The Boundless Show

Learning to enjoy your job, plus how to embrace adulthood with grace, and does her long-distance friendship have dating potential? Featured musical artist: James PedenRoundtable: On-the-Job JoyYour job is how you pay the bills, save for retirement and perform meaningful work. But work is a whole lot better if you enjoy doing it. The truth is, your job doesn’t have to be a daily grind. Our guests share their best strategies for making work fun — including taking breaks, prioritizing relationships over the next project, and finding a balance between staying sane and productive each and every day.    Culture: Adulting for Jesus — Part 1Let’s face it: Being an adult isn’t easy. We all want to find our life’s calling, but many of us feel like we’re making it up as we go. The good news is, God is here to help us through. Comedian Kristin Weber has learned a lot about embracing the responsibilities of adulthood in today’s world. In part one of our conversation, she discusses trusting God with your future, honoring Him with your work, and the value of persevering through hardship. Inbox: Long-Distance PotentialShe really enjoys being friends with him, and would love to date him — but they live in different states. With so many miles in between them, would dating be a smart decision? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in with some helpful tips she learned from her own dating journey.

Staying focused on personal growth, plus why and when spiritual doubts can be OK, and how to avoid “missionary dating.” Featured musical artist: Ellie HolcombRoundtable: Personal Growth GoalsNow that we’re a few weeks into January, you might feel like giving up on your New Year's resolutions. All the early optimism starts fading into discouragement and you wonder, “Am I going to stay stuck again this year?” Our guests discuss how they stay focused on personal growth in multiple areas, and what keeps them motivated to reach important goals. If you want to be wiser, stronger, and get things done in 2021, this conversation will encourage you to keep growing.    Culture: The Benefits of DoubtWhether you’ve been a Christian a long time or you’re a new believer, we all face the unsettling tension of doubt. Scripture shows us that even many heroes of the faith struggled to trust God. But doubt doesn’t have to derail us from our faith. In fact, it can lead to new opportunities to know God deeper. CRU’s Shelby Abbott has worked with students for many years, and wrestles with trusting God in his battle with chronic pain. His wise words and personal reflections will give you hope when doubt stares you down.Inbox: Beware of “Missionary Dating”She’s around a lot of guys, but they’re not mature or serious Christians. Is it OK to still go on dates with them, or is that unwise? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Caring without compromising your values, plus (kinda) natural ways to share your faith, and should you date someone who’s not your type?     Featured musical artist: Liz ViceRoundtable: Care, But Don’t CaveYour friend doesn’t share the same values as you. You want to be nice, but when he or she does something you don’t agree with, how should you respond? Should you tell them exactly what you think of their bad behavior? Brush it off? Wait and see? Our guests discuss what it looks like to be respectful toward people we disagree with, and how to love others without stonewalling, enabling, or compromising your faith.   Guests: Sara Bess Kemeny, Austin Johnson, Glenn StantonCulture: The Long Game of Sharing the GospelLet’s face it: Sharing your faith with others is hard. We all know someone we’d love to see come to Christ, but the question remains: How do I talk with him or her about spiritual things? Randy Newman is a firm believer that evangelism looks more like a gradual process than just one conversation. Before becoming a Christian in college, he spent years interacting with believers and learning from them. Whether you find sharing the gospel scary or not, this conversation will encourage you. Inbox: Dating Outside Your TypeIs dating someone who’s not your type a valuable exercise or a waste of time? Is there a way to broaden who you find attractive? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Friends and family answer questions about host Lisa Anderson, plus Justin Camp on men  finding God, and is she too ambitious for her boyfriend?     Featured musical artist: About a MileRoundtable: Lisa Anderson QuizLisa Anderson has hosted “The Boundless Show” since it began in 2008. In more than 12 years, she’s shared a lot of personal information. (She would say, sometimes too much information.) But do you know her favorite movie? Or what would make her turn down a date? Or what jobs she held before working at Boundless? Tune it to see if her team member James, her sister Sara, and her friend Julianna know the answers. And of course Lisa will offer random but witty commentary on all of their guesses. Culture: Men and God: To Infinity and Beyond!What do real-life American astronauts have to do with a man’s search for God? Justin Camp has some ideas. He uses the stories of these extraordinary men, plus a few more ordinary journeys (including his own) to give men the motivation to draw near to God, get unstuck from whatever’s holding them back, and start living with fresh eyes. A life well-lived is an adventure, Justin says, especially with God at its center. This one’s for the guys, but ladies, you’re welcome to listen too.   Inbox: Too Ambitious for Her Boyfriend?They’ve been dating for a year and a half, but she can’t imagine marrying him. She has a high-paying job and speaks four languages; he’s job-hopping and living with his parents. She helped him buy his car and is starting to resent how much he needs her. What’s next? Lisa Anderson weighs in with some helpful thoughts.

