Make It Simple
Matt Popovits and Rachel Ryder take complicated issues and break them down into ideas we can understand, truths we can apply, and questions worth pondering--and they do it all through the lens of faith.
With thought-provoking insights and engaging conversations, they explore everything from parenting and anxiety to racism, gender identity, the Enneagram, politics, and more.
Episodes
75 episodes
How to Pray with Tanner Olson
For the last episode of Season 9, Matt and Rachel welcome back their friend Tanner Olson to talk about his new book All the Things I Say to God. They discuss prayer and our tendencies to overthink and over-complicate what comes down to...
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43:27
Changing Your Mind
In this episode of "Make It Simple," Rachel and Matt explore the concept of changing one's mind as adults, noting how challenging it can be. They discuss personal examples of shifting perspectives on things like food, politics, and pop culture,...
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Season 9
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Episode 8
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40:37
Understanding Trauma
This week Rachel and Matt explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between significant and everyday hurts that create emotional wounds. They discuss the importance of acknowledging these wounds without letting them define us, advocating fo...
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40:17
Making Marriage Work
This week, join Matt and Rachel as they share their personal experiences and practical insights on marriage, moving beyond simple advice. Discover the power of being "alone together," the necessity of forgiveness, and Matt's 4 essentials for ma...
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38:27
The "Good" Life
In this episode of Make It Simple, Rachel and Matt dive into what truly makes for a "good life," drawing insights from a decades-long Harvard study. Forget the idea of an easy, problem-free existence – they explore how meaningful relationships ...
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34:39
Parenting Teenagers
This week, Rachel and Matt discuss the challenges and importance of parenting teenagers. They reflect on their own teenage years and then delve into the significant developmental stage of adolescence, particularly regarding identity formation a...
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41:01
Discipleship
This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the often-misunderstood concept of discipleship, arguing it's fundamentally about a daily relationship "with God" rather than actions "for God." Drawing from Skye Jethani's book "With," they emphasize that dis...
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39:01
Children in Media
In this episode, Rachel and Matt talk about shows we've grown up with and their child stars, and examine how we feel about children in media, given how our culture treats celebrities. Given recent discussions around children's roles in social m...
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Season 9
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Episode 2
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41:46
The Person of Jesus
In this episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the person of Jesus- not the idea of Jesus, the work of Jesus, or even the deity of Jesus. Who is he as a person?Things referenced in this episode:Book:
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Season 9
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Episode 1
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40:55
Junk Drawer Jesus Wrap Up with Chad Lakies
This week, we invite Chad Lakies back to help us finish our Junk Drawer Jesus series and talk about how to move forward as believers in today’s culture.Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies is the regional director for North America at Lutheran ...
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Season 8
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Episode 9
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39:22
The Centrality of Idolatry with Chad Bird
This week, Chad Bird returns to discuss Idolatry, its large role in our lives, and what we can do about it.Chad is an author and a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament an...
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33:23
The Shallowness of Happiness with Frank Hart
Frank Hart is back on the podcast this week to talk with Matt and Rachel about happiness and its role in our lives.Frank Hart is the Pastor of NewChurch in Katy, Texas. He is an author, recording artist, frontman for Atomic Op...
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44:41
On Pietist and Party Animals with Bob Hiller
This week, we welcome Bob Hiller to discuss Chapter 6, “On Pietists and Party Animals,” and our tendency as believers to swing between legalism and throwing it all out the window.Bob Hiller is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Chur...
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Season 8
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Episode 7
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34:32
How God Speaks with Tanner Olson
This week, we welcome back our good friend Tanner Olson to talk about How God Speaks to us in today’s world.Tanner Olson is an author, speaker, poet and the founder of Written to Speak which aims to spread hope and announce lo...
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34:19
The Why of Work with Jeremy Ryder
This week, we welcome a special guest, Matt’s good friend and Rachel’s husband, Jeremy Ryder, to discuss Chapter 4: "The Why of Work" and finding balance with this significant part of our lives.Jeremy has worked with many large organizat...
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Season 8
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Episode 4
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36:19
Of Mountains and Measurements with Erick Sorensen
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome Erick Sorensen to talk about Chapter 3: "Of Mountains and Measurements" and wh...
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Season 8
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Episode 3
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37:09
The Myth of the Cosmic Scale with Jared Wilson
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome Jared Wilson to talk about Chapter 2: "The Myth of the Cosmic Scale" and how t...
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Season 8
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Episode 2
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39:44
The Spiritual Junk Drawer with David Zahl (JDJ Book series)
In this special season of Make It Simple, we're having conversations with friends all about Matt's new book, Junk Drawer Jesus.This week, we welcome David Zahl to talk about Chapter 1: "The Spiritual Junk Drawer," and discuss w...
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Season 8
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Episode 1
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33:39
Finishing Well with John Busacker
This week, the podcast welcomes John Busacker for our season finale episode, where we discuss what it means to finish things well in all aspects of life. John shares wisdom to be considered as we look at what it means to move through life with ...
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Season 7
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Episode 9
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56:44
Christian Nationalism with Dr. Jordan Cooper
Dr. Jordan Cooper joins the podcast to help us break down and understand Christian nationalism and share wisdom about living as a believer and a citizen. It’s a meaningful conversation with a new perspective on political responsibility.
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1:01:12
The Power of Storytelling with Joshua Salzberg
This week, Matt and Rachel welcome screenwriter and filmmaker Joshua Salzberg, who shares about the power found in storytelling. He shares how stories help change and shape us, and often, leads us to great empathy. It’s a very fun episode, ...
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1:02:35
Hopeful Lament with Terra McDaniel
Terra McDaniel joins the podcast this week and brings a new perspective on grief. She shares how many people don’t know how to process mourning and instead struggle to honor their tears, vulnerability, and the full weight of these disillusionin...
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48:18
Care for Special Needs Families with Elrena Evans
Elrena Evans joins the podcast this week to share her experience as part of a family with special needs. She beautifully shares her story and what inspired her to write a book of prayers for when you don't have the words, and she gives us pract...
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43:50
Perfectionism with Michelle Thompson
This week, Michelle Thompson is back with Matt & Rachel to discuss perfectionism and shame and shows us grief and acceptance are the pathways to growth. As always, Michelle brings wisdom, warmth, and lighthearted grace to the conversation.&...
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Season 7
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Episode 4
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59:41
The Importance of Comedy with Steve Theiss
This week, Steve Theiss joins Matt and Rachel to share about the art and craft of comedy. Steve shares insights into the importance of comedy, making people laugh, and the creative process behind humor. Listeners can gain a deeper understanding...
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Season 7
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Episode 3
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55:36