The Third Place
Brian and Lauren talk about topics related to faith in NE Ohio.
Episodes
88 episodes
Second Chances Are Worth Fighting For
What does real prison reform look like—and why should Christians care?In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Ben Chambers, Senior Director of Outreach at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Illinois, to talk about prison re...
Faithfulness in the Face of Discouragement
What does it look like to stay faithful when the work feels hard, the fruit feels slow, and discouragement starts to settle in?In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Ron and Anita Morrison of Hope Alliance Bible Church to t...
War Powers and the Constitution
Who actually has the authority to declare war—the President or Congress? And why does it feel like that line isn’t always clear?In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Mark Caleb Smith of Cedarville University—Dean of the Sc...
Your Website Is Ugly
Be honest… when was the last time you thought about your website?In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome their web designer, Jonah Swenson, to the podcast to talk about why your website matters more than you think. From first impressi...
Serving the Forgotten Moms on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration—but for many women, it’s also a painful reminder of loss.In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Erica Kurcsak from Maranatha Bible Church’s Grace and Beauty Ministry to talk about car...
The Cranky Arborist vs. The Lorax
He’s back — and somehow even crankier.Brian and Lauren are joined again by John Palmer, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (aka The Cranky Arborist), for another round of laughs, strong opinions, and actually helpful yard advice.
Is Immigration a Pro-Life Issue?
Is caring about immigration part of being pro-life?In this episode, Brian and Lauren tackle a question that’s guaranteed to spark conversation. Using an article from Relevant Magazine as a jumping-off point, they wrestle with how Christ...
To Parents, Grandparents, and Influential Adults
There is no one better positioned to mentor a teenager than the adults already in their life.In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Matt Brinkley, founder and associate director of PACT Ministry, to talk about his new book Ment...
WWJD: Flip Tables
When Jesus flipped tables in the temple, what was really going on?In this episode, Brian and Lauren dig into one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels and ask an important question: does Jesus flipping tables mean we can justify b...
You Need Marriage Therapy
Marriage therapy isn’t just for couples on the brink of divorce. In fact, many healthy marriages benefit from a regular tune-up.In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Christie Orosz from Married Life Counseling to talk about wh...
2,165 Children
There are 2,165 children in Cuyahoga County right now who need someone to show up for them in court as they navigate the foster care system.In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome CASA of Cuyahoga County (Court Appointed Special Advoc...
This One Is Dedicated to Patrick Swayze
This episode was supposed to have a topic. It really was.Instead, Brian and Lauren spend the entire time catching up with Pastor Scott and Maureen Lessing of Grace Church — and absolutely failing to stay on track.Every time they...
Taking Notes From Gen Z
In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Blake Kauffman, a Malone University student and founder of R7 Ministries, to talk about what Gen Z is actually seeking in Christianity today.There’s no shortage of opinions about “kids the...
Just Open Your Bible
What would happen if we stopped overcomplicating faith… and just opened our Bibles?In this episode, Brian and Lauren discuss a TikToker who has started a Bible reading journey and is being refreshingly honest about the experience with m...
Don’t Touch the Tools
It’s 50 degrees outside and you’re reaching for the rake… STOP. Step away from the yard tools.In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by The Cranky Arborist (John Palmer), ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, to talk about why you ...
Frozone Takes Over the Social Security Administration
What actually happens to your Social Security benefits when there’s a death in the family? Or a major change in your household?In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Rob Fenn, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security A...
BONUS: The Halftime Show That Split America
In this bonus episode, we sit down with an actual Puerto Rican Christian to get their perspective on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and the broader cultural reaction surrounding it.This conversation goes beyond hot takes. We explo...
Her Body Chose Flight
What started as a routine day turned into an unexpected physical and emotional response that Lauren didn’t see coming. Lauren and Brian take a break from their usual topics to talk about Lauren’s recent hospital experience after her son’s surge...
Greenland and Iran: Geopolitics on the Edge
What in the world is going on with Greenland… and why does Iran seem to always be one headline away from a global crisis?In this episode, Brian and Lauren sit down with Dr. Glen Duerr, Chair of History and Government and Professor of In...
Dishes Belong In the Sink
In this episode, Brian and Lauren dive into a relationship advice column that hits a little too close to home for a lot of marriages.A wife says she’s exhausted from carrying the mental load of the household — planning, remembering, org...
ADHD – Better Doers of the Word
What does ADHD look like in the life of the Church?In this episode, Brian and Lauren talk with Dr. Steve Grcevich, founder and president of Key Ministry, an organization dedicated to helping churches welcome and include families of kids...
The Cost of Your Child’s Safety
Tune into this story of one family’s commitment to loving their neighbor. Not just in word but in deed. Each of us have a neighbor near us like this, what would it take for you to do the real work of supporting them not just liking Instagram po...
I’ve Been Married 17 Years, I Don’t Want to Be Touched Anymore
It’s just Brian and Lauren in this episode, catching up on life and diving into our usual biblical debates.We tackle a bigger spiritual theme: the Bible is not a magic answer book for every life scenario. Instead, we discuss how Scriptu...