The Boundless Show

Lisa Anderson

Bias in the News: Episode 712

September 23, 2021

Sifting through bias in today’s news, plus part one on a Christian’s approach to dating, and are you taking your relationship too slowly?

Featured musical artist: About a Mile

Roundtable: Spotting Media Bias

You scan the morning headlines to find out what’s happening in the world. But the more you read, the more it feels like the reporter wrote an opinion column instead of a news story. That can only mean one thing: bias! The fact is, we all have it, but is there a way to read or watch the news without letting bias cloud the truth? Our guests share their experiences working in various media outlets and how they keep up with current events while maintaining a balanced perspective.

Culture: How Should I Date? (Part 1)

You long to be married someday, but before you find a mate, you must be willing to go on some dates. Well, is there a right way to date? Eric Demeter is a single guy who knows the ups and downs of dating, and has sought the wisdom of both Scripture and godly mentors. In part one of our conversation, he’ll debunk some common myths about dating that many of us believe, and tell us how to start with a solid relationship foundation.

Inbox: Are We Going Too Slow?

She just started dating her boyfriend and doesn’t want to take things too quickly. However, his friends typically get engaged and married within a short time of starting a relationship. How can she know if their relationship is on track or moving too slowly? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Featured Offer

Dream Brave
A Dare to Live by Faith When You Feel Too Small

Archives

Celebrating favorite fall traditions, plus Shane and Shane on worship, and is it wise for a new Christian to be a ministry leader? Featured musical artist: Jonathan Cain Roundtable: It’s Fall, Y’all!The leaves are turning and the temperature is dropping. All this can only mean one thing: Fall is here! To celebrate, our guests describe their favorite fall traditions and what they enjoy most and even least about this season. From corn mazes to pumpkin patches, college football, warm drinks and bonfires, there’s sure to be something here for you. Culture: Worked Up About WorshipYou go to church, sing the songs and pray the prayers. Sometimes you’re into it, and other times it feels ho-hum. The fact is, worshiping God is one of the greatest things a believer in Jesus will participate in. But what if worship is something so much deeper than just the songs we sing and words we read or recite? Christian music artists Shane and Shane join us to discuss what true worship is through their story as worship leaders. They’ll also address the tension of worship styles in today’s churches and how we can get a right perspective on it all. Inbox: Should a New Christian Lead?His friend is a new Christian and now feels called to lead a young adults’ ministry. But there are signs that he still needs to be humbled, discipled, and have a more teachable spirit before becoming a teacher himself. Is it right to let him lead or to make him wait? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
September 16, 2021
Enjoying sports without idolizing them, plus embracing God’s purpose for your life, and a “sleeping together” conundrum.    Featured musical artist: Love and the OutcomeRoundtable: Do Sports Rule Your Life?With football season officially here, many will now be glued to their TVs for weeks. For some, sports are a fun pastime. For others, seeing their favorite team lose will ruin their day. Is there a way to enjoy watching your favorite team without letting their performance and your fandom run your life? Our guests discuss sports they enjoy and ways they’ve learned to be avid sports fans while still keeping their priorities straight.Culture: When Purpose Feels Far AwayAll of us deal with doubt when it comes to our true calling. Jonathan Evans wrestled with that same feeling after his NFL career fell apart. Being the son of famous preacher Dr. Tony Evans, Jonathan felt intense pressure to make his life count. But in the middle of his disappointment, God opened some amazing and unexpected doors. If you’re struggling with finding your purpose in life, you’ll be encouraged by this discussion.    Inbox: My Brother Sleeps With His Girlfriend at My House She lives with her mom, and when her brother and his girlfriend come over, her mom lets them sleep together. She’s uncomfortable with her brother’s behavior, but her mom (also a Christian) doesn’t seem to want to speak up. Is it time to confront this? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
September 9, 2021
The importance of cooking (even for yourself), plus what it means to find true love, and wisdom for interacting with a gay friend.    Featured musical artist:  Austin Stone WorshipRoundtable: Cooking Hacks for SinglesThe late Truett Cathy said, “Food is essential to life, therefore make it good.” While everyone enjoys a tasty meal, what if you don’t know how to cook one? And what if you don’t feel like buying groceries and going through the effort of cooking if it’s just for yourself? Our guests explain how cooking is beneficial for more reasons than just having something to eat, and they give some of their best tips for making simple, nutritious and fast meals any time of the week.      Culture: Finding True LoveWe all long to find true love. With so many songs and movies about it, it’s easy to make this elusive quest our main goal in life. But what if marriage (and even singleness) are meant to point us to something much deeper and more meaningful? Pastor Evan Reedall takes us to the book of Proverbs to tackle the question: How do I find true love? He’ll discuss why marriage is a wonderful gift from God, but it’s temporary — and will never replace the joy of knowing Jesus Christ.   Inbox: Talking Truth With a Gay FriendThey’ve been friends for months, but she’s never shared her convictions about sexuality with her gay friend. She now feels like a hypocrite for playing it safe and not sharing what Scripture says about homosexuality. How can she tell her friend the truth, but do so in love? Counselor Wendy Brown weighs in.
