceslaus of Bohemia,… Listen ⇢

    Good King Wenceslas 
  • The Advent of God Made Flesh: Beyond the Flannelgraph 

    This Advent, Nate and David go beyond the flannelgraph and rediscover the staggering mystery of the Incarnation—God Himself taking on flesh. With mugs full of blue wood aster tea and Mystic Monk coffee, they unpack what it truly means for the eternal Yahweh to step into creation as Jesus of… Listen ⇢

    The Advent of God Made Flesh: Beyond the Flannelgraph 
  • When Was Jesus Christ Really Born?

    In this third installment of the Fresh Ground Theology Advent series, Nate and David welcome Wes Scott (soon to be a regular on the show) for a wide-ranging and surprisingly data-driven discussion: when was Jesus actually born in history—not just when Christians celebrate his birth liturgically. While December 25 is… Listen ⇢

    When Was Jesus Christ Really Born?
  • St. Nick: Punch Heresy in the Face (Metaphorically)

    Beyond the mall Santa is Nicholas of Myra—a fourth-century bishop remembered for hidden generosity, bold justice, answered-prayer miracles, and a fierce defense of Christ’s divinity. Nate and David sip goldenrod tea and Mystic Monk coffee, then trace Nicholas’ story: born to wealthy Christian parents in Lycia; orphaned and generous; elected… Listen ⇢

    St. Nick: Punch Heresy in the Face (Metaphorically)
  • Advent: Waiting for the Coming King

    Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas—it’s the Church’s way of ordering time around Christ. Nate and David trace how Advent holds a double horizon: He came in humility, comes into hearts by grace, and will come again in glory. Along the way, they swap mug updates (coffee vs. very… Listen ⇢

    Advent: Waiting for the Coming King
  • When the Silence Speaks: Egoic Striving, Spiritual Stillness, and the Dark Night of the Soul

    Welcome to The Distracted Christian Podcast, hosted by Nate Labadorf. In this deeply contemplative episode, we enter the quiet terrain of Chapter 10 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross—a chapter with no clear steps, no triumphant answers, just a profound invitation: to surrender.… Listen ⇢

    When the Silence Speaks: Egoic Striving, Spiritual Stillness, and the Dark Night of the Soul
  • Depression, Anxiety, and Hope in the Church — An Interview with Pastor Ken Kirkley

    Episode Summary Today David and Nate pause their normal topical series to welcome Pastor Ken Kirkley for a candid, pastoral conversation about depression, anxiety, OCD, and mental health in the Christian life. Ken opens up about a life-altering season that began in 2002—what it felt like, how he sought help,… Listen ⇢

    Depression, Anxiety, and Hope in the Church — An Interview with Pastor Ken Kirkley
  • Into the Abyss: The Dark Night and the Death of Comfort

    Episode SummaryIn Episode 10 of The Distracted Christian Podcast, we explore one of the most profound and unsettling experiences in the Christian spiritual journey: the Dark Night of the Soul. Rooted in the writings of St. John of the Cross, this episode unpacks the painful silence of God, the stripping… Listen ⇢

    Into the Abyss: The Dark Night and the Death of Comfort
  • Sacred Communion & Spiritual Allegiance: The Eucharist vs. Pagan Sacrifice

    Episode Summary:In this rich and far-ranging conversation, Nate and David dive deeper into the spiritual mystery of the Eucharist by comparing Christian communion with both ancient and modern pagan sacrifices. What begins as a discussion of 1 Corinthians 10 becomes a theological and philosophical journey through time, space, sacrament, and… Listen ⇢

    Sacred Communion & Spiritual Allegiance: The Eucharist vs. Pagan Sacrifice

Meet the podcast host, Naomi Ellis.

Join Naomi's warm insights that turn complex biographies into relatable stories that inspire and educate the public.