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Win Today: Your Roadmap to Wholeness

Religion & Spirituality Podcasts

Life is complicated, and quick fixes won't address the deeper challenges you face in your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. "Win Today" provides practical guidance for lasting growth. Each week, you'll hear from trusted leaders and experts who...

Location:

United States

Description:

Life is complicated, and quick fixes won't address the deeper challenges you face in your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. "Win Today" provides practical guidance for lasting growth. Each week, you'll hear from trusted leaders and experts who offer wisdom, insights, and a durable plan to help you overcome obstacles and create real, sustainable change. This isn't about temporary solutions—it's about building a foundation for transformation and maturity from the inside out.

Twitter:

@00ChrisCook

Language:

English


Episodes
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Your Soul Is Fragmented. Now What? Heath Hardesty on Why You Can't Receive God's Love and the Lie of Self-Improvement Christianity

3/25/2026
Many people today feel scattered. Attention is fractured, emotions are unsteady, and spiritual life feels more like survival than formation. We move from one demand to the next, one distraction to another, and somewhere along the way, the soul begins to splinter. This week on Win Today, Heath Hardesty joins me for a deeply clarifying conversation about what it means to live with an integrated soul in a fragmented world. We examine why so many believers struggle to actually receive the love of God, how discipleship has often been reduced to a subtle form of self-improvement, and why attempts to short-circuit suffering often delay the very formation God is trying to produce. Heath offers a compelling vision of apprenticeship to Jesus—not as a program to become your best self, but as a way of life where union with Him becomes the starting point, abiding and obeying Him becomes the essence, and reflecting Him becomes the aim. If you feel spiritually scattered, if your faith feels more performative than relational, or if you've realized you don't actually know how to receive the love of God, this conversation will help reorient what true discipleship is meant to form. Guest Bio Heath Hardesty serves as the lead pastor of Valley Community Church and is a founder of Inklings Coffee & Tea in downtown Pleasanton, California. Raised in a blue-collar home, Heath began his vocational journey as a plumber's apprentice in Colorado before transitioning into pastoral ministry on the edge of Silicon Valley, where he now lives with his family. He holds degrees in literature, leadership, biblical studies, and theology from the University of Colorado Boulder and Western Seminary in Portland. Through his teaching and writing, Heath invites people into a reimagined vision of apprenticeship to Jesus—one that cultivates wholeness, resilience, and a deeper experience of God's love. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:09:56

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486: You Can't Bubble Bath Your Way to Wellness. Jennifer Breheny Wallace on Absorbing the Lies of Useless and Worthless, Why Self-Esteem Has a Short Fuse, Mattering vs. Validation, Toxic Success, and Why Hyper-Visibility is Fake Connection

3/18/2026
We are living in a moment where the language of self-care is everywhere. Protect your peace. Take a break. Treat yourself. But beneath the bubble baths and wellness rituals, something deeper is breaking down. People are absorbing quiet but powerful lies that they are useless, replaceable, or fundamentally unimportant. This week on Win Today, journalist and bestselling author Jennifer Breheny Wallace joins us to examine what she calls the modern crisis of "mattering." Drawing from extensive research and deeply human stories, Jennifer explains why the need to feel valued and to know that we add value is not optional—it is a core human need. When that need goes unmet, the consequences show up everywhere: fragile self-esteem, burnout, toxic achievement culture, and a constant search for validation that never quite satisfies. We explore why self-esteem alone cannot sustain a healthy identity, how success-driven cultures quietly erode a sense of worth, and why the hyper-visible world of social media often produces the opposite of real connection. Jennifer also introduces the concept of a "mattering core"—the conditions that help people know they are valued and capable of contributing value to others. When those elements are present, resilience grows. When they disappear, people begin to doubt their place in the world. If you've ever felt the pressure to prove your worth, if success has started to feel strangely empty, or if you've wondered why validation never seems to last, this conversation will help reframe what human flourishing actually requires. Guest Bio Jennifer Breheny Wallace is an acclaimed journalist and bestselling author whose work focuses on the intersection of mental health, achievement culture, and human flourishing. She is the author of Mattering: How to Create a Life of Meaning, Empathy, and Impact, a groundbreaking exploration of why the human need to feel valued and to add value is essential to well-being. Jennifer's writing has appeared in outlets including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, where she examines how modern pressures around success and validation shape the mental health of both adults and young people. Through her reporting and research, she helps readers understand how restoring a sense of mattering can strengthen resilience, deepen relationships, and restore purpose in an achievement-driven world. Show Partners SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:00:46:20