September 2, 2021
Wisdom in entertainment choices, plus the seeds of the transgender movement, and being vulnerable in a dating relationship.    Featured musical artist: AbandonRoundtable: Making Healthy Entertainment ChoicesMovies, music, books, binge-worthy TV, and everything on demand — the world is simply flooded with entertainment. With so much access to content, it’s never been more important to use discernment in the types of entertainment we consume. But where do you personally draw the line, and how do you decide? Our panel of guests discuss what they enjoy watching and listening to, and what is a no-go. Whether it’s sexual content, language, violence or certain themes, they give principles for wise decision-making when taking in what’s out there today.   Culture: History of TransgenderismIt’s an old saying: “To understand the present, you have to look at the past.” The same is true for the shift in sexual ethics we’re seeing today. Dr. Carl Trueman has done extensive research on this topic, and traces transgenderism and other gender fluidity and choice issues back to prominent philosophers and cultural watersheds. He also suggests an appropriate response to this complicated topic.   Inbox: Feeling Confident … Except in DatingShe’s forthright in friendships and her career. But when it comes to dating, she struggles with vulnerability and confidence. She doesn’t want this pattern to continue in her new relationship. What can she do? Counselor Elaine Humphries weighs in.
August 26, 2021
Navigating life after college, plus a pastor’s goal to prevent suicides, and when someone you like is spiritually stuck.   Featured musical artist:  EcclesiaRoundtable: Burning Post-College Questions (Part 2)Making the jump from college to the “real world” is daunting. While starting a career and living life outside of campus can be fun and freeing, there also comes a whole new set of challenges and questions. How do I get along with my parents? How do I find a job? What are ways to save money? Can I make meaningful friendships outside of college? To help answer these questions, we brought in a team of experts to share lessons they’ve learned about life after graduation. In part 2, we’ll also feature a Q&A with our fabulous summer interns.   Culture: Battling Depression and Preventing SuicideDepression, anxiety and suicide are on the rise as busyness and the pressures of life leave many with a profound sense of loneliness and lack of purpose. What is there to do in the midst of such darkness? Pastor Ben Courson shares candidly about his own struggles with depression and talks through the recent suicides of prominent Christian leaders. Mental illness touches us all, so If you’re struggling today or consider depression or anxiety to be your norm, stay tuned.  Inbox: A Spiritually Stuck Love InterestShe was introduced to him by some friends, and she happens to like him. However, he’s admitted that he’s gotten spiritually lazy and isn’t regularly going to church. Both of them are Christians, so should she refuse to go on a date with him? Our friend Josh Zeichik weighs in.
August 19, 2021
Navigating life after college, plus a Q&A on building a godly marriage, and when you aren’t getting traction with online dating.   Featured musical artist: HollynRoundtable: Burning Post-College Questions (Part 1)Making the jump from college to the “real world” is daunting. While starting a career and living life outside of campus can be fun and freeing, there also comes a whole new set of challenges and questions. How do I get along with my parents? How do I find a job? What are ways to save money? Can I make meaningful friendships outside of college? To help answer these questions, we brought in a team of experts to share lessons they’ve learned about life after graduation.   Culture: Preparing for a Great Marriage (Part 2) It’s easy to enter marriage with rose-colored glasses; hopes are high and everything is so exciting. But what if real love has little to do with feelings? Diane and Roger Ingolia have been married for 44 years and have counseled many couples about what it means to love your spouse with a Christ-like love. In part 2 of our conversation, they’ll answer questions from a studio audience about how to do marriage well. Inbox: When Online Dating Stalls OutShe’s dating online but is hitting a brick wall. She’s had a few conversations, but it just seems like guys aren’t interested in her — or they are at first, but then they disappear. What can she do to change this? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
August 12, 2021
