The Weekend Cup: Saint Boniface Part 4
Martyrdom and Legacy In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we conclude our series on Saint Boniface by reflecting on his final missionary journey and his death at the hands of pagan raiders. We examine the enduring legacy he left behind and consider how his life serves as a reminder that the advance of […]
EP: DC2.4 — The Dark Night of the Will | Fresh Ground Theology
Nate opens this episode in the dark — literally. A wanderer, a treacherous boy named Liron, a whale carcass on a frozen marsh, and a burning ember pressed into a man’s chest by a king who trades in counterfeit fire. The story sets the stage for what Saint John of the Cross calls the pinnacle […]
The Weekend Cup: Saint Boniface Part 3
Reforming the Church and Building Christendom In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we explore Saint Boniface’s efforts to reform the churches of Frankish Europe and establish a lasting Christian witness among the Germanic peoples. We discuss his work with kings and bishops, the founding of monasteries and dioceses, and the importance of spiritual […]
Rivals to the Kingdom of YHWH 01: The Serpent, the Watchers, and the Divine Council
Episode Summary Nate, David, and Wes kick off a new series — Rivals to the Kingdom of Yahweh — exploring the supernatural worldview embedded throughout Scripture. From the serpent in Eden to the fallen Watchers of Genesis 6, from the Divine Council of Psalm 82 to Paul’s “rulers and authorities,” the hosts trace a remarkably […]
The Weekend Cup: Saint Boniface Part 2
Donar’s Oak In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we continue our look at Saint Boniface by examining one of the most famous confrontations in church history—the felling of the Donar’s Oak (Oak of Thor). More than a dramatic act of courage, Boniface’s challenge to paganism represented a declaration that Christ reigns above every […]
When Divine Light Feels Like Darkness | St. John of the Cross, Book 2, Chapters 5–6
The Distracted Christian, with Nate LabadorfA production of Fresh Ground Theology What if God’s silence is not His absence, but His nearness in a form the soul cannot yet bear? In this episode of The Distracted Christian, Nate explores Book 2, Chapters 5–6 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the […]
The Weekend Cup: Saint Boniface Part 1
The Missionary to Germania In this week’s episode of The Weekend Cup, we sit down with our coffee and journey into the early eighth century to meet Saint Boniface, the English missionary who would become known as the Apostle to the Germans. We explore the spiritual landscape of pagan Germania, Boniface’s call to missionary work, […]
Fire-Baptized Holiness Church Part 3 — Camp Meetings, Collapse, and Legacy
In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David, Wes, and Nate continue their dive into the explosive world of late nineteenth-century American revivalism by focusing on one of the most intense expressions of the Holiness Movement: the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church. Founded in 1895 by Benjamin Hardin Irwin, the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church burned bright and fast. […]
The Dark Night of the Spirit — When God Loves Through Dryness
In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Nate continues a contemplative journey through Saint John of the Cross and the deeper work of God in the soul. The episode opens with a fictional scene: the “quiet one” sits in a cold cottage after years of silence, stripped of the fire and sweetness he once […]
Fire-Baptized Holiness Church, Part 2 — Dynamite, Fire, and Holy War
In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate, David, and Wes return for part two of their conversation on the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas — a short-lived but deeply influential Holiness movement that helped prepare the ground for global Pentecostalism. After a coffee-fueled opening involving John the Baptist, Folgers, cowboy coffee, […]
The Dark Night of the Spirit Begins | Book 2, Ch. 1–2
Episode Summary After the first cleansing, the soul breathes easier. Prayer flows. God feels close. But Saint John of the Cross warns: this brightness is not the finish line — it may be the edge of a deeper darkness. We open Book 2 of The Dark Night of the Soul and explore why God leads […]
The Fire Baptized Holiness Movement — Origins & Vision (Part 1)
Episode Summary Three guys, three mugs, and one of the most wild and fascinating corners of American church history. This episode dives into the Fire Baptized Holiness Movement — a late nineteenth century revival that preached not just salvation, not just sanctification, but a third blessing: a baptism of fire. Started by a former Nebraska […]
The Dark Night of Sense | Book 1 Wrap-Up — St. John of the Cross
The Distracted Christian, with Nate Labadorf Episode Summary If your prayer life has gone quiet — no feelings, no fire, no sense of God’s presence — this episode is for you. We wrap up Book 1 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross and explore why God strips away […]
Demons, Darkness, and the Kingdom of God