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485: Are You Prepared for Chaos? Paige Collins on the Necessary Posture in Shaking, The Cost of Surrender, and the Exploration of How God Speaks to People in Dreams

3/13/2026
Every generation eventually faces moments when stability disappears, and the ground beneath our assumptions begins to shake. Cultural chaos, personal uncertainty, and unexpected upheaval have a way of revealing what our faith is actually built upon. In those moments, the question is no longer theoretical—it becomes deeply personal. This week on Win Today, my good friend Paige Collins joins me for a thoughtful conversation about preparing our lives for seasons of shaking and why surrendering to God is often far more costly than we expect. We explore the posture required to remain steady when circumstances become unpredictable, the spiritual maturity that grows through relinquishing control, and how God often forms resilience in environments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain. We also touch on the intriguing and often misunderstood topic of dreams and whether God can still speak through them today. Scripture includes moments where the Lord communicated through dreams—from Solomon's encounter in 1 Kings to Joel's prophetic declaration that in the last days people would dream dreams. At the same time, we make an important distinction: dreams are never equivalent to Scripture, never authoritative revelation, and never a replacement for the Word of God. Instead, if they occur at all, they must be tested, weighed, and submitted to the authority of Scripture and the wisdom of the Church. If the cultural moment feels unstable, if you sense the Lord inviting you into deeper surrender, or if you're wondering how to remain grounded when life becomes unpredictable, this conversation will help clarify the posture that prepares a believer to endure seasons of shaking. Guest Bio Paige Collins is a lifelong dreamer and visionary, and the founding partner of Icon Media Group, a premier PR firm specializing in faith and family entertainment. She has led high-impact publicity campaigns for major faith-based films and Kingdom-driven brands, helping shape the public conversation around faith in media and culture. Paige also serves as a producer, screenwriter, and founder of Honeybee Entertainment, a company dedicated to elevating stories of women of faith across film, television, and other creative platforms. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:00:59:00

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484: Selective Obedience is KILLING Your Faith. Hosanna Wong on Confusing the Practices of Jesus with Jesus Himself, Selective Obedience, How We Make Legalism Cool, The Role of Hiddenness and Crushing, and the 6 Roadblocks to Connecting with God

3/11/2026
It is possible to practice the rhythms of faith and still miss the Person those rhythms were meant to lead us to. We can read Scripture, attend church, adopt the language of discipleship, and build entire spiritual lives around the habits of Jesus—while quietly drifting from intimacy with Jesus Himself. This week on Win Today, Hosanna Wong joins me for a clarifying and deeply confronting conversation about the difference between performing Christianity and actually knowing God. We examine how selective obedience slowly erodes intimacy with Him, why legalism has learned to rebrand itself as passion for holiness, and how seasons of hiddenness and crushing are often the environments where authentic discipleship is formed. Hosanna also unpacks six roadblocks that frequently prevent believers from experiencing genuine connection with God, revealing how easy it is to substitute religious activity for relational transformation. The invitation of Jesus has never been behavior management or spiritual performance—it is repentance, surrender, and relationship. If you've been doing the practices of faith but still feel distant from God… if you've sensed the quiet conviction that something deeper is being asked of you, or if you're realizing that obedience in some areas has been selective rather than surrendered, this episode will bring needed clarity. Guest Bio Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist known for helping everyday people know Jesus in a real and personal way. Widely recognized for her viral spoken word piece "I Have A New Name," Hosanna shares her message in churches, conferences, prisons, and ministries around the world, reaching across denominations, cultures, and backgrounds. Raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, she later spent years traveling throughout the United States speaking and sharing the gospel through spoken word poetry while living out of suitcases. Through her speaking, writing, and creative work, Hosanna equips believers to deepen their relationship with God and pursue authentic discipleship. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:14:36

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483: Let's Talk About Sex (Addiction). Jay Stringer Unpacks the Anatomy of Sexual Addiction, Predicting Destructive Lifestyle Choices, Why Healing Addiction Requires Curiosity, and Why Grief Has the Power to Change What You Desire

