Claim OwnershipThe Common Good Podcast
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The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.
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Brian From talks with Gospel Coalition writer Sarah Zylstra about surprising signs of spiritual engagement among Gen Z. Though statistically the most secular generation, pockets of young adults are showing deeper curiosity about Christianity, filling chapels, memorizing Scripture, and pursuing serious faith. It’s a hopeful conversation about cultural shifts, quiet revival, and what this moment could mean for the future of the church.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In to break down I Can Only Imagine 2 and why its focus on marriage, illness, and everyday faith may resonate even more than the original. They also explore the growing “Chosen universe” phenomenon and whether Dallas Jenkins can sustain the momentum of one of Christian entertainment’s biggest success stories. The episode wraps with a look at the new K-pop film K-Pops! and what parents should know before sending their teens to the theater.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From reflects on encouraging financial news before reminding listeners that true security isn’t found in mortgage rates or markets, but in Christ who never fluctuates. He walks through the “money-back guarantees” of the gospel from Romans 5—peace with God, access to grace, hope, assurance, and reconciliation—celebrating the unshakable blessings believers receive in Jesus. The hour also offers pastoral encouragement on prayer, integrity in leadership, and finding God’s steady presence even in seasons of anxiety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From talks with Focus on the Family counselor Glenn Lutjens about why money can become such a flashpoint in marriage—and how couples can move from tension to teamwork. They explore practical tools like creating a “spending plan,” setting regular money conversations, teaching kids biblical financial principles, and cultivating generosity together. It’s a candid, grace-filled discussion about protecting unity, pursuing peace, and putting Christ at the center of your finances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From sits down with Mark Boone, owner of All Citizens Lending, to talk about navigating today’s confusing housing market with clarity and confidence. Mark shares how his faith shapes his approach to mortgage lending, why education—not pressure—is key for buyers, and what first-time homeowners need to know before they start shopping. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation about building wealth, stewarding finances wisely, and keeping faith, family, fitness, and financeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From wrestles with whether capital punishment belongs in the abortion debate and why a consistent pro-life ethic must extend from womb to tomb. He explores the historicity of the resurrection, asks what Christians would do if extraterrestrial life were discovered, and reflects on the difference between doubt and unbelief. Plus, a pastoral reminder that when dreams fall apart, contentment isn’t found in circumstances—but in Christ who strengthens us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From explores how churches can cultivate a truly inviting culture—starting not with programs, but with leaders who model evangelism and community themselves. He reflects candidly on lingering bitterness from personal hardship, the character revealed in everyday moments (like how we treat a waiter), and the spiritual discipline of persistent prayer. The hour closes with a powerful challenge: if chasing happiness leaves us empty, what happens when we chase Christ instead?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From reflects on the spectacle of the State of the Union, the sobering four-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, and the unifying power of Olympic gold. He challenges the church to resist celebrity culture, reject political labels attached to Christianity, and pursue true unity rooted in Christ alone. The hour closes with a powerful question: would heaven still be heaven if Jesus weren’t there?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From talks with Jon Jorgenson, associate pastor of Soul City Church, about his unexpected journey from acting and musical theater to pastoral ministry. Jon shares how authentic community, discipleship, and a hunger for God’s presence shaped both his calling and the culture of Soul City in Chicago’s West Loop. Together they reflect on what God is doing in the city today—highlighting a growing desire not for celebrity Christianity, but for real encounter and transformed lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From reflects on the joy of a classic snow day, celebrates Team USA’s Winter Olympic success, and wrestles with a cultural shift toward radical self-focus and independence. He shares a moving meditation on Christian funerals after attending the service of a young mother, exploring how believers hold grief and resurrection hope in tension. Brian also challenges listeners to break out of the “Christian bubble,” embrace their God-given calling like Bezalel, and live on mission with clarity, courage, and kingdom purpose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From talks with Bill Arbuckle of Focus on the Family about practical ways couples can strengthen their marriages in the year ahead. From responding to small “bids for connection” to prioritizing regular date nights