(00:00-09:56): Still in the wake of Kobe Bryant’s death, Shaquille O’Neal and other NBA personalities reflect on the Laker legend’s life. Shaq talks about the value of community and friendship and how he works too much. He cries remembering Kobe Bryant: ‘It definitely changes me’.

(09:56-19:13): What Do Bill Maher, Donald Miller, and John Piper Have in Common? In different ways, God used them to lead me to Christ, writes John Joseph in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian discuss this.

(20:16-29:24): We are joined by author Bethany Jett, writer of “Platinum Faith”. She co-wrote the book with her best friend, Michelle Medlock-Adams. She discusses how our faith shares similar properties to that of Platinum. More information on the book can be found here: https://www.christianbook.com/platinum-faith-brilliant-resilient-worth-ebook/michelle-adams/9781501890734/pd/100790EB

(29:24-38:46): Judea, Suburbia, to the Ends of the Earth. Suburban America is a strategic mission field, writes Ashley Hales in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian discuss, as church leaders, how mission is affected and done in suburban Chicago. 

(39:50-49:58): “The Hypo-Politicization of the American Church” writes Seth Richardson in Missio Alliance. As we turn into the new year, Christians in the United States are facing a crisis that jeopardizes our capacity to be faithful witnesses. 

(49:58-59:57): RAPID FIRE! Katie Sowers becomes first woman to coach in the Super Bowl, which is awesome. Almost unbelievably, more Americans went to the library than the movies last year. Plus, this poor woman mistakes building foam for mousse.

(59:57-1:10:29): Nadia Bolz-Weber tweets about redoing and reusing old sermons. Good or bad? Jarrod McKenna responds with an interesting metaphor. Brian and Ian, as pastors, concur with Jarrod’s response. 

(1:10:29-1:17:12): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: You’d think space had enough room for two sattelites, and South Carolina has a high demand for piggy cuddlers. People, it’s not a beer virus, and don’t spark up in court. Meanwhile, divorse, believe it or not, is no reason to call 9-1-1.