3/4/2026
Sexual addiction is often treated as a behavior problem. Stop the behavior. Remove the temptation. Try harder next time. But what if the behavior is not the real issue? What if the patterns that bring shame, secrecy, and self-sabotage are actually revealing something deeper about the story you carry? This week on Win Today, therapist and researcher Jay Stringer joins me to unpack the anatomy of sexual addiction and unwanted sexual behavior. Drawing from research involving more than 3,800 men and women, Jay explains why these patterns are rarely random and how the unresolved parts of our past often shape them. We talk about why shame keeps people trapped in destructive cycles, why curiosity is often the first step toward healing, and why grief has the surprising power to reshape what we desire. Sexual struggles are not simply moral failures to suppress. They can become a roadmap that leads us toward the healing we have avoided. If you are stuck in patterns you cannot explain, if shame has kept you silent, or if you've tried to manage the behavior without understanding the story behind it, this episode will help you see why real freedom begins with honesty. Guest Bio Jay Stringer is a licensed therapist, minister, and researcher who helps men and women understand and outgrow unwanted sexual behaviors. He is the author of the award-winning book Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing, based on a multiyear research study involving more than 3,800 men and women exploring the roots of sexual addiction and compulsive sexual behavior. Jay is also the creator of the Sexual Behavior Self-Assessment and The Journey Course, a five-month program designed to help individuals identify and transform the deeper drivers behind destructive patterns. He holds an MDiv and a master's degree in counseling psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and completed post-graduate training under Dr. Dan Allender while serving as a Senior Fellow at The Allender Center. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:23:04

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482: God Won't Force You to Heal. Debra Fileta on The Reason Most People Aren't Emotionally Healthy, How "Trauma-Informed" Has Been Taken Too Far, and Why You Can't Be Spiritually Mature if Your Mental Health is in the Trash

2/25/2026
We talk about healing as though it's inevitable. As though proximity to Scripture, therapy language, or Christian community automatically produces transformation. But God does not force anyone into wholeness. He invites. He confronts. He calls. And too many believers confuse awareness with growth. This week on Win Today, Debra Fileta joins me for a sober conversation about emotional health and spiritual maturity. We examine why so many Christians remain emotionally immature while sounding spiritually fluent, how "trauma-informed" has in some circles become trauma-defined identity, and why you cannot become spiritually mature if your mental and emotional life is neglected. Healing is not passive. It is participatory. If your faith is sincere but your reactions are volatile… if you know the right language but keep repeating the same patterns… or if you've mistaken self-protection for self-awareness, this episode will clarify what real growth actually requires. Guest Bio Debra Fileta is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in relationship, marital, mental, and emotional health. She is the author of five books, host of the Love + Relationships Podcast, and founder of TrueLoveDates.com, a widely read relationship advice platform reaching millions worldwide. Known for her candid yet compassionate voice, Debra integrates clinical insight with Christian faith to help individuals and couples pursue emotional health and stronger relationships. Her work has been featured in outlets including Christianity Today, Focus on the Family, Relevant Magazine, Crosswalk.com, Charisma Magazine, and more. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:03:55

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481: The Addiction No One Talks About. Stephen McWhirter on Numbing with Content and Life Hacks, The Bitterness We Carry in Our Bodies, and Becoming a Resting Place for Chaos

2/18/2026
There are ways Christians escape that don't look like rebellion. They look like busyness. Performance. Endless content. Religious activity. We stay "engaged," but we are quietly numb. And over time, that numbness settles into the body as anxiety, irritability, and bitterness we don't know how to name. This week on Win Today, Stephen McWhirter joins me to discuss the socially acceptable ways believers avoid reality and why those patterns keep us stuck. Stephen's story is raw. He grew up in a violent home, ran hard from God through addiction and self-destruction, and encountered the presence of the Lord in a moment that changed everything. We explore how trauma and rebellion can coexist with spiritual language, how bitterness lodges itself in the body, and what it means to become a resting place for chaos rather than a reactor to it. This episode isn't about shame. It's about sobriety. If you've been medicating pain with distraction, ministry, content, or noise, this conversation will help you confront what you've been avoiding and rediscover what it means to be radically restored. Guest Bio Stephen McWhirter is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader known for his powerful testimony of transformation and his passion for helping others encounter the presence of God. After growing up in a tumultuous home and spending years in addiction and rebellion, Stephen experienced a radical encounter with Christ that reshaped his life and calling. He now leads worship and shares his story nationally, pointing people toward healing, identity, and freedom in Jesus. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:08:29

