Make It Simple

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 an…

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…

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 …

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 o…

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…

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…

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 J…

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 di…

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: Gentl…

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 f…

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, …

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 art…

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 se…

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 …

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.

Jerem…

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 Mounta…

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…

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…

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 loo…

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 per…