GEORGE FOX TALKS

Brian and George Fox University CIO James Gurganus respond to YOUR questions about AI and faith! How is AI shaping career prospects for new graduates? How might AI that provides 'frictionless' companionship and instant emotional validation impact our spiritual growth? If a machine can think, work, and love, what’s left that makes humans special to God? Don’t miss a rousing discussion on these and other questions from two of the university’s top AI integration experts.Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlJames Gurganus is the Chief Information Officer for George Fox University: https://nwacc.org/person/james-gurganus/The DELTA Framework from the University of Notre Dame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_tQ-5njGhV0If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Professor and social worker Steffanie Altenbern joins Brian on an expedition through the “maze” of healthcare in the United States, a system they argue has become too complicated for the average person to navigate without help. Join us as we explore the reasons why, the impact on patients and providers, and some practical steps we can take to get the care we need. Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlStand up comedy bit on American healthcare: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIclMKPyTuS “Uncompensated care crisis”: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/oct/expiring-premium-tax-credits-lead-340000-jobs-lost-2026https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-what-to-watch-in-2026/“Healthcare anxiety”:https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-health-care-costs-expiring-aca-tax-credits-and-the-2026-midterms/“Rural Care Deserts”:https://www.aha.org/environmentalscan“Alorithm Bias”:https://naacp.org/resources/building-healthier-future-designing-ai-health-equityhttps://dhinsights.org/news/naacp-releases-blueprint-to-tackle-bias-in-healthcare-aiIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Can physics explain the soul? Is AI building a silicon god? Should Christians be open to merging their brains with the cloud or using AI to “resurrect” a loved one? Brian and philosophy professor Isaac Choi explore these and other questions at the intersection of faith, science, and futurism.Check out The Singularity is Near by Ray Kurzweil: https://www.singularity.com/Dr. Isaac Choi directs the George Fox University Honors Program: https://www.georgefox.edu/honors-program/faculty-pages/isaac-choi.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

News of beloved author Philip Yancey’s years-long affair with a married woman sparks a tough but worthwhile conversation between Brian and theologian Lindsey Hankins. From initial grief and accountability to the ultimate legacy of their work, join us as we explore what to do when a Christian public figure we trust and respect experiences a fall from grace.Christianity Today article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/author-philip-yancey-confesses-affair-withdraws-from-ministry/The Dunning-Kruger Effect: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/dunning-kruger-effectDr. Lindsey Hankins is the Director of the School of Humanities and Assistant Professor of Theology at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/hankins.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Tune in to hear Brian Doak and LA pastor Jennifer Toledo cover justice, diversity, immigration policy, and more. What does a unified, bi-partisan approach to these issues look like in the Church? Is it possible for Christians to rise above political differences and live the “undiluted gospel?” And why is it so important that we really include kids in how we do church?Jennifer Toledo is a pastor, author, speaker, and strategist; a leading voice for the theology of justice, the undiluted gospel, and the place of children in the church today.Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor.Leviticus 19:14: “You shall not curse a person who is deaf, nor put a stumbling block before a person who is blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the Lord.”If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Christian hip hop artist and author Propaganda talks with Brian Doak & Jason Fileta about what really matters for Christians in this moment: human dignity. Is Gen X the last generation with street smarts? Why are men struggling so hard in our culture? And how can we think about passing on what really matters from one generation to the next?Propaganda is a rapper, poet, and author born and raised in Los Angeles. Check out his book Terraform: https://www.prophiphop.com/bookListen to a tune from Prop’s latest album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U593BIvGa4Jason Fileta is a Christian activist and Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence at George Fox University: https://www.bread.org/bio/jason-fileta/Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Philosopher Meghan Sullivan says there’s only one basis for love: human dignity. Tune in as she presents a powerful study on Jesus’ philosophy of love—revealed through his famous thought experiment, The Good Samaritan. Could this ancient parable hold the key to transcending our social and political identities, so that we can love literally everyone?Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teacher at the University of Notre Dame, where she is professor of philosophy: https://ethics.nd.edu/people/meghan-sullivan/Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlInstitute for Ethics and the Common Good: https://ethics.nd.edu/Opening ND Summit Keynote on the DELTA Framework: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_tQ-5njGhV0Love and Social Transformation: Empowering Scholars and Social Innovators to Develop the Love Ethic: https://ethics.nd.edu/labs-and-centers/jenkins-center-for-virtue-ethics/the-love-ethic-network/If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Tune in for a public discussion on a Christian response to the AI revolution. Is it possible for a Christian to be a “doomer” while maintaining genuine faith & hope? As AI models increasingly outperform humans in many areas of work, what distinguishes people as uniquely valuable? How can Christians avoid social obsolescence while remaining thoughtful about how we use technology? All this and more from Meghan Sullivan, Andy Crouch, Tyler Staton, Isaac Choi, and Brian Doak.Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teacher at the University of Notre Dame, where she is professor of philosophy: https://ethics.nd.edu/people/meghan-sullivan/Andy Crouch is a well known author, speaker, and partner for theology and culture at Praxis, a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive entrepreneurship: https://andy-crouch.com/Tyler Staton is the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon: https://bridgetown.church/Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

