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Intersect: Where Church Meets Culture

Arts & Culture Podcasts

How are we as Christ-followers to live faithfully in today’s culture? Join us for thoughtful conversation, goofy news stories, and lots of laughs!

Location:

United States

Description:

How are we as Christ-followers to live faithfully in today’s culture? Join us for thoughtful conversation, goofy news stories, and lots of laughs!

Language:

English

Contact:

8034514625


Episodes

“F·R·I·E·N·D·S, Friendship, and the Secret Sauce” – 602

11/3/2023
"F·R·I·E·N·D·S, Friendship, and the Secret Sauce" “The passing of Matthew Perry, the actor known to so many as "Chandler Bing" on the popular TV Show "FRIENDS", has the world talking about this show again. Josh and Betsy offer their take on why this iconic show has remained nearly as popular today as it was in its heyday. What does FRIENDS teach us about friendship... and have we lost that special something in our uber-digital world of today? Do we still need good friendships? How do we make them?” Join us for this fun conversation, and remember... "we'll be there for you..." Items Discussed: "What Adults Forget About Friendship"-- The Atlantic Article "The Six Forces That Fuel Friendship"-- The Atlantic Article "Matthew Perry Found God at his Lowest Moment"-- obituary in Premier Christianity Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:32:16

“Throwdown: Is the Casualization of Clothing Good or Bad?” – 601

10/18/2023
"THROWDOWN - Is the Casualization of Clothing in Our Culture Good or Bad?" “Josh and Betsy are ready to rumble! In this debate style episode they take opposite sides on the question of whether or not the casualization of clothing in America has been a good thing. This episode was prompted by the recent rule change in the United States Senate, which permits Senators to wear pretty much whatever they want on the floor of the Senate. So what will it be, stretchy pants or tailored slacks? You decide!” Items Discussed: "The Senate Dress Code Gets a Casual Overhaul"-- NY Times Article "Dress Up - What We Lost in the Casual Revolution"-- article in First Things Magazine Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:29:02

“A Christian Perspective on Mental Health” – 512

8/1/2023
"A Christian Perspective on Mental Health -- Are Mental Health Professionals the New High Priests?" Mental health is an area of constant growth and awareness in our country. We have certainly seen the demand for mental health services increase since COVID. So how should Christians navigate these challenging waters, especially as it relates to teenagers? In this interview, Josh and Betsy talk with Doctor Mo Hanna, who is both a highly successful child and adolescent psychiatrist and a deeply devoted Christian. Doctor Mo brings two decades of private practice and a keen analysis of the prominent issues in our culture. Get ready for a conversation that covers a wide range of topics and will cause you to think hard about the area of mental health. Books Discussed: "The Toxic War on Masculinity" by Nancy Pearcey (book) "A Secular Age" by Charles Taylor (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:45:25

“Every Human Has A Story” – 511

5/31/2023
"Every Human Has A Story" Stories. We read them, we watch them, we live them. Every person has a story, and every person has to make sense of life in terms of a story. That is to say, everyone believes some story about how we got here, what is our purpose, and what happens when we die. We are en-storied beings. Josh and Betsy jump into this topic and help us to think about the big questions. It’s time to examine your story. Is it a good one? Show Notes: "Being Mortal:Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:28:58

“Résumé Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues” -510

3/16/2023
"Résumé Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues" Have you heard of the difference between ‘résumé virtues’ and ‘eulogy virtues’? This distinction, first brought to the public’s awareness by NY Times columnist David Brooks, is worth contemplating for all of us. What are we living for? What virtues are we cultivating? Are we more concerned with the things that we put on our resume or the things that others will say about us at our funeral? And how does all of this apply to modern parenting? Show Notes: "The Moral Bucket List" by David Brooks (article) "America’s Fever of Workaholism Is Finally Breaking" by Derek Thompson (article) Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:30:52