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480: Undoing the Deception of Self-Creation and Gender Ideology. Abdu Murray Exposes How We've Taken Empathy Too Far, The Syrupy "Sloganeering" of the Church, The Liabilities of Our Post-Truth Culture, and Why Identity is a Paper-Thin Idea

2/13/2026
We are living through a crisis of clarity. In the name of empathy, we have untethered compassion from truth, traded moral courage for slogans, and reduced identity to something endlessly self-constructed. The result is not freedom, but confusion, where words lose meaning, conviction is treated as cruelty, and the church often responds with language that sounds kind but forms no one. This week on Win Today, apologist and author Abdu Murray joins me for a sober, unflinching conversation about self-creation, gender ideology, and the liabilities of a post-truth culture. We examine how empathy becomes destructive when it is severed from reality, why identity collapses when it is built on feelings alone, and how the church's reliance on syrupy slogans leaves believers ill-equipped to engage the moment with wisdom and courage. This isn't reactionary, it's diagnostic. If you sense the ground shifting beneath basic definitions of personhood, truth, and meaning, this episode offers clarity without cruelty and conviction without caricature. Guest Bio Abdu Murray is an author, speaker, and apologist who explores the intellectual credibility of the Christian faith in a post-truth world. With a background in law and years of experience engaging questions of identity, meaning, and worldview, Abdu is widely respected for his clarity, charity, and ability to address complex cultural issues with reasoned conviction. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:18:44

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479: [SELF-BRAIN SURGERY] Not Everything Hard is Trauma. Dr. Lee Warren on What it Means to Take a Thought Captive, What to Do When You Can't Stop the Anxiety Spiral, Challenging Automatic Thinking, and What Scientists Botch on a Regular Basis

2/11/2026
We live in a moment where difficulty is quickly labeled as damage and discomfort is often treated as pathology. While trauma is real and serious, not every hard moment is trauma—and confusing the two can quietly undermine resilience, clarity, and growth. When every struggle is interpreted as injury, we lose the ability to endure, discern, and respond wisely. This week on Win Today, Dr. Lee Warren returns to continue our Self-Brain Surgery conversation. We talk about what it actually means to take a thought captive, why anxiety spirals feel uncontrollable even when they're not, and how automatic thinking patterns quietly shape the brain. Dr. Warren also challenges common scientific blind spots that ignore meaning, responsibility, and agency in the healing process. This episode helps you separate pain from pathology, suffering from trauma, and awareness from action—so you can move from mental reactivity to intentional renewal. Guest Bio Dr. W. Lee Warren is a practicing neurosurgeon, author, and speaker known for integrating neuroscience, faith, and personal experience to help people heal from trauma and transform their lives. A survivor of profound personal loss, he has spent decades studying how thoughts shape the brain and how intentional mental practices can lead to lasting emotional and spiritual renewal. He is the author of multiple books, including The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:17:40

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478: Hustle Culture Creates Burnout. Brad Stulberg on The Biology of Excellence and the Art of Becoming, Rugged Flexibility, How to Curate Your Content Better, and the Two Kinds of Burnout

2/6/2026
Excellence isn't a personality trait or a hustle tactic. It's a way of becoming. And in a culture driven by distraction, convenience, and external validation, genuine excellence is quietly eroding. What replaces it looks productive but feels hollow, leaving many people burned out, scattered, or chasing intensity instead of depth. This week on Win Today, Brad Stulberg joins me to recover a truer vision of excellence—one rooted in biology, values, focus, and formation. We explore why rugged flexibility matters more than rigid discipline, how to curate your inputs so your attention serves what matters most, and why there are actually two different kinds of burnout. This conversation reframes excellence not as achievement alone, but as a deeply human process of becoming aligned, durable, and alive. If you're tired of pseudo-excellence, dopamine-driven ambition, or burnout disguised as growth, this episode will help you reorient toward a better path—one that connects mastery with meaning and performance with purpose. Guest Bio Brad Stulberg is an author, coach, and researcher focused on excellence, sustainable performance, and human flourishing. He has written multiple best-selling books exploring the intersection of science, philosophy, and practice, and his work is widely recognized for helping individuals and organizations pursue growth without burnout. Brad's writing and teaching challenge hustle culture while offering a grounded, humane path toward mastery, resilience, and meaningful achievement. Show Partners SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:00:27