"We've cultivated a way of being in the world that eliminates quiet, stillness, and inactivity." Tyler Staton proposes a return to the ancient Christian practice of solitude to combat the rampant busyness and inattention that characterize the modern life. Tyler Staton is the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon: https://bridgetown.church/He's also the author of three books: https://www.tylerstaton.com/If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Old Testament scholar Brian Doak talks with author & speaker Andy Crouch 17 years after the release of Crouch’s popular book, Culture Making. What exactly does the word “culture” mean, and are Christians supposed to contribute to it? What is the fastest way for a Christian to make a million dollars today? Where does the term “Mainline” Christian come from? (It’s not what you think).Andy Crouch is a well known author, speaker, and partner for theology and culture at Praxis, a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive entrepreneurship.Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor.Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series.The Chosen TV series.Listen to The Brilliance.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Can we have a normal conversation about AI? Brian talks with Meghan Sullivan about the effect of rapidly advancing technology on human dignity and our understanding of the imago Dei. Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor.Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teacher at the University of Notre Dame, where she is professor of philosophy.Check out the opening ND Summit Keynote on the DELTA Framework and the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good.New York Times article: Finding God in the App StoreIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Erika talks with medical doctor Miles Hassell about taking ownership of your own health. Through thoughtful eating and by giving your palate a chance to develop an appreciation for the richness of available food, you can have a transformative impact on the quality of your life and your body’s ability to resist disease.Dr. Miles Hassell is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of GreatMed.org and co-author of Good Food Great Medicine, now in its 4th edition.Check out the podcast Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor with Miles.Dr. Erika Barber teaches in George Fox University’s physician assistant program and holds board certification in internal medicine and geriatrics.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Erika Barber sits down with Erika McCarthy, physician assistant and professor, to explore one of the most pressing questions in healthcare today: Faith vs. Science — can they truly coexist in medicine?This conversation is for anyone curious about the intersection of faith, ethics, and modern medicine: How does grief shape the way medical providers care for patients? What role does hope play in healing? Should spiritual perspectives influence medical education and clinical practice? And what does it look like for healthcare providers to care for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit?Together, they share personal stories of loss, moments of hope, and the ways their Christian faith continues to shape their approach to medicine, education, and patient care.Erika McCarthy is an Assistant Professor of Medical Science at George Fox University. Dr. Erika Barber teaches in George Fox University’s physician assistant program and holds board certification in internal medicine and geriatrics.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Erika Barber talks with Kara & Mark Johnson, local fitness & movement legends, about an active lifestyle. This conversation is for those who grew up moving regularly and for those who have never seen themselves as athletic: What are the best motivators for consistent physical activity? How can a shift in self perception aid in recovery from injury? Is there a right way to think about the relationship between fitness & the way we look?Kara Johnson is a co-owner and instructor at Level Up Cycle and Fitness in Newberg, OR.Mark Johnson coaches high school basketball and teaches at Newberg High School.Dr. Erika Barber teaches in George Fox University’s physician assistant program and holds board certification in internal medicine and geriatrics.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