In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate continue their discussion of spiritual warfare, this time focusing on the New Testament. They explore how Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection confront the powers of darkness, how the Holy Spirit empowers believers in the ongoing conflict, and what spiritual warfare looks like in the ordinary […]
Behemoth and Leviathan — Real Creatures, Real Glory
In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Wes Scott dives into one of the strangest and most fascinating sections of the book of Job: God’s descriptions of Behemoth and Leviathan in Job 40–41. Wes opens with his love for mysterious creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and even South Carolina’s infamous Lizard Man, […]
Spiritual Warfare Isn’t What You Think
In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate dig into the Old Testament foundations of spiritual warfare. Instead of treating spiritual warfare as merely personal struggle or sensational conflict, they frame it as a cosmic, covenantal reality centered on Yahweh’s kingship, the divine council, holy war, and the empowering work of the Spirit. […]
Long Winded Preachers
In this episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Wes Scott continues the series “Strange Passages: Their Meanings and Applications” by looking at Nehemiah 8 and asking a convicting question: Why does a four-hour public reading of Scripture sound crazy to us? Through a mix of humor, personal stories, and pastoral reflection, this episode explores the […]
The “Big Four” Spiritual Gifts
Episode Title: The “Big Four” Spiritual Gifts: Tongues, Prophecy, Healing, and Discernment of Spirits What if the most controversial spiritual gifts are also some of the most misunderstood? In FGT18, Nate and David step directly into the deep end: tongues, prophecy, healing, and discernment of spirits—the “flashy” gifts that spark revivals, arguments, fear, curiosity, and […]
What’s Dirt Got to Do With It?
In this “Strange Passages: Their Meanings and Applications” installment, guest host Wes Scott tackles a surprisingly theological question: what does dirt have to do with worship? Using 2 Kings 5:15–19, Wes explores why Naaman—a Syrian commander healed of leprosy—asks for two mule-loads of Israelite soil to take home. The discussion frames Naaman’s request through cosmic […]
The Spirit and the Kingdom
Episode Title: The Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God: Already Here, Not Yet Complete What if the Kingdom of God isn’t just a future destination—or a vague spiritual feeling—but a present reality breaking into the world right now? In FGT17, David and Nate continue their series on the Holy Spirit by tackling one of […]
Strange Passages: Saul, the Medium of Endor, and the Silence of God
Guest host: Wes Scott Series: Strange Passages — Their Meaning and Applications Primary text: 1 Samuel 28:1–19 When God is silent, Saul turns to the Medium of Endor. Explore 1 Samuel 28, the spiritual realm, and how Christians should seek God biblically. In this “Strange Passages” episode, Wes Scott walks through 1 Samuel 28:1–19—the unsettling […]
Is Your View of God Shaped by Your Childhood?
Episode Title: Is Your View of God Shaped by Your Childhood? Attachment Theory, the Holy Spirit, and Healing the Heart What if your relationship with God isn’t just about doctrine, obedience, or spiritual gifts…What if it’s also shaped by your earliest experiences of love, safety, and abandonment? In FGT16, Nate and David step into one […]
Ruth 3 Explained: The Strange Bible Passage That Reveals God’s Bigger Plan
What happens when the Bible gets weird—and why does it matter more than we think? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Distracted Christian Podcast, special guest host Wes Scott dives deep into Ruth 3:1–11, one of the most misunderstood and strangely fascinating passages in the Old Testament. This episode is part of the […]
What Are Spiritual Gifts Really For
Episode theme: Spiritual gifts aren’t about finding your thing. They’re about building the church—in love, order, and truth. What if discovering your spiritual gifts isn’t a personality test…What if it’s not about power, prestige, or platforms…What if the question isn’t “What’s my gift?” but “Who am I called to serve?” In FGT15, Nate and David […]
Praying People from Point A to Point B
What if your small group’s biggest problem isn’t the discussion… but the fact that nobody is actually moving? Most groups don’t fall apart because the theology is wrong. They stall because hearts stay stuck: anxious, distracted, guarded, isolated. And week after week, people leave the same way they arrived. This lesson is a hard reset. […]
Spiritual Gifts Aren’t for You
Episode theme: Spiritual gifts are not party tricks. They are relational bridges—between God and His people, and within the Church. If you have ever wondered why spiritual gifts are so controversial—why some chase them, others fear them, and many quietly ignore them—this episode is aimed directly at that tension. Nate and David move from Pentecost […]
The Left-Handed Assassin (Judges 3:15–30)
What do you do with a Bible story that sounds like it belongs in an action movie—complete with assassination, deception, and a king’s humiliating downfall? In this episode, guest host Wes Scott dives into one of the wildest scenes in Judges: Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, delivers Israel by taking out Eglon king of Moab in […]
Does the Spirit Work in Neurology?