Part two on living out Ephesians 5 in marriage, plus building a godly marriage from scratch, and potential disconnects on sexual sin.  Featured musical artist: Kerrie RobertsRoundtable: What Biblical Submission Should Look Like (Part 2)Submission is a touchy subject, and people can get pretty heated talking about it. If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible really says about submission or what biblical submission should look like in a marriage, listen to this conversation. Our panel discusses these questions and more, bringing their wisdom and sometimes hilarious personal experiences to the table.  Culture: Preparing for a Great Marriage (Part 1) It’s easy to enter marriage with rose-colored glasses; hopes are high and everything is so exciting. But what if real love has little to do with feelings? Diane and Roger Ingolia have been married for 44 years and have counseled many couples about what it means to love your spouse with a Christ-like love. In part 1 of our conversation, they’ll share from their own dating journey plus some of the wisdom they’ve given to couples during pre-marital counseling.  Inbox: Navigating Confusing Sexual ConvictionsShe’s been talking with him online for a few months, and he seems like a good Christian guy. However, he’s admitted he wasn’t taught that pre-marital sex is a sin, and he was sexually active in other dating relationships. Should these be reasons to cut off communication or not?  Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
August 5, 2021
Living out Ephesians 5 in marriage, plus the inside scoop on progressive Christianity, and addressing masturbation in a relationship. Featured musical artist: David DunnRoundtable: What Biblical Submission Should Look Like (Part 1)Submission is a touchy subject, and people can get pretty heated talking about it. If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible really says about submission or what biblical submission should look like in a marriage, listen to this conversation. Our panel discusses these questions and more, bringing their wisdom and sometimes hilarious personal experiences to the table. Then tune in next week for more!Culture: Is Progressive Christianity Really Christianity?In today’s culture, it's easy to confuse progressive Christianity with a passion for social justice or even an affiliation with a political party. But what is it really? Most progressives by definition have actually rejected certain tenets of orthodox Christianity. Alisa Childers, musician and author of “Another Gospel?,” talks through the particulars and shares her own deconstruction story and how in the process (and with the influence of a pastor) she almost walked away from her faith. Instead, she reconstructed with a more confident view of God, His Word and the gospel.Inbox: My Boyfriend Still Masturbates DailyHer boyfriend told her that he no longer views porn, but still struggles with daily masturbation. She’s wondering what this means for their relationship, and what help is available to him moving forward. Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
July 29, 2021
The pros and cons of owning a pet, plus establishing better habits in your life, and is it wrong to attend a gay wedding? Featured musical artist: Nathan TaskerRoundtable: Should I Get a Pet?If you’ve ever wondered whether to add a furry (or not furry) friend to your home, you definitely want to tune in to this conversation. While having a pet can be a lot of fun, it’s also a tremendous amount of work — and often money. Our panel describes the ups and downs they’ve experienced with their pets. They also put a pet’s place in one’s life in perspective, and of course try to convince Lisa that pet ownership is in her future.   Culture: Good Habits for a Healthy LifeIn a world filled with worry and discouragement, it’s easy to give in, kick up our feet, and just watch television. But lazy habits only feed bad results. As a pastor, Steve Poe is passionate about helping people replace bad habits with good ones. In this candid conversation, he’ll share some of the worst habits that plague Christians today, and provide biblical insights and practical strategies for replacing them with life-giving ones instead.   Inbox: Should I Attend a Gay Wedding?She’s been invited to her coworker’s wedding — however, her coworker happens to be gay. They’ve worked together a long time and are friends, so should she attend the wedding, or must she as a Christian decline the invitation? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
July 22, 2021
How to be kind to those you disagree with, plus safeguarding your emotional health, and when the desire to marry isn’t strong. Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Disagreement Without DivisionWhether on social media or elsewhere, it seems everyone is angry these days. Polarizing issues abound; even issues on which reasonable Christians can disagree are driving a wedge in churches, friend groups and families. As Christians, how should we respond? What if we’re part of the problem? Our guests share their biggest triggers and how they try to maintain peace in relationships rather than sowing discord. They’ll also give tips for engaging in civil conversations and loving others even when opinions differ and emotions run high.  Culture: Emotional Health CheckupFor millennials and Gen Z, terms like depression, anxiety, burnout and stress are part of our daily vocabulary. Will our generation ever find the path to mental and emotional health? Licensed professional counselor Debra Fileta joins us to share her own struggles in these areas, and how it’s possible to identify and address the challenges we face. If you or someone you know is struggling to stay mentally and emotionally afloat, this conversation will give some much-needed hope.    Inbox: What If I Don’t Want to Get Married?She’s feeling a lot of pressure from others to get married. But when she searches her own heart, the desire for a spouse isn’t that strong. Is this a problem or a good thing? Lisa Anderson weighs in.
July 15, 2021
See More Episodes
Loading...
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
B
Listen to The Boundless Show on
Amazon Echo
Learn How
Learn How

