THINQ Media Podcast

Since Biblical times, God has used dreams to talk to people. In this episode, Gabe interviews Connie Svob, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Whitaker Scholar in Developmental Neuropsychiatry. They discuss the significance of dreams and memories and how they intersect our faith and mental health. Connie shares from her research and makes the distinction between nightmares, existential and transcendent dreams. She also describes her work to bridge autobiographical memory, religious beliefs and mental health. Listen in as Connie reveals how dreams can help us make sense of the world around us. Resources: Learn about LifePlanCreate a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.

Is there intelligent life outside of earth? In this episode, Gabe poses this question and many others to Dr. Luke Barnes, a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. Dr. Barnes is a Christian whose faith inspires him in his work to explore God’s unique creation and look for patterns and reasons behind what’s happening in the universe as a whole. Tune in as they talk about stars, planets, galaxies, and supercomputer simulations that reveal what would happen if even one particle or force is changed in the universe. Resources: A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos Closer to Truth episodesthinqmedia.com.

In this episode, Gabe discuss people’s perceptions of God with Dr. Kathryn Johnson, an associate research professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University. Dr. Johnson has developed a scale for measuring how people think about God, based on the theory that people generally view God as either authoritarian or benevolent. Listen in as they discuss how these perceptions direct people’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. Plus, hear how non-human agents, like diseases, artificial intelligence, and demons, also play into people’s perceptions and how they interface with God. Resources: Exorcisms & Demonology - Adam Blai Spiritual Warfare Q&A – Adam Blai and Gabe LyonsConfronting Demons – Fr. Carlos MartinsDemons and Exorcisms Q&A – Fr. Carlos Martins and Ryan Betheathinqmedia.com.

In this episode, Gabe speaks with Dr. Ian Hutchinson, Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, about his research in the field of fusion energy and how it relates to his faith in God. As a plasma physicist, Dr. Hutchinson describes the marvels in the universe created by God he’s witnessed through his work. Dr. Hutchinson dispels several cultural myths that science is somehow at odds with the Christian faith. From his own research and that of several famous scientists throughout history, such as Galileo and Isaac Newton, Dr. Hutchinson shows us there is in fact a deep consonance between science and Christianity. Tune in to find out how he encourages parents to cultivate environments for children where science and faith are compatible. Resources: Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?: An MIT Professor Answers Questions on God and Sciencethinqmedia.com.

Do you remember your very first image or concept of God? Your first thoughts about death and the afterlife? In this episode, Gabe talks to Dr. Melanie Nyhof, a developmental psychologist at Carthage College who conducts cross-cultural developmental research examining the development of religious and cultural concepts. Gabe and Melanie specifically discuss her research of children’s cognitive development related to how they view God and the afterlife. She explains that in addition to different religious and cultural practices, various other sources can influence a child’s first interpretations and understanding of God, such as TV shows, movies, and even cartoon-like drawings of God in children’s bibles. Tune in to learn what advice Melanie offers to parents as they help their children cultivate an understanding of and belief in God. Resources: thinqmedia.com.

“...in no way could [the theory of evolution] replace, much less undermine, morality,” says Dr. David Lahti, Assistant Professor of Biology at Queens College, City University of New York. In this episode, Gabe has a fascinating conversation with David, covering everything from the learned behaviors of birds and what makes birds happy to why young people are leaving the church. They dive into the age-old nature-nurture debate and discuss why scientism cannot explain away morality. Tune in to hear more about Dr. Lahti’s research and the complexities he’s found at the intersection of idealism, scientism, and cultural relativism. Resources: thinqmedia.com.Lahti LabVeery Bird Song

In this episode, Gabe interviews Dr. Rosalind Picard, a renowned scientist, inventor, engineer, and member of the faculty of MIT's Media Lab. Rosalind helps us define and understand affective computing and what role empathy, emotion, and human connection have in relation to A.I. and other technologies. They talk about the relational and ethical tensions in building technologies that people come to rely on. Rosalind also shares a powerful example of how wearable technologies can save lives. Listen in as Gabe and Rosalind ask the tough questions around affective computing and discern whether or not we’re becoming more or less human with the help of these technologies. Resources: thinqmedia.com Rosalind’s Ted Talk: An AI Smartwatch that Detects SeizuresMIT's Media LabAffective Computing Research GroupMIT's MindHandHeart InitiativeCenter for Neurobiological Engineering

“…the Bible gives us a grounding for what it means for us to be human, but science can give us a bigger window into the mechanics of how we then apply that meaning on a day-to-day basis,” says psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson. In this episode, Gabe continues our Science and Faith series with Curt, discussing how God has designed our brains to function and how much this design reveals the unique nature of every human being. Curt draws neurobiological correlations to the biblical narrative, specifically about our human need for relationship in order to flourish. He shares how our lack of relationship and community caused by our cell phone and social media usage is driving the mental health crisis. Tune in to hear what Curt suggests we can do to simplify our lives and foster community, comfort and confidence in ourselves and our children. Resources: https://curtthompsonmd.comMental Health PracticesQ&A: Mental Health + Suicide NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompsonthinqmedia.com

