Life + God Podcast

Can we learn about God from the Barbie movie?

Over the summer, the Barbie movie took the world by storm! It was funny, thoughtful, inspiring, and clever, but can it also teach us about God? In today's episode, Alyssa Robinson is joined by Rev. Gracie Millard and Jacob Zachariah to explore the spiritual themes in the Barbie movie, like dualism, deconstruction, divine encounters, sin, and forgiveness.

REFRESH: Why do we worship?

Alyssa Robinson and Rev. Karen Chraska take a deeper look at the worship services we host today and why we do the things we do or maybe the things we don't do. Why do we come together as a people to worship God and how does it compare to the original church?

What can love handle?

This week in the Men In Progress series, host Dave Casey is joined by Rev. Don Kirsch and Jim Attrell to discuss what they've learned from their marriages and how love has transcended all conflicts and obstacles. Men In Progress is a monthly series within the Life + God Podcast hosted by the United Methodist Men of Trietsch.

Why does God let bad things happen?

This is an age-old question with which all believers wrestle. If God is all-loving, all-powerful, why does God allow suffering? Why does evil exist? How does free will come into the equation? Rev. Gracie Millard and Alyssa Robinson roll around in this question, not to answer it, but to wonder together... why does God let bad things happen?

Is Jesus really the only way?

Our faith foundation claims that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. But as we mature in our spiritual journeys, inevitably the question comes up... is Jesus the only way? We question God's love for people of other faiths and traditions. Is Jesus really the only way to be one with God? Rev. Daniel Humbert and Alyssa Robinson explore this question in today's episode.

REFRESH: What if the church has hurt me?

Rev. Rachel Griffin is the Senior Pastor of Oak Lawn UMC, a reconciling and LGBTQIA+ ally church in Dallas, TX. In today's episode, she and Alyssa Robinson tackle the topic of religious trauma. How do I stay connected spiritually if I've been hurt by the church? How can I start to put the pieces back together? How can I be a place of healing for others who have been hurt? We explore all of these questions and more!

Why do I see so much hypocrisy in the church?

We've all run into a hypocrite or two in our lives! Rev. Gracie Millard and Alyssa Robinson explore the ways they've been hypocrites in the past, what we can do as Christ-followers to improve, and how we can better love others without judgment or expectations. 

How do I find calm in a world of chaos?

This week in the Men In Progress series, host Dave Casey is joined by Grant Hahn, Joseph Moore, and David Taylor to talk about finding calm in a chaotic world. Men In Progress is a monthly series within the Life + God Podcast hosted by the United Methodist Men of Trietsch.

How can we support families with disabilities?

Parenting is hard; there is no doubt. But some parents have extra challenges to which we're completely unaware. Today, Alyssa Robinson has a round table conversation with Liz Holland and Nancy Kimbrell (mothers to children with Cerebral Palsy) and Director of Disabilities Ministry Van Nguyen to talk about the unique challenges families with disabilities face. They share their stories and experiences while educating us on ways to be more supportive and loving to communities with visible or invisible disabilities.

How can I parent with purpose?

TEC Preschool Director Stephanie Pippett and Assistant Director Cindy Pertuit join Alyssa Robinson to talk about parenting with intention. They discuss the importance of developmental stages, how to connect with your child, and healthy ways to discipline. Trietsch Enrichment Center has been a thriving preschool in Flower Mound, TX for over 35 years. Visit tmumc.org/tec to learn about their programming for ages 2 - prek and schedule a school tour.