Steve Brown Etc. » Steve Brown Etc.

Muslims, Christians & Jesus – Carl Medearis on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:12:48 +0000

What does the Quran really teach about killing the infidels, Sharia law and Jesus? It's so easy to give in to fear and stereotypes. So, this week on SBE, we invited an international expert in the field of Arab-American and Muslim-Christian relations to give us the straight dope.

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Carl Medearis works with leaders in the West and in the Arab world, promoting peace-making as well as cultural, political and religious dialog leading toward reconciliation. He's the author of the acclaimed book on these issues, Muslims, Christians, and Jesus, and he joins us to talk about the power of understanding and building relationships. Prepare to have what you think you know challenged.

Find out more and get free audio and video at CarlMedearis.com.

Love Does – Bob Goff on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:58:08 +0000

Bob Goff is the definition of infectious joy. As he puts it, he likes to "leak Jesus." Join Bob on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. and you'll know exactly what he means.

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Bob Goff's friends consider him the world's best kept secret. Well, not for long. Listen as we talk with Bob about his new book, Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, and be inspired to be secretly amazing too!

Bob is the founder of Restore International, a non-profit fighting injustice committed against children in Uganda and India. He shares leadership in a Washington law firm, Goff & DeWalt, and he serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda to the United States.

Connect with Bob at BobGoff.com.

October Baby – Jon Erwin and Shari Rigby on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:31:06 +0000

On its opening weekend, October Baby grossed $1.7 million from showings in only 390 theaters to become the number eight film in the country. Not bad for a film that was rejected by major studios.

But what's really amazing is the story God wove behind the scenes.

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Today, a director, an actress and a divinely appointed role that highlights October Baby's message: every life is beautiful.

Join director of October Baby, Jon Erwin, and actress, Shari Rigby, on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about forgiveness and the circuitous ways of God. Then visit OctoberBabyMovie.net to see the trailer, find theaters and see Sheri talk about her role in the film.

The Blue Like Jazz Movie – Steve Taylor on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:05:35 +0000

When Steve Brown is away, Etcetera will play, and this week Steve Taylor jumped into our sandbox to talk about his new movie Blue Like Jazz.

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The story of turning Donald Miller's wildly successful spiritual memoir, Blue Like Jazz, into a movie could make a movie of its own. From screenplay to flabbergasting fundraising problems to a record-breaking fan-led Kickstarter campaign to blow back from Christian filmmakers, Steve Taylor has been on a six-year-long roller coaster ride. Join us as he talks about directing Blue Like Jazz and see the fruits of his labor this weekend in a theater near you.

Go to BlueLikeJazzTheMovie.com for theaters, the trailer and more.

In addition to directing Blue Like Jazz, Steve Taylor is a singer, songwriter and producer. He was twice nominated for a Grammy and is the only artist to win two Billboard Music Video Awards for his self-directed music videos. And that, my friends, is pretty stinkin' cool.

The Gospel of Passion – Michael Card on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:23:07 +0000

Michael Card isn't only a famous musician who has sold over 4 million records and written over 19 number one hits. He has now co-authored his second book with God, Mark: The Gospel of Passion.

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Join Michael Card on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk with him about how the book of Mark gives us insight into Jesus' humanity and passion. From compassion to deep distress, Card gives us glimpses of Jesus' rich emotional life, and we have a lot of fun too! Don't miss this one.

In addition to recording over 23 albums, Michael Card has a master's degree in biblical studies and has authored or co-authored more than 19 books–including award winners Scribbling in the Sand, A Violent Grace and A Sacred Sorrow. Mark: The Gospel of Passion is Card's second book in the Biblical Imagination Series.

Click here to listen to us talk with him about Luke: The Gospel of Amazement.

A Silence of Mockingbirds – Karen Spears Zacharias on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:50:48 +0000

Karen Spears Zacharias is an investigative journalist who never thought she would become a character involved in the high-profile murder of a young girl named Karly Sheehan.