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477: [SELF-BRAIN SURGERY] Therapy Culture is BLOCKING Your Ability to Heal. Dr. Lee Warren on The "Problem" with Our Brains, Addressing the Resistance that Shows Up When We Try to Heal, Getting Out of Survival Mode, and Compulsive Rumination

2/4/2026
We are more self-aware than ever, and yet many people feel more stuck, anxious, and exhausted than before. Therapy culture has helped us name pain, but it often leaves us circling it. Insight increases, language expands, but healing stalls. What if the very frameworks meant to help us are quietly blocking our ability to change? This week on Win Today, Dr. Lee Warren joins me for a conversation that bridges neuroscience, faith, and lived experience. As a practicing neurosurgeon and trauma survivor, Dr. Warren explains why the brain resists healing, how survival mode hijacks our thinking, and why compulsive rumination feels productive while actually reinforcing pain. We explore the science behind neuroplasticity and the spiritual responsibility we carry to participate in our own renewal. This episode doesn't dismiss therapy, but it challenges passivity. Healing requires more than awareness. It requires agency, discipline, and the courage to rewire patterns that no longer serve life. Guest Bio Dr. W. Lee Warren is a practicing neurosurgeon, author, and speaker known for integrating neuroscience, faith, and personal experience to help people heal from trauma and transform their lives. A survivor of profound personal loss, he has spent decades studying how thoughts shape the brain and how intentional mental practices can lead to lasting emotional and spiritual renewal. He is the author of multiple books, including The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. Show Partners SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:12:49

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476: [Formed.] Spiritual But Not Religious? Lisa Bevere on What an Exorcist Said About Tarot and Oracle Cards, How the Progressive Movement is Connected to Self-Deification, and Why The Church is Too Comfortable Preaching Catchy Phrases

1/28/2026
We live in a moment where spiritual language is everywhere, but formation is rare. Many people claim to be spiritual while rejecting authority, truth, and discipline. Others consume sermons built on slogans rather than Scripture, leaving their faith thin, sentimental, and easily shaken. The result is a generation that feels awakened but remains unformed. This week on Win Today, Lisa Bevere joins me for the final installment of the [Formed.] discipleship series to confront the cost of being spiritual but not anchored in truth. We talk about the rise of tarot and oracle cards, what an exorcist revealed about their spiritual danger, how progressive theology often drifts toward self-deification, and why the church has grown far too comfortable preaching phrases instead of the Word. This conversation is not reactionary; it is corrective. If you're hungry for real formation, grounded truth, and a faith that can withstand deception, offense, and cultural pressure, this episode brings the series to its necessary conclusion. Guest Bio Lisa Bevere is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of Messenger International. Known for her prophetic clarity and uncompromising commitment to Scripture, Lisa has spent decades calling believers to spiritual maturity, courage, and wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Her books and teaching reach a global audience, challenging cultural Christianity and inviting the church back to truth, holiness, and biblical authority. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:01:57

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475: [Formed.] Are You Suffering? Dr. Craig Keener on The Necessary Theology of Suffering, How to Develop a New Mindset About Affliction, Hurdling Unresolved Disappointment, Why God is Not in a Hurry to Mature Us, and the Pressure That Shapes Us

1/23/2026
Suffering exposes what we believe about God faster than success ever could. When affliction lingers, disappointment goes unresolved, and growth feels slower than we want, the question isn't whether God is present—it's whether our theology can carry the weight of real life. Too many believers inherit a framework that collapses under pressure, leaving them confused, bitter, or quietly disillusioned. This week on Win Today, Dr. Craig Keener joins me to rebuild a theology of suffering that can endure. We talk about why God is not in a hurry to mature us, how pressure actually forms spiritual resilience, and what it looks like to develop a mindset about affliction that produces endurance rather than erosion. This conversation doesn't minimize pain—it gives it meaning. If you're suffering, stalled, or carrying disappointment you haven't known how to name, this episode will help you reframe affliction as formation and discover the kind of maturity that only pressure can produce. Guest Bio Dr. Craig Keener is a leading New Testament scholar, historian, and theologian whose work has shaped global conversations on Scripture, the Holy Spirit, miracles, and suffering. He has authored dozens of academic and popular-level books and has taught and lectured internationally, bringing rigorous scholarship together with pastoral sensitivity and lived faith. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:14:12

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474: [Formed.] It's Just LAZY Christianity. Ian Simkins on The Fingerprints of a Disordered Life, Developing Discernment as You Train for Godliness, Why the Crucible of Formation is in the Monotony of Everyday Life, and Restoring the Fire of Discipleshi