“Cultivating Intellectual Humility over Intellectual Suspicion” – 509

2/2/2023
"Cultivating Intellectual Humility over Intellectual Suspicion" PCA pastor and writer Derek Radney joins Josh and Betsy to talk about our culture of suspicion and bad faith readings of those we disagree with. Why has our culture become so polarized? When should we confront others? What does it mean to have intellectual humility without compromising on the truth? This episode will help you embrace curiosity and gospel-rootedness over fear and suspicion. . Show Notes: Derek Radney Website Derek Radney - Twitter Framing Doctrinal Disagreements - Part 1 Framing Doctrinal Disagreements - Part 2 Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:39:58

“You Are Not Your Own… and Why That’s a Good Thing” -508

1/5/2023
"You Are Not Your Own... and Why That's a Good Thing" Oftentimes we hear about the benefits of home ownership, but what we don't think about is that our culture is constantly talking to us about self-ownership. We are all constantly hearing the message that we belong to ourselves, and no one else, and that what we do with our lives is totally up to us. Josh and Betsy discuss this cultural belief through a biblical lens, leaning heavily on Alan Noble's excellent book, You Are Not Your Own. Learn how to give up an ownership mindset and instead embrace a stewardship mindset. Show Notes: You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:24:17

“The Gospel According to Elf (The Movie)” -507

12/14/2022
"The Gospel According to Elf (The Movie)" Have you seen the movie "Elf", the 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell? Josh and Betsy love that particular film. But more than the movie, they love one theme that radiates throughout the movie and throughout the Bible: hope. We live in a cynical age. In this episode, Josh and Betsy discuss the gospel and the true meaning of Christmas through the lens of hope. Show Notes: "Elf" the movie on Amazon Prime Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:22:43

“David French on the Fracturing of Evangelicalism” -506

11/11/2022
"David French on the Fracturing of Evangelicalism" Josh and Betsy are joined by nationally recognized writer, speaker and constitutional lawyer David French to discuss what is happening inside of the American Evangelical Church. What makes an evangelical? Why is there so much division? What should Christians be aiming for in political engagement? Finally, David gives us a review of Amazon's show, the Rings of Power. This conversation will challenge and enlighten you. Show Notes: David French, author at The Dispatch Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:01:00:01

“Why Can’t We Be Friends? A Conversation about Toxic People” -505

10/27/2022
"Why Can't We Be Friends? A Conversation about Toxic People" Our culture now regularly labels people and statements as "toxic." What does toxic mean in this sense of the word? Should we cut toxic people out of our lives? Is our culture evolving in a positive way or is this a concerning trend? Josh and Betsy are back to break this down from a Christian perspective, with a little humor mixed in along the way. Show Notes: "That’s It. You’re Dead to Me." (Article) "A Shift in American Family Values Is Fueling Estrangement" (Article) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:22:29

“Why Are Americans Becoming More Isolated and Does It Matter?” -504

10/13/2022
"Why Are Americans Becoming More Isolated and Does It Matter?" New research shows that more and more people are retreating into their interior worlds. In others words, we are becoming less social people. We are interacting with other people less than prior generations. Is there a price we are paying for being less social? Does God care about how social we are? Josh and Betsy, your favorite amateur researchers, are back to break this down and tease out the implications for the church in 2022. Show Notes: "The Price We Pay for Being Less Social" (Article) "Text Your Friends. It Matters More Than You Think." (Article) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:24:37

Exploring Trauma – A Review of the Book “The Body Keeps the Score” -503

9/15/2022
Exploring Trauma - A Review of the Book "The Body Keeps the Score" Josh and Betsy engage a heavy, but extremely important topic in this episode, that of trauma. It’s easy to believe that trauma is just about what we can remember with our minds, but ground-breaking new research has shown that trauma is embedded in our physical bodies. Josh and Betsy reflect on the insights of this best-selling, enlightening book. Show Notes: The Body Keeps the Score (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:30:51

“Singleness, Celibacy, and Christian Ministry with Rev. Dr. Greg Johnson” -502

9/2/2022
“Singleness, Celibacy, and Christian Ministry with Rev. Dr. Greg Johnson” Josh and Betsy are joined by Greg Johnson, the Lead Pastor at Historic Memorial Presbyterian Church in Saint Louis, to discuss the topic of singleness, celibacy, and Christian ministry. Has the American evangelical church ignored or marginalized singles? How can the church better care for singles? Who are the single Christians in the history of the church who have made a big impact? And what about what Paul says in 1 Cor. 7? Join the Intersect team for this lively and enlightening conversation about a trending topic in the church. Show Notes: Still Time to Care by Greg Johnson (book) "Infant Baptism" by Greg Johnson (article) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:42:41