“In the United States, we wait for people to bottom out,” says New York Times bestselling author and psychologist Lisa Miller. But she reminds us “we were built for this,” describing how God designed and equipped us with an awakened brain made of three circuits that we can access: We are guided. We are loved and held. And we are never alone. THINQ Co-Founder, Gabe Lyons, kicks off our special Science and Faith Series with Lisa, discussing the compelling science and data behind our human capacity for spirituality and how our brains literally become more resilient and robust as we engage in our faith and relationships. Tune in as Gabe and Lisa dig into how important this truth is for combatting suicide and mental health issues, specifically in our military and our children. You’ll learn ways to encourage and prioritize spiritual development and promote mental and physical health. Resources: The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong ThrivingUS Army TRADOC Leadership Professional Development Webinar: Spirituality and Health with Dr. Lisa Miller NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompsonthinqmedia.com

People seem to be waking up. Awake to God’s heart, to hope and to the possibilities that what we’ve read about in days of old could happen again. Asbury University represents a place where the veil became thin and we want to have a conversation about it and what it may mean for all of us. What God is doing in Asbury wasn’t meant to stay in Kentucky, it’s meant to permeate our families, our churches and our homes. Engage with a special edition podcast where Rebekah Lyons and Grant Skeldon discuss their inspiring and challenging experience visiting Asbury.

In this episode, Q Ideas president Gabe Lyons reflects on some of the most important moments at our events this year. As the year comes to a close, we've appreciated being able to go back, slow down, and think about some of this year's big ideas. While there are prevailing cultural narratives, as Christians we have a unique place to stand due to our access to eternal truth. May that truth sustain us as we head into the new year. As our gift to you, watch any of these full talks in its entirety. Visit qideas.org/top10 to find them all.

Technology is forming us. Our longing for relationship makes our devices seem especially alluring, but do they give us what we long for? Moreover, who is technology inspiring us to become? Felicia Wu Song, professor at Westmont University, joins us to talk about these very questions. This episode is the last episode in our 5 part series on character and virtue.

In one way or another, we've all experienced pieces of the loneliness epidemic in our nation. While there's a myriad of reasons we can attribute this to, professor and author Todd Hall has a keen insight. Perhaps we're in the way of our own success. We seek information when what we need is relational connection. Join us as we talk with Dr. Hall about connection, relationships, and attachment theory. This is episode 4/5 in our series on science and virtue.

Over the past few years, there's been an explosion in personality theories. Do these theories help us love our neighbor and communities better? Rev. Dr. Tony Cook from Lutheran Hour Ministries, has helped put together a guide to help Christians discern their tangible gifts. Gifts should be used both at work and in the Church, not one or the other and everyone has something to contribute. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Cook talks about how we can better learn and utilitize our gifts for the glory of God. Take the free quiz to learn your gifts at lhm.org/everygift and learn more at https://purpose.lhm.org

As James K.A. Smith says, "you are what you love." In a similar manner, what you pay attention to forms how you think. Justin Barrett, founder of Blueprint 1543, joins us to talk about how we think and process new ideas. What ideas do we hold that we should keep? How do we discern when we should change our mind? Dr. Barrett explains how we can create a framework for this type of thinking. This episode is part 3 of our 5 part series on science and virtue.

With rising costs from inflation, President Biden announcing student loan forgiveness, and questions about an impending recession, the economy has been on the forefront on many people's minds. What should Christians be thinking about in regards to all these issues? Anne Rathone Bradley, author, professor, and economist joins us to talk about these issues. This the second episode on our series on science and virute.

Polarization is at the center of many of the national and local conversations we're having. What we lack in commonality feels like a hinderence. But what if our differences could come together in a confident pluralism? John Inazu, co-editor of Uncommon Ground, tackles some of these questions in today's first part of our 5 episode series on science and virtue. Subscribe for free to John's Substack to see his recent thoughts on pluralism in America: https://johninazu.substack.com/

Barna research has shown that 42% of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year. Issues like stress, loneliness, and political divisions are driving factors in these considerations. In this tumultuous few years, pastors are needing encouragement, both personally and professionally. Josh Zeichik, director of church engagement at Focus on the Family, is looking to walk alongside pastors to do just that.

Every smartphone will let you check your screen time. Many find the weekly reminder of the copious amounts of time spent jarring. For parents, the amount of screen time kids are consuming is even more front of mind. In this week's episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas from Daystar Counseling Ministries are joined by Erick Goss from Minno, to talk about how parents can manage their kids' screen time in a healthy and accessible way. Learn more and try Minno for free at gominno.com.

Why has Christianity become more known for what it stands against than the love it invites people into? How did the world's greatest love story become known as a hate group? Many of the current issues we're facing were directly addressed by the words and life of Jesus. Jason Vanderground has been working on a project called He Gets Us, where they have attempted to answer these questions. Listen in as he explains how they've been changing the script on modern evangelism. Find out more about the project at hegetsus.com or start a free Bible reading plan on YouVersion.