1/21/2026
Spiritual drift rarely announces itself. It doesn't show up as rebellion or collapse. It shows up as subtle disorder, numbed discernment, and a slow loss of fire in the ordinary rhythms of life. Most people don't abandon discipleship; they simply stop training for it. This week on Win Today, Ian Simkins, lead pastor of The Bridge Church in Tennessee, joins me as part of our Formed discipleship series to expose the quiet ways formation breaks down and to recover the daily practices that restore spiritual clarity, hunger, and endurance. We talk about why the wilderness of everyday life—not the mountaintop—is where God does His deepest work, and how discernment must be trained intentionally if we're going to mature in godliness. If your faith feels cluttered, distracted, or quietly cooling, this conversation will help you recognize the fingerprints of disorder and reclaim the fire of discipleship to Jesus, right where you are. Guest Bio Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of The Bridge Church in Tennessee and a longtime pastor and teacher focused on spiritual formation, discernment, and everyday discipleship. Known for practical, Scripture-rooted teaching, he equips believers to develop resilient faith through disciplined rhythms, community, and faithful obedience to Jesus. Show Partner We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:23:39

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473: [Formed.] Comfort Won't Mature You. Dr. Joel Tudman on How We Cheat Ourselves in the Wilderness, Why "Finding Yourself" is a Waste of Time, The Beauty of Being Pulled Apart by the Lord, and Fighting to Stay Agile in a Disruptive Life

1/14/2026
Comfort feels kind, but it keeps you immature. The wilderness is where God trains you for weight, yet most of us cheat the process by numbing pain, curating outcomes, and calling it wisdom, while our souls atrophy. This week on Win Today, Dr. Joel Tudman joins me to expose why "finding yourself inside yourself" is a dead end, how the Lord sometimes pulls us apart to make us whole, and how to stay spiritually agile when life is disruptive. If your faith has been built around feelings, not formation. And if you're tired of circling the same mountain with better language, this conversation will call you back to training for godliness, where it actually happens: in the desert. Guest Bio Dr. Joel A. Tudman is a pastor, communicator, and leadership coach who equips people to trade comfort for formation and preference for obedience. Known for clear, high-energy preaching and practical frameworks for spiritual growth, he serves churches and leaders across the country, training teams in character, resilience, and Spirit-led discipline. His work centers on courage, identity, and purpose, calling believers to be formed, not performed. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:09:55

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472: [Formed.] Will You Kill Entitlement and Self-Pity? Kristene DiMarco Unpacks Rekindling Spiritual Hunger, The Danger in Numbing Boredom, Training Your Soul for Godliness, and Laying Down Your "Right" to Be Offended by Life

1/9/2026
There's a reason your hunger fades when life gets busy and your soul gets loud: boredom becomes a shortcut to numbing, entitlement masquerades as discernment, and self-pity convinces you that endurance is optional. This week on Win Today, Bethel Music's Kristene DiMarco joins me to confront the quiet habits that starve spiritual hunger and to show us how to train the soul when worship feels flat, prayer drags, and offense stands in the doorway of growth. We talk about the discipline of boredom, the anatomy of hunger, why entitlement and self-pity atrophy endurance, and how to lay down your "right" to be offended by everything in life so true formation can continue. If you feel dulled by distraction, easily offended, or tired of mistaking relief for transformation, this conversation will call you back to the long road of love. Guest Bio Kristene DiMarco is a songwriter and worship leader with Bethel Music, known for penning and recording modern hymns and congregational anthems and for leading worship at churches and conferences around the world. Her albums and collaborations with Bethel Music and Jesus Culture have introduced a wide range of songs to the global church, and she continues to write and lead with a focus on honest lyrics, theological clarity, and resilient faith. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:05:11

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471: [Formed.] Take Responsibility for YOUR Spiritual Growth. Dr. Eric Mason on The Greatest Problem with Bad Teaching (That Few Recognize), Why You Can't Give God Ultimatums, and Why You Can't Make Your Assignment Your Purpose