and addressing deeper wounds with forgiveness and support, Bill shares simple but powerful habits that build lasting intimacy. The conversation also tackles the rise of “gray divorce” and reminds listeners that healthy marriages require ongoing intentionality, no matter how many years you’ve been together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From talks with Pastor Greg Armstrong of Renew Church in downtown Westmont about the journey from seven people in a living room to a thriving neighborhood congregation. Greg shares the highs and lows of church planting, the lessons learned through perseverance and the pandemic, and why they see themselves as joining God’s ongoing story in their community. The conversation highlights Renew’s intentional commitment to multi-ethnic ministry, reconciliation, and practical outreach—demonstrating how the gospel can shape both a church and a neighborhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From talks with author and counselor Ed Welch about his new book The Humility Project for Men. Together they explore why humility is often misunderstood as weakness, how pride shows up as insecurity and self-protection, and why true strength begins with listening to God. Ed offers practical, gospel-centered steps for cultivating humility—reminding men that real honor and contentment are found not in power, but in dependence on Christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From explores a creative twist on retirement after a Tennessee couple trades traditional living for life aboard cruise ships—raising bigger questions about money, calling, and contentment. He reflects on troubling headlines and cultural darkness, then turns to the inspiring faith of former Senator Ben Sasse as he faces terminal cancer with gospel-centered hope. From AI-driven career uncertainty to Colossians 3’s call to set our minds on things above, Brian reminds listeners that while the world shifts and shakes, Christ remains the steady anchor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this Ash Wednesday edition of The Common Good, Brian From reflects on the meaning of Lent and why repentance, mortality, and preparation matter as we journey toward Easter. He tackles everything from political cruelty and cultural confusion to the power of Scripture, the need for play and rest, and how to share truth in a “live your truth” world. Through it all, Brian points listeners back to the same foundation: in a chaotic culture and a troubled world, our hope, perspective, and identity are found in Christ alone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From reflects on what it truly means to live as an ambassador of Christ and how intentional spiritual growth shapes both our witness and our character. He explores the “10,000 hours” principle, asks whether struggling Christians should abstain from communion, and considers the reality of spiritual warfare in light of Christ’s victory. From cultural debates about longevity and legacy to the eternal hope found in Jesus, Brian calls listeners to live with confidence, purpose, and gospel-centered perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this Presidents Day edition of The Common Good, Brian Fromm shares surprising facts about the holiday, reflects on government dysfunction, and explores what a stunning Olympic collapse reveals about pressure and identity. He unpacks new research suggesting that worrying about aging may actually accelerate it, and challenges listeners to consider how anxiety, burnout, and misplaced hope shape our lives. Throughout the hour, Brian calls listeners back to a deeper foundation—an identity rooted in Christ rather than performance, politics, or public opinion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From is joined by Dr. Peter Larson of WinShape Marriage to talk about why dating your spouse shouldn’t stop after the wedding day. They unpack practical, doable guidelines—from putting dates on the calendar and unplugging from technology to focusing on progress over perfection—that can help couples stay connected in the midst of busy family life. The conversation offers a hopeful reminder that intentional, consistent pursuit can keep marriages from drifting into roommate status and instead cultivate lasting intimacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In to break down this week’s entertainment headlines, from Steph Curry’s animated sports comedy GOAT to a surprisingly explicit new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. They also discuss the violent, spiritually murky animated film Scarlet and what parents should know before heading to the theater. The conversation wraps with reflections on Super Bowl commercials, cultural shifts, and a nostalgic (and surprisingly tame) Def Leppard concert in Las Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian From reflects on Olympic downhill skiers hurtling down the mountain at 70 miles an hour and challenges listeners to consider where God may be calling them to step out in bold faith rather than timid caution. From a false school alarm that exposed how little control we truly have, to a personal wrestling with bitterness and forgiveness, Brian explores what it means to trust the Lord in uncertain and painful seasons. The episode closes with a reminder from Mary and Martha and the story of the prodigal son that spiritual disciplines don’t save us—Christ does—and the foundation of it all is receiving His agape love before trying to do anything for Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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