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Join Karen on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about her new book A Silence of Mockingbirds: The Memoir of a Murder and the tragic story of how Karly was failed by the very people that were supposed to protect her.

Karen's work has appeared in the New York Times and Newsweek, on NPR, CNN and more. She's also the author of Will Jesus Buy Me a Double-Wide? and the nationally-acclaimed After the Flag Has Been Folded. She teaches journalism at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wa. and blogs at Patheos.com.

God's Not Mad at You – Steve Brown & Susan Isaacs on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:24:22 +0000

For too many (inside and outside of the church), Christianity is seen as a self-help program designed to ensure that God isn't mad at them.

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Join writer, actor and comedienne Susan Isaacs on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about how the obsession with getting better isn't unique to Christians and discuss the solution to the universal problem of self-righteousness: free sins!

Click here to get your copy of Steve's new book, Three Free Sins: God's Not Mad at You.

Susan Isaacs is the author of Angry Conversations with God and her acting credits include Seinfeld, My Name is Earl, Parks & Recreation and more. Visit Susan online at SusanIsaacs.net and check out her recent post in our Guest Room, "Lent Is Not A Self-Help Program."

Unsucceeding – Kyle Drake on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:31:20 +0000

By the age of 29, Kyle Drake was a VP with one of America's largest banks. He had big bucks, a big house, and a position of prestige in his church. But Kyle's continuous, empty effort to balance his pursuit of accomplishments and his pursuit of God led him to take a leap of faith off the ladder of success.

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Join Kyle Drake on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about his new book, Unsucceeding: Waking Up From My American Dream. Hang out with us as we discuss the seemingly crazy choices Kyle made and how they led him to true peace and happiness.

[Producer's Note: This is usually where I write a little about the accomplishments of our guest. However, Kyle is totally unsuccessful. He's not a big-time businessman, politician, actor, speaker, pastor or head of a ministry. He didn't even mean to write Unsucceeding. It just kinda happened while he was being unsuccessful. You can connect with Kyle at Unsucceeding.net.]

Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me – Ian Morgan Cron on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:13:44 +0000

Ian Morgan Cron was 16 when he found out that his dad was living a double life as a spy in Europe. Having a father who worked for the CIA sounds cool, but that job, along with his dad's struggle with alcoholism, left dark holes in the fabric of Ian's life.

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Join Ian Morgan Cron on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk with him about his new book, Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir… of Sorts. Listen as we discuss Ian's search for answers and peace with the past he spent years trying to forget.

Ian Morgan Cron is an Episcopal priest, speaker and retreat leader. He is also the author of Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale.

Connect with Ian at IanCron.com.

Three Free Sins – Steve Brown on SBE (Re-Air)

Erik Guzman — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:01:17 +0000

Nothing gets Steve Brown into more trouble than when he gives people three free sins (a practice that started on this talk show). So what does he do? He jams a stick in the hornet's nest and writes a book about it.

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Join big-time pastor and author, Tullian Tchividjian, as he hosts this edition of Steve Brown Etc. and interviews Steve Brown about his latest effort to corrupt minds with the gospel, Three Free Sins: God's Not Mad at You.

Steve says the reason Christians are so bad is we’re trying so hard to be good. We’ve missed what God’s grace is all about. That’s the message of Three Free Sins—how to get free from the misguided obsession with sin management that binds so many Christians. We don't get just three free sins, but unlimited free sins!

Start clicking to hear the radical truth that the only people who get any better are those who know that, if they don’t get any better, God will still love them anyway. And, oh yeah, buy the book.

Amazing Gifts – Mark Pinsky on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:36:01 +0000

Mark Pinsky has gathered stories from churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples across the country, "stories of people with disabilities and the congregations where they have found welcome." Mark tells some of those stories today on Steve Brown Etc. and talks about why it's so important that we listen.