1/7/2026
You can admire spiritual maturity from a distance, or you can take your formation journey seriously. Many of us prefer the former. We outsource growth to personalities, call delayed obedience "wisdom," and bargain with God when surrender would cost too much. This week on Win Today, Dr. Eric Mason joins me to confront the quiet drift that hollows discipleship: the consumer posture that fuels bad teaching, the spiritual immaturity that bargains with God, and the confusion that happens when we make our assignment our purpose. If your faith has been built around sermons more than Scripture, preferences more than practices, or outcomes more than obedience, this conversation is your invitation to grow up on purpose, with the Spirit, for the long road of holiness. Guest Bio Dr. Eric Mason is the founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia and the founder/president of Thriving, an urban ministry training leaders for city contexts. A pastor-theologian for nearly three decades, he has preached and trained nationally and internationally and authored several books. He holds a B.S. in Psychology (Bowie State), a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary—where he was mentored by Dr. Tony Evans at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship—and a D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell. Eric and his wife, Yvette, live in Philadelphia with their four children: Immanuel, Nehemiah, Ephraim, and Amalyah. Show Partner We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:00:53:20

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470: I Didn't See THAT Coming. What Happens When We Hit the Wall, Why God's Silence Isn't His Absence, and the 4 CRITICAL Words You Must Embody in 2026

12/30/2025
We're told to trust God when life falls apart and to cling to hope when we feel abandoned. To pray louder when heaven feels silent. But what if the silence isn't a punishment…but a pathway straight to His presence? What if the wall you've hit isn't the end, but the beginning of a deeper formation? This week on Win Today, I'm re-airing a raw and timely conversation with Dr. Lee Warren—one that took an unexpected turn moments before we hit record. What followed was one of the most personal and Spirit-led conversations I've ever had about wilderness seasons, grief, intrusive thoughts, and what to do when you feel like God has gone quiet. I opened up about the last two years of my life. And yet, what I've discovered in the silence is this: God's silence is not His absence. And when everything else shakes, His Word still stands. If you've ever felt stuck between the pain of what happened and the fear that nothing will change…if you've ever cried out for clarity and heard nothing in return…this episode is for you. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:00:52:38

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469: Your Body Is Telling the Truth. Jordan Rubin on The Food That Kills Your Sex Drive in Minutes, Whether EMFs are Dangerous, How to Get Sick Quickly, and Why Physical Health is Spiritual Health

12/17/2025
This week on Win Today, Jordan Rubin reveals how the body doesn't lie—and why the ancient wisdom of Scripture contains the keys to healing not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. After nearly dying from severe Crohn's disease, Jordan discovered that health isn't compartmentalized. Everything is connected—gut to brain, body to soul. And that the Bible had already mapped out the blueprint for healing. If you've tried to fix your body but stayed anxious… if you've addressed trauma but still feel inflamed… or if you're wondering why prayer isn't reversing depression, this episode will rewire your entire framework for healing and longevity. Guest Bio Jordan Rubin is one of America's most respected natural health experts and bestselling authors. After nearly dying from severe Crohn's disease at 19, Jordan discovered a life-saving health plan rooted in ancient biblical nutrition and supported by modern science. He's the founder of Ancient Nutrition and the New York Times bestselling author of The Maker's Diet. His latest book, The Biblio Diet, explores how God's original design for eating, moving, and living is the roadmap to lasting health. Jordan's message bridges faith and science to help people heal from the inside out. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third-party laboratories. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Visit safesleevecases.com and use code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:10:44

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468: LEVEL UP! Zach Windahl on the Unified Story of Scripture, Why "Belong Before You Believe" Fails, and How to Study Scripture When You're Bored or Confused

12/10/2025
You love Jesus, and you want to love the Bible, but most days, life crowds it out. And when you do open the text, it can feel confusing, disjointed, even offensive; so you reach for personalities who make it feel easier. The problem is that celebrity clarity often replaces biblical clarity. This week on Win Today, Zach Windahl—creator of The Bible Study and founder of The Brand Sunday—joins me to recover the unified story of Scripture and to challenge a popular church slogan: "belong before you believe." Belonging matters, but the New Testament's pattern is belief that forms a people, not a people that replaces belief. We'll name the most common study mistakes, walk a simple observation–interpretation–application path, and give you a way to read when you're bored, confused, or offended—so you meet the Lord in the words he actually inspired. Guest Bio Zach Windahl is the author of The Bible Study. His work has introduced hundreds of thousands to practical, repeatable study rhythms that move from information to transformation. Today isn't about his résumé; it's about putting tools in your hands so you can read what's there and be formed by it. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show NoteshereInvite me to speakInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Duration:01:18:48