The Boundless Show

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.

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.

Staying fit and well during Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus the latest online dating tips (and traps), and is it OK to have a crush on a coworker?Featured musical artist: Nathan TaskerRoundtable: A Healthy Holiday SeasonMany struggle with gaining weight during the holidays. With so many sugary and fatty foods on the table, is it even possible to go through Thanksgiving and Christmas without putting on a few extra pounds? Plus, with COVID still looming and flu season sneaking in, focusing on our health is becoming more of a chore. Our guests discuss what motivates them to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and generally take care of themselves during this hectic season. With a little bit of mindfulness and consistency, they assure us it’s possible to get through the holidays healthy and fit.  Culture: A Better Way to Date OnlineOnline dating is a fun yet sometimes scary adventure. Putting yourself out there could lead to crazy dates — or finding the love of your life. Margot Starbuck is knee deep in online dating sites right now, and has lived to tell about it. She shares her best tips and tactics, but also cautions against the most common pitfalls of finding love online. Listen in for an immensely practical update on dating digitally in today’s world. Inbox: Coworker CrushShe really likes her coworker, but doesn’t know if he’s a Christian. He’s also a supervisor at the office, so is it inappropriate to crush on him and hope for something more? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Maintaining a long-distance friendship, plus marriage advice from 1 Corinthians 13, and when COVID-19 triggers anxiety and OCD. Featured musical artist: Vertical ChurchRoundtable: Long-Distance FriendshipsYou used to be great friends. But life happened, one of you moved away, and now you’ve drifted apart. You miss spending time together and interacting face-to-face. Is it possible to stay close friends with someone even across cities, states or continents? Our guests share the strategies and struggles of long-distance friendships. Listen in for helpful ways to balance local friends and far-away friends, plus tips on being a good friend in general.   Culture: Preparing for a Great MarriageIt’s easy to daydream about your wedding day, but how often do you think intentionally about life-long commitment? Well, what better way to get ready for a strong marriage than to hear from someone who’s lived it? Bob Lepine, pastor and co-host of “FamilyLife Today,” talks from 1 Corinthians 13 about the ups and downs in marriage, what he says most in premarital counseling, and what it means to truly love your spouse. Inbox: COVID-19, Anxiety and OCDWith all the chaos in our world today, our listener is struggling to deal with her anxiety and OCD, especially regarding her fear of getting COVID. She’s reading her Bible, but still feels out of control. What can she do to calm her soul? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in with encouragement and insight.

Remaining hopeful amid the losses of 2020, plus Lisa’s pastor answers questions about Satan, and a listener and his girlfriend disagree on baptism. Featured musical artist: Stu GarrardRoundtable: Losses of 2020As 2020 draws to a close, its effects are still being felt. Many have experienced loss and have had to make drastic changes to events like wedding ceremonies, graduations and funerals. Some have lost jobs, others have lost loved ones. We’ve all lost daily life the way we once knew it. How can we stay positive with all that’s happened? Our guests talk about personal losses and life-altering adjustments they’ve faced this year, but also how their faith in Jesus has sustained them through the most difficult moments.   Culture: Understanding SatanWe’ve seen him in cartoons and as a Halloween costume, blamed him for our own bad behavior, and heard fire and brimstone sermons about him and a place called hell. But who exactly is the devil, and what is he up to on any given day? Pastor Mark Bates will answer these tricky questions and give wisdom for recognizing and resisting Satan’s schemes. He’ll also shed light on the Antichrist and the number 666 (this week’s episode number!). Best of all, he’ll remind us of what the devil has coming to him at the end of the age.  Inbox: Disagreement on Infant BaptismHe knows she’s a wonderful Christian who loves God and lives out her faith, but they disagree on how and when to get baptized. She’s for infant baptism; he’s for believer’s baptism. How can they move forward in spite of this disagreement? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.

Pastors tell us how to do church during the pandemic, plus last-minute tips for Tuesday’s national election, and she’s uncomfortable with him saying “I love you.”Featured musical artist: All Sons & DaughtersRoundtable: Pastors Tackle the PandemicWhen COVID-19 shut down countries and economies around the world, churches were uniquely affected. Many churches shut their doors and went online immediately, and some have yet to resume meeting in person. The distance and disconnectedness have taken their toll. Many church-goers feel angry and isolated; some have drifted away entirely. This week’s panel of pastors shares the frustrations and challenges they’ve encountered in leading a church during this unprecedented time, as well as opportunities for ministry and growth that have surfaced. They also give helpful ideas for staying connected at church and supporting your pastor and ministry team in this season.   Culture: Cast Your Ballot and PrayFor months, we’ve been bombarded with TV commercials and bulk mail ads telling us who and what to vote for (and against) in this national election. And now the time has come. With the election less than a week away, it’s time to cast your ballot. John Stonestreet, president of The Colson Center for Christian Worldview, explains why it’s important for Christians to vote in this election — and how to make an informed decision. He also gives tips for discerning the truth from a lie in the midst of information overload. Most importantly, he calls us to pray for God’s will and glory to be revealed, whatever the outcome. Inbox: Uncomfortable With “I Love You”She’s dating a guy and really likes him. But after a couple of dates, he’s already saying “I love you.” She’s tried to awkwardly ignore it, but it’s making her increasingly uncomfortable when he says it. Is it time to speak up? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.