Episode theme: Knowing the Holy Spirit as a Person—and why your brain might be part of the story. Coffee is poured. Tea drinkers are jokingly labeled “monsters.” And then the conversation turns unexpectedly deep: What if the Holy Spirit’s nearness isn’t only something you “think,” but something you experience—in breath, body, attention, and inner stillness? […]
Twelve Stones & the Forgotten Generation
In this first solo episode of his “Weird Passages of the Bible” series, guest host Wes Scott explores the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3:14–4:24 — a story that mirrors the parting of the Red Sea and even echoes back to creation itself. As the Israelites step onto dry ground, God commands […]
Breath, Wind, Fire: The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
What does it mean to encounter the Spirit of God in the pages of the Old Testament? In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate explore the Hebrew word ruach—translated as breath, wind, or spirit—and how it reveals the dynamic, personal, and life-giving presence of God from Genesis through the Prophets. SoFrom the […]
From Truck Day to Tanakh: Introducing Wes Scott
Today’s episode marks a new chapter in The Distracted Christian. While Nate continues writing Part Two of “The Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross, the show shifts gears into a more conversational season — bringing in guest co-host Wes Scott, a longtime friend, theologian, and minister, to help carry the […]
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
On this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David dive deep into one of the most profound and often overlooked questions of Christian faith: Who is the Holy Spirit? Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch, commuting to work, or unwinding at the end of the day, this conversation invites you to slow down, […]
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, the 10th-century Christian ruler whose […]
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 Nazareth. They trace the biblical […]
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 the Church’s traditional celebration, Wes […]
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 bishop; and famed for anonymous […]
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 bitter herbal “medicine”), talk about […]
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. This episode is for those […]
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, why he now advocates for […]
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 away of spiritual comfort, and […]
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 spiritual warfare. From temple feasts […]
The Twin Shadows—Spiritual Envy and Sloth
Introduction: Envy at the Edge of EdenThere’s a moment in Paradise Lost when Satan stands at the edge of paradise, peering into its perfect order—not with longing or admiration, but with something darker. He doesn’t desire goodness; he resents it. He sees beauty, harmony, and divine love, and snarls, “Better to reign in Hell than […]
The Sacred Table, the Pagan Circle: Exploring Eucharist and Modern Pagan Rituals
Episode Summary:In Episode 9 of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David continue their thoughtful and reverent exploration of the Eucharist—this time by drawing unexpected comparisons between Christian communion and modern pagan ritual practices. But this isn’t a takedown—it’s a dialogue. With clarity, humility, and grace, the hosts examine how Wiccan and Neo-Druidic traditions engage in […]
Spiritual Gluttony – When Hunger for God Becomes a Distraction
Episode SummaryWhat happens when our appetite for spiritual experiences outweighs our hunger for God Himself? In this episode, Nate Labadorf takes listeners on a surprising and convicting journey through the concept of spiritual gluttony—a term borrowed from St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul, but one that hits close to home for […]
The Eucharist in Context: Sacrifice, Hope, and Sacred Meals
Episode Summary:In this episode, Nate and David continue their exploration of the Eucharist by widening the lens—pulling in insights from ancient sacrifice, communal meals, modern church practices, and even pagan rituals. From Corinth to Greenville, sacred meals have always carried meaning beyond mere food. This installment asks the deeper questions: What does communion actually do? […]
The Fire Within – Anger on the Spiritual Path
Episode SummaryIn this powerful and timely episode, Nate Labadorf takes listeners deep into the emotion that most Christians would rather ignore—anger. Whether it’s frustration with unanswered prayers, disappointment in ourselves, or resentment toward others, anger has a way of sneaking into even the most devoted spiritual lives. This episode explores how anger—far from being a […]
Communion & the Corinthian Crisis: Paul’s Theology of the Table
Episode Summary:This week, Nate and David return to their multi-part series on the Eucharist, diving deep into the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11. What did Paul mean when he said, “I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you”? And what does it mean to “partake in an unworthy manner”? […]