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Join us as we talk with veteran religion writer, Mark Pinsky, about his new book, Amazing Gifts: Stories of Faith, Disability, and Inclusion.

Also, if you're in Central Florida, join Mark and a panel of people featured in Amazing Gifts on Saturday, March 3rd, 3:15 PM at Northland, A Church Distributed.

Visit MarkPinsky.com for all things Mark Pinsky.

Sacrilege – Hugh Halter on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:46:13 +0000

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

- Mahatma Gandhi

I get what Gandhi was talking about in that quote. I'm a Christian who's not very much like Jesus at all, and I'm certainly not alone. What's up with that? Hugh Halter says it's because Christians aren't sacrilegious enough. Huh?

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Hugh Halter is the national director of Missio and the lead architect of Adullam, a congregational network of missional communities in Denver. Join Hugh on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about his new book, Sacrilege: Finding Life in the Unorthodox Ways of Jesus. Maybe we outcasts are more like Jesus than we think.

Growing Old with Grace – Don Sweeting on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:00:12 +0000

People are living longer and putting off retirement until later and later in life. How does one grow old with grace?

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On this edition of Steve Brown Etc., Steve's boss from the seminary, Don Sweeting, stops by to talk about his new book How to Finish the Christian Life: Following Jesus in the Second Half. Let's face it, Steve could finish the Christian life any minute now and he needs the help. If you get something out of this program too, bonus!

Don Sweeting is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and professor of church history. He wrote, How to Finish the Christian Life along with his dad, George Sweeting, the former president and chancellor of Moody Bible Institute.

Three Free Sins – Steve Brown on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:43:16 +0000

(If you're on the front page of the site, click "Read More" to see the trailer for Three Free Sins and audio player options.)

Start clicking to hear the radical truth that the only people who get any better are those who know that, if they don’t get any better, God will still love them anyway. And, oh yeah, buy the book.

@stickyJesus – Toni Birdsong on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:29:57 +0000

What would Jesus tweet? Would he give free sins? Would he tweet at all?

Love it or hate it, social networking is here to stay. People spend more than 110 billion minutes a month on sites like Facebook and Twitter. That translates to a lot of status updates and tweets as people seek to connect with one another. But do they really, and to what end?

Join Toni Birdsong on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about her new book, @stickyJesus: how to live out your faith online. Is social networking an unprecedented opportunity to reach out to hurting people the way Jesus did or is it just a fun way to share this kind of thing? Let's talk.

Toni is a partner in Birdsong Creative. She's a self-described, “Communications Snob, Idea Wrangler, Entrepreneur and Author gaining fun and profit from an incurable case of Creative Obsessive Disorder.”

The Resignation of Eve – Jim Henderson on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:15:52 +0000

Jim Henderson is a firm believer in the power of listening. Lately, he's been listening to women in the church who are overworked, underappreciated and ready to bolt.

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Join Jim Henderson on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk with him about his new book, The Resignation of Eve: What If Adam's Rib Is No Longer Willing to Be the Church's Backbone? Millions of today's most committed Christians may be ready to bail on the organized church. What can be done? Start clicking.

Jim Henderson is a speaker, author, producer and subversive. His company, Jim Henderson Presents, produces live events and TV projects that look at the important role of religious spirituality in our lives. He holds a doctorate in transformational leadership and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox News and This American Life with Ira Glass.

Fathers, Sons, Porn & Grace – Nate Larkin on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:02:05 +0000

In our sex saturated cyber savvy society, children are being exposed to pornography earlier and earlier in life. How can a father help his boys escape the pitfalls of porn, especially if dad is addicted himself?

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Nate Larkin is no stranger to sex addiction. He was a pastor, married and had three kids when he picked up his first prostitute on the way to lead a candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Join us as we talk with him about fathers, sons, porn and grace, and what it looks like to move from obsession toward freedom.

Nate is the author of Samson and the Pirate Monks and founder of the Samson Society.