*Michael went to be with the Lord on 10 January 2026, and his funeral mass was held on 24 January 2026. Dr. Erika Barber talks with Michael Hayes about living & continuing in faith as a regular patient of healthcare professionals. Michael is a George Fox University sophomore who was born with Jeune Syndrome, a rare bone growth condition that  requires 1-2 major reconstructive surgeries to the ribs & chest every year from birth until maturity. Sharing candidly about his experiences in “hospital land” throughout his life, Michael recounts how this continual trial helps him to connect with Jesus and eagerly anticipate heaven.“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18Help support Michael & his family through their GoFundMe.Dr. Erika Barber teaches in George Fox University’s physician assistant program and holds board certification in internal medicine and geriatrics.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Abbie & Jeff Nelson moved from Portland, Oregon to Guatemala with their 3 daughters to practice family medicine & clinical psychology as missionaries. Listen in as they share with Erika Barber what motivated such a radical lifestyle shift and what this kind of dedicated service looks like on a day-to-day basis. Dr. Erika Barber teaches in George Fox University’s physician assistant program and holds board certification in internal medicine and geriatrics.Abbie Nelson is a family nurse practitioner working in a local church ministry clinic in the community around the Guatemala City landfill. Jeff Nelson is a clinical psychologist supporting pastors and ministry workers through therapy and education. Check out their Newsletter.Abbie & Jeff serve through a ministry called Serge.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

What makes a book “great?” Who gets to choose which literature is or isn’t allowed into a canon, and should we question those decisions? What is the real value of reading traditionally classic literature today in the 21st century? Brian & Jay examine the idea of a classics-centered education and discuss how the George Fox University Honors Program answers these questions and more.Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor.Dr. Jay David Miller teaches English at George Fox University and serves as an associate editor for the journal Quaker Religious Thought.George Fox University has Great Books Honors Program.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Joseph John Gurney was massively influential to the Friends community, but his story, theology, and values stood out from those of other influential Quakers like William Barclay and George Fox. Listen in for Jay and Jamie’s take on Gurney’s life and times, and how they informed the modern experience of Quakerism and Christian faith as a whole.Dr. Jay David Miller teaches English at George Fox University and serves as an associate editor for the journal Quaker Religious Thought.Dr. Jamie Johnson is dean for spiritual life and a university pastor at George Fox University. A George Fox graduate, he has studied church history (MA) and Christian education (PhD) and hungers to learn more about what it means for individuals and communities to follow Jesus in every aspect of life. If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Author & professor Leah Payne and public theologian Ekemini Uwan talk about formative Christian music, podcast controversy, and doing theology in the public eye. As co-host of the Truth’s Table podcast, Ekemini has faced a measure of resistance; Leah asks how she has faced backlash and continued in her work.Check out Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and LiberationEkemini is co-host of Truth's Table podcastGod Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian MusicEkemini Uwan is a public theologian and author.Dr. Leah Payne is an award-winning historian and Associate Professor of American Religious History at Portland Seminary.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Why is it so hard to write a novel about Jesus that reveres His deity while honestly reckoning with His humanity? Dr. Jay Miller & Dr. Jessica Hughes unpack some of the problems authors have faced while trying to portray Jesus through literature.Dr. Jay David Miller teaches English at George Fox University and serves as an associate editor for the journal Quaker Religious Thought.Dr. Jessica Ann Hughes teaches classes like Faith and Story, which asks how stories (and especially the Biblical story) might redeem the past and shape the future.Check out her book, Jesus in the Victorian Novel: Reimagining Christ.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.