Featured Offer

Dream Brave
A Dare to Live by Faith When You Feel Too Small

About The Boundless Show

Boundless is a ministry of Focus on the Family that exists to see young adults mature in Christ as the foundation for marriage and family. Through our website, blog and weekly podcast, we help singles in their 20s and 30s navigate the path to marriage biblically and intentionally while providing sound resources and advice on key issues young adults face. We discuss everything from dating and relationships to faith, worldview, career and culture in a fun, engaging and relevant way. We’re also on Facebook (Boundless.org) and Twitter (BoundlessTeam).

The Boundless Show is a weekly podcast designed to build community among single young adults and provide a God-centered perspective on relationships, culture, career and faith. Hosted by Focus on the Family’s Lisa Anderson, The Boundless Show brings a voice to the interests and concerns of today’s 20- and 30-somethings.

About Lisa Anderson

Lisa Anderson is director of Boundless (www.boundless.org) and host of The Boundless Show — a weekly podcast reaching 20- and 30-somethings with the message of God’s design for marriage and family. The show also features practical tips for dating intentionally, owning your faith, navigating career and culture, and maturing in all areas of life.  

Lisa speaks frequently at churches, conferences and workshops, and her writing has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and in Streetwise and The Big Screen — two books in David C. Cook’s Custom Curriculum series.

When not challenging the next generation, she enjoys traveling, running, and quoting her mother, who is known to say outrageous things. She loves Jesus, people, ideas and guacamole, in that order.

Contact The Boundless Show with Lisa Anderson

Mailing Address
Focus on the Family
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 
80920-1051
Write For Us
Please review our Author Guidelines before e-mailing us (editor@boundless.org).

Permissions to Reprint
Request permission to reprint Boundless articles here.