The Shadow Side of Joy – The Chase of Spiritual Luxury
Episode SummaryIn this revealing episode, host Nate Labadorf explores a hidden struggle in the Christian life: the temptation to pursue spiritual feelings instead of pursuing God Himself. Drawing from Chapter IV of Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross, Nate guides us into the subtle but dangerous habit of seeking joy, […]
The Eucharist: Presence, Tradition & Mystery
In this first episode of a new multi-part series, Nate and David begin their exploration of the Holy Eucharist—also known as communion or the Lord’s Supper—and the diverse Christian perspectives surrounding it. They clarify their aim: not to declare a single “right” view, but to present the theological landscape and encourage thoughtful engagement with the […]
The High Cost of Spiritual Highs – The Dangers of Spiritual Greed
Episode SummaryIn this deeply reflective episode, host Nate Labadorf guides listeners into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation about spiritual greed—the quiet temptation to chase experiences, feelings, and objects in the name of devotion, while unknowingly drifting away from God Himself. Drawing from the writings of St. John of the Cross, Nate opens up about how […]
The Boniface Option: A Book Review, a Challenge, and a Conversation Worth Having
Episode Summary:In this special edition of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David take a detour from their regular theological deep dives to explore a thought-provoking, and at times troubling, book: The Boniface Option: A Strategy for Christian Counteroffensive in a Post-Christian Nation by Andrew Isker. What begins as a potentially compelling framework built around the […]
The Subtle Snare: Battling Spiritual Pride
Episode Overview:In Episode 4 of The Distracted Christian Podcast, host Nate Labadorf tackles one of the most uncomfortable—but essential—truths of the spiritual journey: spiritual pride. Often hidden in plain sight, spiritual pride masquerades as maturity, discipline, and even holiness. But as St. John of the Cross warns in The Dark Night of the Soul, this […]
Blessing Restored: The Abrahamic Covenant and the Reversal of the Curse
Episode Summary:In this powerful installment of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David bring the story full circle—from the curse in Eden to the hope found in Abraham’s blessing. What begins as divine restraint in Genesis 3 finds its counterpoint in Genesis 12, as God calls Abraham and sets a plan in motion to restore the […]
The Night of Sense: Unlearning Comfort, Discovering God
Episode Overview:In Episode 3 of The Distracted Christian Podcast, host Nate Labadorf explores the next phase of the Dark Night of the Soul: The Night of Sense—a sacred yet unsettling season in which God lovingly removes our emotional and sensory comforts to lead us toward deeper intimacy with Him. With honesty, biblical insight, and spiritual […]
The Curse and the Kingdom: Divine Restraint, Human Rebellion, and Cosmic Consequences
Episode Summary:In Episode 3 of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David return to Genesis—this time focusing on Genesis 3 and the profound ripple effects of the Fall. But this isn’t just a story about punishment—it’s a conversation about divine restraint, cosmic conflict, and the mercy of God in the midst of human rebellion. Was the […]
Shadows and Light: The Journey Through the Dark Night of the Soul
Episode Overview:In this second episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, host Nate Labadorf continues our contemplative exploration of The Dark Night of the Soul, moving beyond the introduction into the heart of its spiritual mystery and practical reality. This episode is a soul-deep invitation to rethink how we interpret silence, struggle, and the seasons when […]
In His Image: Blessings, Curses, and Humanity’s Divine Calling
Episode Summary:In Episode 2 of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David explore one of the most foundational—and misunderstood—concepts in the Bible: the image of God. What does it really mean to be made in God’s image? How is this connected to humanity’s purpose, identity, and authority in creation? And what role do blessings and curses […]
Shadows and Light: The Journey Through the Dark Night of the Soul
Episode Summary: What happens when God feels distant—so silent that even prayer becomes unbearable? In this powerful first episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Nate Labadorf invites listeners into a raw, vulnerable, and transformative journey through what Christian mystic St. John of the Cross called the Dark Night of the Soul. This isn’t a theology […]
FGT01 Reboot: Brewing Deep Faith in a Shallow World
Episode Summary In this premiere reboot episode of Fresh Ground Theology, hosts Nate and David invite listeners into a warm, reflective space where faith is brewed slow, rich, and bold—like a good black cup of coffee. This isn’t your typical Christian podcast. It’s not about easy answers or surface-level theology. It’s about sacred conversations that […]