“The Restorative Power of Silence” -501

9/2/2022
“The Restorative Power of Silence” Season five is here! Josh and Betsy kick off the new season by discussing the power of silence in our lives. Why is silence hard? What good can it do for us? Drawing on the insights of Dallas Willard, they present a strong case for building in times of silence in your life. Show Notes: The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com Intersect Podcast is a ministry of Northeast Presbyterian Church. The views expressed on this podcast are those of Josh and Betsy Desch and are not intended to be presented as the official views of NEPC. Please see our Intersect Podcast landing page for further information.

Duration:00:25:57

“Staying Dapper as a Dad” -417

6/29/2022
“Staying Dapper as a Dad” The finale is here! Josh and Betsy are joined by Andrew Eckstrom to talk about how to stay dapper as a dad of four kids. In addition to discussing this important topic, they talk about Andrew’s efforts to raise money for cancer research and the importance of men being in a men’s Bible study. Finally, for the first time ever on Intersect, we introduce the lighting round. Hope you enjoy! Show Notes: Lebron James on his draft day Real Men Wear Pink | American Cancer Society Football vs. Fútbol Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

Duration:00:35:34

“From Branding Products to Branding Ourselves” -416

6/14/2022
“From Branding Products to Branding Ourselves” Social Media . . . these days, platforms like Instagram are the dominant channel through which many brands advertise. But in our quest to gain followers and get likes, have we become the product? Are we now branding ourselves? And if so, what impact is that making on our lives? Josh and Betsy dive into the world of Instagram for this interesting topic and bring Christian principles to the world of Social Media. Show Notes: Most followers per social media platform (stats) The Connected Child (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

Duration:00:27:42

“Wake Up, People…You’re a Miracle” -415

5/31/2022
“Wake Up, People...You're a Miracle” What an amazing universe we live in! There are over 100 billion galaxies in the universe. Each galaxy contains hundreds of billions of stars. In this episode, Betsy and Josh discuss the book, Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry, By Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Why does our amazing universe not move us to wonder more? Have we taken time recently to just take in the miracle of God’s creation? It’s time to talk Physics 101 and regain our sense of wonder. It’s time to wake up. Show Notes: Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry (book) Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich (book) Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

Duration:00:25:43

“Clothing, Consumption, and the Christian Life” -414

5/13/2022
“Clothing, Consumption, and the Christian Life” Clothes, we all own plenty of them, and they help define who we are. But why have clothes gotten so cheap? What is the story behind the clothes we wear? Where were they made? Who made them? And should we care? Josh and Betsy bring a Christian worldview to the topic of clothing and consumption. In this episode, you will find a critical analysis of fast fashion and some practical suggestions for those who want to bring their faith to bear on their wardrobe. So suit up, and listen in! Show Notes: The True Cost (Documentary) Unravel (Short documentary) Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion (book) Online Thrift Stores (article and guide) Invisible Child (book) Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

Duration:00:28:58

“Football vs Fútbol” -413

3/31/2022
“Football vs Fútbol” Are you ready for the debate of the century? Josh and Betsy are back to debate one another on this question: Which sport is better, American Football or what the rest of the world calls Football/Futbol? Producer Billy Grooms serves as the debate judge and picks a winner at the end. This debate will change your life . . . or at least give you a little entertainment! Show Notes: Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

Duration:00:26:27

“Learning to Love the Gospels, Part 2” -412

3/16/2022
“Learning to Love the Gospels, Part 2” Josh and Betsy are back with Dr. Dan Doriani to discuss what makes each of the four gospels unique. Dan also shares about how he came to love the gospel of Matthew, and what gospel stories are deeply meaningful to him. Finally, he shares a bit about his own podcast, Working with Dan Doriani. Enjoy the second part of this conversation with a world-class biblical scholar. Show Notes: Dr. Doriani's podcast: "Working with Dan Doriani" Suggestions for future episodes? Email us at intersect@nepres.com

Duration:00:22:02