A Godzillion and One

Thank you Dr. Dan Allender and Cathy Loerzel for joining me in having this timely, important conversation. Today we talk about their new book, Redeeming Heartache: How Past Suffering Reveals True Calling, a book that was written during the pandemic. Tragedy and pain inevitably touch each of our lives at some point. Dan and Cathy share insights and practical wisdom on how to move forward in hope after experiencing loss, trauma, unmet expectations, painful memories, and relational struggles. As Founder and Co-Founder of The Allender Center, Dan and Cathy have a passion for equipping, encouraging, and partnering with people as they are on a journey of healing. The Allender Center is a pioneering organization committed to boldly engaging the impact of trauma and abuse, providing healing and teaching to individuals, couples, and communities, and training professionals to listen and enter into stories in a way that facilitates transformation and hope. This episode was released in conjunction with World Mental Health Day on October 10th. This day is about starting the conversation and bringing awareness to topics of mental health.  *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

In honor of your favorite holiday and mine - International Podcast Day - we've got our first *bonus* episode for you listeners. Pull up a chair and listen in as Tori and I talk about all things podcasts, our dream interview guests, stuff that's going on in the world, and other random ramblings. Extra credit: The first person that correctly counts the number of times we say the word podcast and emails us will get a fun surprise. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Aliens, chocolate cake, a dark forest, and the meaning of life. What more could you want?  Today’s conversation is with astrobiologist, the Reverend Dr. Lucas Mix. With a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard, Lucas takes us on a journey to discuss the intersection of science and religion and philosophy, what sci-fi can teach us about our relationships, the existence of extraterrestrial life, and so much more. The Rev. Dr. Lucas Mix is a writer, Episcopalian priest, consultant for NASA, project coordinator at Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS), and the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation. Much of his work is at the intersection of biology, philosophy, and theology. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Entrepreneur and thought leader, Jeff Henderson, makes it clear that if we want to change the world with our products or our mission, then we must shift the focus of our messaging and marketing. We must transform our organizations to be people-centric. Jeff Henderson is a business leader, former leader of Chick-fil-A’s National Marketing Strategy, and one of Forbes magazine “20 Speakers that You Shouldn’t Miss.” His latest book is, Know What You’re FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, an Even Better Strategy for Life. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Today's interview is truly one I will never forget. I recently had the privilege of sitting down and talking to author and defender of stories, Karen Treiger. After 18 years of practicing law, Karen felt an unmistakable call to retire from her law practice and piece together the story of her in-laws, Sam and Esther Goldberg, who against all odds, met and fell in love while surviving the Holocaust. The result of Karen's research is the profound book, My Soul is Filled with Joy: A Holocaust Story.   This interview is just a glimpse into Sam and Esther's story - how they met and fell in love, escaping from the death camp Treblinka, the power of friendship and hospitality, and the dangers of treating people as less than human. It will simultaneously break your heart and showcase the triumph of love and courage against evil.   *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Tori and I have a quick chat as we wrap up 2021 and Season 1 of A Godzillion & One. We look back on some of our favorite episodes, talk about the power of social media and sharing, and even give away a few teasers on what to expect for Season 2.  Our team would like to thank you, our listeners, who joined in for this ride. We hope these interviews helped you to think bigger and to notice the shockingly and seemingly endless ways to connect with this world and the God who made it all. Season 2 coming early 2022. Did you enjoy this season or learn something new? I hope so! My goal is to bring on guests that help encourage, challenge, and inform us about life. The best way to support the show is to rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a brief review, and then share the episode with a friend. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ or send in your requests to our producer.

An honest, vulnerable conversation with Jonathan Pitts, we discussed loss, navigating grief, and holding onto hope throughout the storm. And make sure to stay tuned to the end to hear about a crazy full-circle moment. Jonathan Pitts is the Executive Pastor at Church of the City-Franklin and Co-Founder/President of For Girls Like You Ministries, a ministry started by his late wife, Wynter Pitts. His latest book, My Wynter Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Shadow of Grief, is a memoir that chronicles the loss of Wynter and the season that would follow. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Welcome to the Relationship Daily Double! Part 2 features Dr. Emerson Eggerichs discussing reasons why spouses react negatively to each other, and practical ways on how we can better deal with conflict when it arises. Emerson has his Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies, he's the author of the New York Times bestseller book, Love and Respect, and is a world-renowned teacher on developing healthy marriages. Emerson has spent years uncovering ways to better understand your spouse through the Biblical lens of love and respect. Be sure to check out Part 1 of the Relationship Daily Double with Toni Nieuwhof. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Welcome to the Relationship Daily Double! In Part 1, I sit down with former divorce attorney, Toni Nieuwhof, to discuss what couples should know before they split up or file for divorce. An expert in her field, Toni is a family law mediator, speaker, co-host of the Smart Family Podcast, and author. Her book, Before You Split: Find What You Really Want for the Future of Your Marriage, was written for those struggling in marriage and looking for a practical way forward. Using her years of experience as a divorce attorney and family law mediator, Toni knows how to speak into the disconnection and frustration of relationships. Be sure to check out Part 2 of the Relationship Daily Double with Emerson Eggerichs. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