Hear more of Nate's story on his previous appearance on Steve Brown Etc., "From Reputation to Freedom."

All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir – John Blase on SBE (Re-Air)

Erik Guzman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:43:26 +0000

Brennan Manning has touched countless lives with his message that God is a daddy who passionately loves us as we are, not as we should be. Now in the winter of his life, Brennan has given us the costly gift of a brutally (and beautifully) honest look at the man behind that message.

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Join us on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. as we talk with John Blase, co-author of Brennan Manning's latest, and likely last, book All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir. It's the story of a son, brother, soldier, priest, husband, author, speaker, alcoholic and beloved child of Abba who has come to embody the radical message of the gospel of grace.

John Blase is the developmental editor for David C. Cook Publishing. He's the author of Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas and co-author, along with Brennan Manning, of the children's book Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love.

Belieber! – Cathleen Falsani on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:59:45 +0000

Join us as we kick off another year of not-half-bad broadcasting with the Old White Guy talking about the most famous teenager on the planet with one of our favorite guests, Cathleen Falsani!

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After a careful survey of all the important topics we could cover to set the tone for 2012 on Steve Brown Etc., we decided on Justin Bieber's new tattoo of Jesus (see pic).

Seriously, Cathleen Falsani is an award-winning veteran journalist and syndicated religion columnist who is best known for her personal interview profiles of Barack Obama, Bono, Anne Rice, and many others. In her new book, Belieber!: Fame, Faith, and the Heart of Justin Bieber, Cathleen turns the spotlight on the insanely popular teen megastar for an in-depth look at his surprisingly humble faith. What kind of influence is he having on the hearts and minds of his global audience? Start clicking.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything – Tullian Tchividjian on SBE (Re-Air)

Erik Guzman — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:33:16 +0000

Can you imagine living in a world where Christians have forgotten the gospel and instead try to motivate by fear and guilt? Imagine the self-righteousness, immorality and lovelessness that would plague our churches. Boy, let's hope that never happens.

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Join Tullian Tchividjian on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about the radical good news in his book, Jesus + Nothing = Everything. It just might set you free!

Tullian is Billy Graham's grandson and pastor of one of America's best-known churches, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Steve Brown Etc. Christmas Special

Erik Guzman — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:09:56 +0000

This Christmas, find some time between that boring office party, your flaming nose dive into debt, and visits with obnoxious relatives to treat yourself to a little nip of Steve Brown Etc.!

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Listen and experience the magic of dueling Christmas music, the out-scrooging of the Old White Guy, and even a touch from the Christmas Spirit.

This is the place for radical freedom and infectious joy to the world. Heck, Steve may even throw in some free sins!

And from everyone here at Steve Brown Etc., have a Merry Christmas!

This is Christmas. So? – Tony Campolo on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:49:28 +0000

On this edition of Steve Brown Etc., Steve asks, "What happened at Christmas, and is it working?" Join Our Favorite Lib., Tony Campolo, as we talk about what difference Christmas makes anyway.

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Tony Campolo joins us regularly on Steve Brown Etc. He's professor emeritus at Eastern University and the founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, an organization that develops schools and social programs in various third world countries and in cities across North America. He's the author of over 35 books, blogs regularly at his website, RedLetterChristians.org, and can also be found on both Facebook and Twitter

Chaos and Grace – Mark Galli on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:09:44 +0000

Are you addicted to control? Exhausted by the effort to get it together? God just may want to set you free by messing up your life!

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Join Mark Galli on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about his new book, Chaos and Grace: Discovering the Liberating Work of the Holy Spirit. It may not be the most comforting thought, but Galli shows how the way to a fresh experience of God's grace and unconditional love is often through crisis.

If you're going through a tough time, don't miss this one!

Mark Galli is senior managing editor of Christianity Today and the author, co-author and editor of several books. Visit Mark's blog at MarkGalli.com.