Setting goals for the new year after a chaotic 2020, plus being a peacemaker in relationships, and will COVID affect a girl’s dating future?     Featured musical artist: Jonathan CainRoundtable: To Set or Not Set Goals?It’s time to set resolutions for the upcoming year: lose a few pounds, stop eating the sugary foods, reign in bad spending habits, etc. But with all the chaos of 2020, many of us just want to catch our breath. With the pandemic still going on and the lingering effects of an election still felt, is it wise to even set goals in 2021? Our guests share their thoughts about the pros and cons of setting goals and how to keep a healthy perspective amidst the craziness.    Culture: Finding Peace in RelationshipsIn a world filled with conflict, is it possible to find peace with our family and friends? As Chrsitians, having peace with others starts with us making good choices. Pastor Brian Noble has learned that finding stability takes a lot of effort and humility. Through sharing his own story of coming from a broken home, he’ll offer encouragement and give some helpful ideas for finding peace in your day-to-day relationships.   Inbox: COVID and her Dating FutureShe’s thankful to have recovered from a serious case of COVID, but is worried about the long-term effects. Will a guy still accept her, even after she tells him about the disease she had? Counselor Glenn Lutjens provides some help and encouragement.

Women on how men can be creepy in dating, plus practicing transparency in marriage, and processing post-election hostility.     Featured musical artist: Love and the OutcomeRoundtable: Creepy Male DatersWe’ve all heard a creepy dating story, or even lived through one (or 10). When you’re nervous about going on a date or you desperately want to impress your crush, is it possible to not come across as creepy in the process? In Part 2 of our “Don’t Be a Creep” roundtable series, the ladies share their biggest turn-offs about men who give a creepy vibe — and then, bonus — they share a few mistakes they’ve made themselves. Culture: When Marriage Gets RealIt’s easy to dream about the joy of your wedding day. But what can possibly prepare you for confessing something embarrassing to your future spouse? Deep down, we all want to be loved for who we really are, not just when we look our best. Ryan and Selena Frederick have walked through the ups and downs of married life, and have discovered how God’s grace shines brightest through our deepest insecurities. Their advice will encourage you for days when you fall short in your future marriage.   Inbox: Losing Friends After the ElectionHe’s noticing that in the wake of the last election, some of his friends are determined to sever ties with others who voted differently than they did. Amid all the back and forth noise on social media, what is the Christian response? Media expert Paul Batura weighs in with a helpful perspective.

Men on how women can be creepy in dating, plus tips for making money in a gig economy, and when you feel less gifted than other people.   Featured musical artist: Audio AdrenalineRoundtable: Creepy Female DatersWe’ve all heard a creepy dating story, or even lived through one (or 10). When you’re nervous about going on a date or you desperately want to impress your crush, is it possible to not come across as creepy in the process? In Part 1 of our “Don’t Be a Creep” roundtable series, the guys share their biggest turn-offs about women who give a creepy vibe — and then, bonus — they share a few mistakes they’ve made themselves. Culture: Time to Get a Gig?Many young adults today are facing a financial crisis: student loans, credit card debt, bills we can’t pay. We all know about spending less to reach our goals, but what about earning more? Is it possible to make more money, even in the midst of a pandemic and struggling economy? Art Rainer is a financial coach who works with individuals to improve their financial standing. For some, finding a side hustle is the answer. Think that’s too hard, or not for you? Maybe, maybe not. Art will share his best tips and practical examples to show that working a gig (or even another part-time job) may be where it’s at right now. Inbox: Not as Gifted as Others?He’s working as a store-stocker and doesn’t feel as gifted as those in white collar professions. He’s heard many sermons on how God gifts and calls educated and professional people, but what about him? Do his gifts matter? Does he have a calling to live out, or just a job to do? Our friend Roger Ingolia weighs in.