As Christmas quickly approaches, Robin and I sat down to talk about what Christmas looks like for us these days. Thanks to a decision we made years ago when Advent Conspiracy first launched, our Christmas traditions are full of worship, spending wisely, giving generously, and loving other people. Does that mean every Christmas is perfect? Unfortunately not. But it does mean our Christmases have more joy than they used to. Keep listening and you'll hear a couple of our friends join in the conversation, Paulo Henrique from Brazil and Mike Mantel from Living Water International. They both share their unique perspectives on Advent Conspiracy and give practical advice on how to start incorporating this into your traditions. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Have you ever thought, "I'm not very good at praying?" Today's guest, Pete Greig felt the same way and out of this longing he developed the 24-7 Prayer Movement, which has now reached more than half of the nations on earth. Pete is a pastor, author, and mentor to many. He approaches the topic of prayer in a way that is both inviting and challenging. As we head into this season of Advent, Pete reminds us of the importance of prayer and gives practical advice on how to take the next step in. Pete is also the founder of The Prayer Course, he contributes to Lectio365 daily devotionals, and is the author of How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

The Enneagram. It's something you've probably heard about but maybe you have questions about what it is, how to use it, or why your friends are always talking about it. I sat down with Jenn Jett Barrett, the co-founder of The Well Summit and an enneagram coach for teams and couples. In a brutally honest, healing conversation, Jenn walks us through the origins of this tool, the many ways it can be used for good, and the warnings on how it has been overused and misused. Jenn is a dreamer, a doer, and a champion of risk takers. As an Enneagram teacher, she loves getting to take individuals, couples, and teams on a journey of understanding Enneagram through a biblical perspective. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Have you ever met someone and immediately felt like you were kindred spirits? Artist and "accidental theologian," Makoto Fujimura, was such a fun, surprising, guest on today's episode. Mako is a leading contemporary artist whose process-driven, refractive slow art has been described by David Brooks of The New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time.” His art has been featured widely in some of the most prestigious galleries and museums around the world. As a painter, Mako fuses fine art and abstract expressionism, while tackling spiritual questions through the prism of art. As the author of Art + Faith: A Theology of Making, we talked about the importance of beauty, creativity, and making new things as a way to push back the brokenness in our world. So whether you are an artist by trade or just someone looking for a dose of inspiration, I think you'll find this conversation with Mako to be soothing for your soul. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Today's conversation comes from the intersection of science, technology, ethics, religion, and culture. I sat down with Dr. Matthew Eppinette, Executive Director of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, to talk about a vast array of bioethical issues - everything from transhumanism, vaccines, emerging medical technologies, end of life care, and the large amounts of data we have at our fingertips. As a leading voice in this area, Matthew holds a PhD in Theology with concentrations in Christian Ethics and Theology & Culture from the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. One of the biggest points Matthew emphasizes is how to enter into these topics with humility, grace, and a worldview that is rooted in Christ. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

What does a foretaste of Heaven look like? David Bailey, culture-maker and Executive Director at Arrabon, gives us a glimpse of that picture. We discuss bridge building, the difference between diversity and reconciliation, the significance of worship, and the challenges of collaboration. As a consultant and public theologian, much of David's work is focused on building reconciling communities and inspiring change. David is one of those important voices that speaks into my life and I'm constantly learning from his wisdom and experience. If you've ever wondered how to take the first step towards healing divides, this episode is for you. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

This episode features artist and songwriter, Elle Limebear. Coming at us from Brighton, UK, Elle describes the future of her music like a concert full of diverse people from the most eclectic of backgrounds drawn in by visuals, melodies, and art that they love. Elle is a gifted songwriter, writing worship anthems like, Maker of the Moon and Call on Your Name. We chat about her inspiration for songwriting, the process of creative collaboration, being the daughter of a world-famous musician, and following God's unexpected call. Grab a cup of tea and listen in as Elle reminds us that everyone has a seat at the table. (Note: this episode includes topics of mental health, including the mention of suicide. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255) *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

What do you get when a butcher, an Australian, and a pastor walk into a room? Jon Tyson. Author, leader, visionary, and pastor, Jon Tyson, is one of those important voices we should be paying attention to. We talk about his new book, The Intentional Father, the Dangerous Kids club, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z. Write fast and listen hard. This is one of those episodes you'll want to take notes on.  Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the States with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the Lead Pastor at Church of the City New York. He's written books you're familiar with, like A Creative Minority, The Burden is Light, Beautiful Resistance.  ***  Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

In her inaugural appearance on the podcast, Robin Holder, my wife/better half, joins in on a fun and honest conversation. This episode flips the script and our producer, Tori, puts Robin and I both in the hot seat. We answer listener questions, talk about what makes our marriage work, lessons we learned in parenting, the weight of ministry, and so much more.  Tune in to find out what we're watching on Netflix, what amazing athletic record Robin holds, and what story almost got our parenting cards revoked.  Should we have Robin back on the podcast for part 2? Let us know!  ***  Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

Heather Avis is a shouter of worth and narrative shifter. Listen in as we discuss her New York Times bestselling book, Different - A Great Thing to Be, the narratives around adoption and Down syndrome, what to look for in a children’s book, and what the best deodorant brand is. Heather Avis is the founder and chief visionary officer at The Lucky Few, a social awareness brand on a mission to make a more inclusive and loving world with an emphasis on shifting the Down syndrome narrative. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!

It’s our first episode! What a joy it is to sit down with my friend, John O’Leary. In today’s episode we talk about John’s story of growing up and the accident that left him with 1% chance of survival. Despite life’s unexpected challenges, John is one of the most encouraging, practical, winsome leaders I know. John O’Leary is an internationally acclaimed speaker, bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe, and renowned podcast host. *** Stay connected with Greg on social @gregholder_ and check out today’s show notes!