Doing the Right Thing – Chuck Colson on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:52:50 +0000

Is there a universal moral law? If so, can we live by it? If we can, why would we want to? Enter Chuck Colson.

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Join Chuck Colson on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about ethics and his new DVD series, Doing the Right Thing.

As a new Christian, Colson founded Prison Fellowship in 1976 after doing time for Watergate-related charges. (He was President Nixon's "hatchet man.") He's also the founder of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, the author of over 30 books and the host of Breakpoint.

Find out more about the six-part exploration of ethics Colson put together with Brit Hume, Ben Stein, Dr. Robert George and others at DoingTheRightThing.com.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything – Tullian Tchividjian on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:23:38 +0000

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Join Tullian Tchividjian on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about the radical good news in his book, Jesus + Nothing = Everything. It just might set you free!

Tullian is Billy Graham's grandson and pastor of one of America's best-known churches, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With – Skye Jethani on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:55:33 +0000

Are you a Christian who is confused and disappointed by God? You're not alone. Millions are stumbling in the darkness among forms of religion that are based on fear and control.

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Join Skye Jethani on Steve Brown Etc. as he talks about the misguided ways people try to relate to God, and then invites us to a life with God in freedom!

Skye is senior editor of Leadership Journal. He's also a pastor, speaker and author of With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God. Join Skye online at SkyeJethani.com.

Nomad's Land – Beau Armistead on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:46:19 +0000

There are thousands of nomadic people in the U.S. living in their cars, following bands or living in the national forests as part of the Rainbow Family. Nine years ago Beau Armistead became one of them. But Beau isn't following bands or Rainbow Gatherings; he's following Jesus.

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Join Beau Armistead on Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about why he traded in his cubicle for a converted school bus and became a nomad.

Beau is a co-founder of Nomad's Land, a place of rest, community and spiritual growth for nomads. Find out more at TheNomadsLand.org.

Also, be sure to go to NomadAuction.com this weekend to buy autographed books and CDs, vacation getaways, handmade items and more. All the proceeds will go to benefit Nomad's Land.

Beautiful Outlaw – John Eldredge on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:57:10 +0000

Jesus may not be who you think he is. John Eldredge writes, "The personality conveyed through much of Christian culture is not the personality of Jesus but of the people in charge of that particular franchise."

Join us on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. as John Eldredge uncovers the vandalized image of Jesus who he says is far more "playful, funny, earthy, human, irreverent–and unapologetically unreligious" than many think.

John Eldredge is a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of Ransomed Heart Ministries. His new book is titled Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus. Go to BeautifulOutlaw.net to get info on the Outlawcast with John Eldredge coming up Novermber 14th, watch the trailer for the book and more!

"My father is a serial killer" – Travis Vining on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:18:27 +0000

Growing up, Travis Vining wanted to be just like his dad, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. That's because Travis Vining's dad was a psychopath.

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Join Travis on Steve Brown Etc. as he talks about living the real-life horrors of learning his father is a serial killer and his "journey through hell that led to heaven."

Travis Vining is the author of Transforming Darkness to Light for Giving: Spiritual Lessons from My Life with a Serial Killer and he facilitates intensive healing retreats that focus on family of origin issues.

Get Travis' book and find out more at VictoryThroughPeace.com.

The War on the American People – John W. Whitehead on SBE

Erik Guzman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:50:53 +0000

Has the war on drugs become the war on the American people? Constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead says that it has. Is legalizing marijuana the solution?

According to a recent article by Whitehead, warrantless SWAT team raids are becoming commonplace and a rising number of innocent people are being subjected to brutal tactics in the failed war on drugs. All the while the Fourth Amendment is going up in smoke.

Join John W. Whitehead on this edition of Steve Brown Etc. as we talk about his article The War on Drugs Has Become the War on the American People and discuss repealing the pot prohibition.

John W. Whitehead is the author of The Change Manifesto and president of The Rutherford Institute, one of America's premier civil liberties organizations.