Q Podcast

“...in no way could [the theory of evolution] replace, much less undermine, morality,” says Dr. David Lahti, Assistant Professor of Biology at Queens College, City University of New York. In this episode, Gabe has a fascinating conversation with David, covering everything from the learned behaviors of birds and what makes birds happy to why young people are leaving the church. They dive into the age-old nature-nurture debate and discuss why scientism cannot explain away morality. Tune in to hear more about Dr. Lahti’s research and the complexities he’s found at the intersection of idealism, scientism, and cultural relativism. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Lahti Lab Veery Bird Song

In this episode, Gabe interviews Dr. Rosalind Picard, a renowned scientist, inventor, engineer, and member of the faculty of MIT's Media Lab. Rosalind helps us define and understand affective computing and what role empathy, emotion, and human connection have in relation to A.I. and other technologies. They talk about the relational and ethical tensions in building technologies that people come to rely on. Rosalind also shares a powerful example of how wearable technologies can save lives.  Listen in as Gabe and Rosalind ask the tough questions around affective computing and discern whether or not we’re becoming more or less human with the help of these technologies. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Rosalind’s Ted Talk: An AI Smartwatch that Detects Seizures MIT's Media Lab Affective Computing Research Group MIT's MindHandHeart Initiative Center for Neurobiological Engineering

“…the Bible gives us a grounding for what it means for us to be human, but science can give us a bigger window into the mechanics of how we then apply that meaning on a day-to-day basis,” says psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson. In this episode, Gabe continues our Science and Faith series with Curt, discussing how God has designed our brains to function and how much this design reveals the unique nature of every human being. Curt draws neurobiological correlations to the biblical narrative, specifically about our human need for relationship in order to flourish. He shares how our lack of relationship and community caused by our cell phone and social media usage is driving the mental health crisis. Tune in to hear what Curt suggests we can do to simplify our lives and foster community, comfort and confidence in ourselves and our children. Resources:  https://curtthompsonmd.com THINQ Talk: Mental Health Practices, Curt Thompson THINQ Talk: Q&A: Mental Health + Suicide, Curt Thompson, Scott Sauls,

“In the United States, we wait for people to bottom out,” says New York Times bestselling author and psychologist Lisa Miller. But she reminds us “we were built for this,” describing how God designed and equipped us with an awakened brain made of three circuits that we can access: We are guided. We are loved and held. And we are never alone.  THINQ Co-Founder, Gabe Lyons, kicks off our special Science and Faith Series with Lisa, discussing the compelling science and data behind our human capacity for spirituality and how our brains literally become more resilient and robust as we engage in our faith and relationships. Tune in as Gabe and Lisa dig into how important this truth is for combatting suicide and mental health issues, specifically in our military and our children. You’ll learn ways to encourage and prioritize spiritual development and promote mental and physical health. Resources: The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life The Spiritual Child: The New

People seem to be waking up. Awake to God’s heart, to hope and to the possibilities that what we’ve read about in days of old could happen again. Asbury University represents a place where the veil became thin and we want to have a conversation about it and what it may mean for all of us. What God is doing in Asbury wasn’t meant to stay in Kentucky, it’s meant to permeate our families, our churches and our homes. Engage with a special edition podcast where Rebekah Lyons and Grant Skeldon discuss their inspiring and challenging experience visiting Asbury.

In this episode, Q Ideas president Gabe Lyons reflects on some of the most important moments at our events this year. As the year comes to a close, we've appreciated being able to go back, slow down, and think about some of this year's big ideas. While there are prevailing cultural narratives, as Christians we have a unique place to stand due to our access to eternal truth. May that truth sustain us as we head into the new year.  As our gift to you, watch any of these full talks in its entirety. Visit qideas.org/top10 to find them all.

Technology is forming us. Our longing for relationship makes our devices seem especially alluring, but do they give us what we long for? Moreover, who is technology inspiring us to become? Felicia Wu Song, professor at Westmont University, joins us to talk about these very questions. This episode is the last episode in our 5 part series on character and virtue. 

In one way or another, we've all experienced pieces of the loneliness epidemic in our nation. While there's a myriad of reasons we can attribute this to, professor and author Todd Hall has a keen insight. Perhaps we're in the way of our own success. We seek information when what we need is relational connection. Join us as we talk with Dr. Hall about connection, relationships, and attachment theory. This is episode 4/5 in our series on science and virtue. 

As James K.A. Smith says, "you are what you love." In a similar manner, what you pay attention to forms how you think. Justin Barrett, founder of Blueprint 1543, joins us to talk about how we think and process new ideas. What ideas do we hold that we should keep? How do we discern when we should change our mind? Dr. Barrett explains how we can create a framework for this type of thinking. This episode is part 3 of our 5 part series on science and virtue.

Polarization is at the center of many of the national and local conversations we're having. What we lack in commonality feels like a hinderence. But what if our differences could come together in a confident pluralism? John Inazu, co-editor of Uncommon Ground, tackles some of these questions in today's first part of our 5 episode series on science and virtue. Subscribe for free to John's Substack to see his recent thoughts on pluralism in America: https://johninazu.substack.com/

Barna research has shown that 42% of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year. Issues like stress, loneliness, and political divisions are driving factors in these considerations. In this tumultuous few years, pastors are needing encouragement, both personally and professionally. Josh Zeichik, director of church engagement at Focus on the Family, is looking to walk alongside pastors to do just that. 

Every smartphone will let you check your screen time. Many find the weekly reminder of the copious amounts of time spent jarring. For parents, the amount of screen time kids are consuming is even more front of mind. In this week's episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas from Daystar Counseling Ministries are joined by Erick Goss from Minno, to talk about how parents can manage their kids' screen time in a healthy and accessible way.  Learn more and try Minno for free at gominno.com.

Why has Christianity become more known for what it stands against than the love it invites people into? How did the world's greatest love story become known as a hate group?  Many of the current issues we're facing were directly addressed by the words and life of Jesus. Jason Vanderground has been working on a project called He Gets Us, where they have attempted to answer these questions. Listen in as he explains how they've been changing the script on modern evangelism.  Find out more about the project at hegetsus.com or start a free Bible reading plan on YouVersion.

In world bogged down by the 24/7 news cycle, cultivating happiness can seem like an impossible thing to do. It seems like there is always something bad happening no matter where we look. Joy Marie Clarkson, author of Aggressively Happy, shares 3 ways that she has found to begin to be a person truly content.  Use promo code QIDEAS at check out at bakerbookhouse.com for your exclusive 40% off the Aggressively Happy book.

Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about what our calling is and how we can live fully into how God created each of us uniquely. Whether you're considering a change in life or helping someone else discover their giftings, this short talk will help lay out some practical steps to moving that direction. Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, senior fellow at Barna, explains 3 practical steps to take to help discern your calling.  Learn more about You on Purpose at barna.org/youonpurpose

In this episode, Amy Sherman, director of Sagamore Institute's Center on Faith in Communities, talks about what it means to participate in God's redemptive call in every aspect of life. In this brief breakout, Sherman tells stories of hope to encourage Christians to keep fighting for the good, beautiful, true, just, prosperous, and sustainable- and why these matter. Amy Sherman's new book Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society is out now.  Get 30% off and free shipping by using code QIDEAS22 at ivpress.com. Hurry, the code expires 8/25/2022.

Whether you're looking to hire someone or be hired yourself, the process can be exhausting to find the right fit. William Vanderbloemen, founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, is the expert in staffing churches and values-based businesses. In this episode, he will offer 3 pieces of advice for those looking for the perfect candidate or those looking for a new career path. Learn more about their work at vanderbloemen.com/get-started.