Feeling especially single during the holidays, plus the future of Christian marriage, and when the guy you like ignores you.  Featured musical artist: Stu GarrardRoundtable: Holiday Struggles for SinglesYou’re anticipating the big question from your family members: “Are you dating someone yet?” Or perhaps you’re ramping up to be the third wheel yet again at holiday gatherings. Or maybe COVID and travel drama has gotten you disinvited from Christmas altogether. It’s easy to feel left out during the holidays — and this year, especially so. How can you prepare? Is there a way to not feel so alone? Our guests discuss the struggles of being single this time of year, and how relying on God’s strength and Christian community can sustain you. Culture: Where is Marriage Headed?Many young adults, including Christians, are marrying later in life — or simply choosing to remain single. Some say it’s due to financial struggles, others blame career demands, and still others cite fear of picking the wrong person. Dr. Mark Regnerus is an expert in marriage and dating trends, and is here to share the findings on the future of Christian marriage from his latest research and interviews with young adults from around the world. He’ll also give some recommendations for finding a spouse in today’s cultural climate. Inbox: Introverted or Uninterested?She met a guy at her church and really likes him, but he seems to only want to spend time with his guy friends. He doesn’t make any effort to communicate with her. How can she talk with him without being over the top? Our friend Josh Zeichik weighs in.

Tips for simplifying your holidays, plus a rock star balances family and career, and when your fiancé has an extensive sexual past.  Featured musical artist: David DunnRoundtable: A Simple Holiday SeasonAnother present to buy. Another party to attend. Another dessert to bake. Will the frenetic pace of the Christmas season ever slow down? The good news is, there’s a way to enjoy the holidays without rushing or overcommitting yourself into a frenzy. Our guests tell how they’ve learned to navigate the busyness of the season, and they provide ideas for embracing the idea that sometimes “less is more.” Culture: When Family and Career Get in a FightWhen Matt and Sarah Hammitt first met, things seemed so promising. But as his band Sanctus Real took off and started touring full-time, Matt’s marriage to Sarah hit some hard times. After Matt wrote the hit song “Lead Me” about being a present husband and father, his time spent on the road only increased. In this honest conversation, the Hammitts tell how they had to make some tough decisions to evaluate their issues, save their marriage, and prioritize family over career. Inbox: Fiancé With a Sexual PastBefore her fiancé became a Christian, he was very promiscuous. He seems repentant, but she’s concerned that maybe his past will come back to haunt them in marriage. What’s the best thing to do moving forward? Counselor Wendy Brown weighs in.

What we’re grateful for even in a difficult year, plus biblical dating advice from The Porch, and how important is spiritual fervor?  Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: Giving Thanks for All the Hard StuffChanneling Alexander from the popular children’s book, many of us describe 2020 as the “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” year. We’ve faced grief, loss, delays and disappointments in everything from jobs, health, our social lives, the political landscape and more. To say that 2020 has been tumultuous is an understatement. With so much uncertainty and hardship, why should we be grateful? And how do we actually do it? Our guests talk about the struggles they’ve faced this year, but also how they’ve learned to trust God and stay thankful through them all.   If you going through a difficult time right now, check out our Counseling service.Culture: Dating Priorities for ChristiansIn our tech-saturated world, hiding your secrets can be easy during the early stages of dating. But over time, your true character (and your date’s) will come out. How do you steer clear of fake game-playing and choose wisely in conversations and connections? Pastor David Marvin, leader of Watermark Church’s The Porch — one of the largest young adult gatherings in the U.S. — joins us to discuss a recent series on dating they did called Matchmaker. He’ll give practical and biblical advice for dating and relating in today’s culture. Inbox: Is He Spiritual Enough?She met him online and thinks he’s a great guy. He seems to like talking about politics and cars, but when it comes to spiritual topics, something seems off. Is that a problem, or is she too quick to judge? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.