Beste Central Lutheran Church podcaster (2025)

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The Ripple Effect of Small Actions {Reflections} 9:59

3d ago9:59

9:59

Ever noticed how the smallest actions can ripple into significant impacts? Picture this: you're at Planet Fitness, and someone mindlessly spits gum into a urinal. Or maybe you're at Barnes & Noble, and a fellow shopper almost leaves a fallen book on the floor. These seemingly minor choices remind us that doing the right thing, no matter how trivial…

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The Gifts of Christmas with Pastor Ryan Braley 31:39

5d ago31:39

31:39

Imagine receiving an unexpected gift from a basement scavenger hunt—sounds humorous, right? We kick things off with a lighthearted tale of re-gifting that reframes this common practice as a meaningful act of sharing and connection. This playful beginning sets the stage for a warm exploration of the Advent season, where the true spirit of Christmas …

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Faith to Obey with Ben Carruthers 24:56

5d ago24:56

24:56

What if the secret to experiencing an extraordinary life lies in the simple act of obedience? Join me, Ben Carruthers, as we uncover the profound impact of Christmas traditions and the timeless lessons embedded within the story of Joseph. Through a personal tradition of writing letters to my future self each Christmas, I capture the essence of the …

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The Light of Christmas: Unraveling Its Origins and Finding Hope {Reflections} 9:10

11d ago9:10

9:10

Ever wondered why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, despite clues that point to Jesus being born in the spring? Join us as we unravel this mystery and explore the origins of Christmas celebrations, tracing back to early Christians and their encounters with the Celtic people. By intertwining their messages with the Celts' winter solstice cel…

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Balancing Attachments: A Journey of Self-Reflection {Reflections} 7:16

17d ago7:16

7:16

As a lifelong Denver Broncos fan, I’ve experienced the exhilarating highs and crushing lows that come with sports fandom. But one Monday night game against the Dolphins became a wake-up call, highlighting the intense emotional energy I invested in something beyond my control. In this episode of the Reflections podcast, I invite you on a journey of …

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The Joy of Advent with Ben Carruthers 23:32

19d ago23:32

23:32

Ever found yourself stuck at the DMV, feeling the seconds tick by with no sign of joy? Let's explore the often overlooked connection between waiting and joy, especially during the Advent season. Sharing personal stories, from the mundane frustration of traffic jams to the deeply emotional anticipation of a child's birth, we navigate the human strug…

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Advent's Humble Beginnings {Reflections} 8:06

24d ago8:06

8:06

Anticipation and reflection mark our journey through the Advent season, a time filled with both hope and longing. Have you ever wondered how the humble beginnings of Jesus contrast with the might of rulers like King Herod and Caesar? Join me as I unravel these themes, exploring the profound contrast between divine humility and worldly power. I shar…

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The Hope of Advent with Kaycee Stanley from The Reel Hope Project 26:52

25d ago26:52

26:52

Casey Stanley, formerly Casey Robertson, shares her inspiring journey from youth ministry to launching the Real Hope Project, a nonprofit focused on finding adoptive homes for foster children. Discover how Casey’s passion for creating a brighter future for these children is fueled by a profound understanding of hope, which she distinguishes from me…

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Rediscovering Community: From Coffee Shops to Genuine Connections {Reflections} 8:46

1M ago8:46

8:46

Imagine a world where your local café is more than just a stop for caffeine—it's a place where everybody knows your name, a sanctuary from the hustle, inspired by a stroll through Italian streets. In our latest episode, sparked by Howard Schultz's transformative vision for Starbucks, we unravel this captivating journey from high-end coffee bean ret…

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The Peace of Advent with Pastor Ryan Braley 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

Imagine finding peace in the busiest season of the year, rediscovering the wonder of the Advent season in a world obsessed with data and facts. Our latest podcast episode invites you on a journey through the transformative themes of peace, hope, joy, and love, with a special focus on the concept of shalom. We kick off with a personal story about th…

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The Art of Active Listening {Reflections} 6:50

1M ago6:50

6:50

Ever been moved to tears by a simple question? Join me, Ryan, as I recount an eye-opening retreat experience where I encountered Kent Dobson, a master of transformative questioning. Spending five days in the woods with Kent and a group of fellow seekers, I witnessed firsthand how his seemingly straightforward questions could unearth profound emotio…

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How to End with Pastor Ryan Braley 34:56

1M ago34:56

34:56

What if embracing your weaknesses could reveal your true strength? Join us as we journey through the final chapter of our series on Ephesians, where we unravel Paul's compelling message on the transformative power of prayer. We'll challenge the cultural norm of self-sufficiency and explore how admitting our vulnerabilities can strengthen our connec…

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How Does God Lead? {Reflections} 9:44

2M ago9:44

9:44

Can you really miss a divine calling, or is it more like a GPS guiding us back on track when we stray? Join me, Ryan, as we explore this idea through the story of Moses and the burning bush. We'll dig into the concept of divine guidance and how it resembles a modern GPS—offering direction rather than condemnation when we face life's detours. Drawin…

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No Greater Love with Pastor Ryan Braley 34:39

2M ago34:39

34:39

Can ancient texts provide the keys to solving modern relationship dilemmas? Imagine navigating the complexities of relationships by looking at age-old teachings through a fresh lens. Explore with us as we challenge the conventional interpretations of Paul's letters in Ephesians, bringing to light their revolutionary nature when viewed in the histor…

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Just Show Up {Reflections} 6:30

2M ago6:30

6:30

What does it take to truly make an impact? Sometimes, it's as simple as showing up. Join me, Ryan, in this episode of the Reflections podcast as I recount my journey stepping into a youth ministry role, a path I was hesitant to walk. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source—a scene from Kung Fu Panda—I found courage in the idea that we are oft…

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To Tend the Light with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:08

2M ago35:08

35:08

What if the light that guides us is more than just a metaphor? Join us for a transformative exploration of the sacred essence of light throughout spiritual history and its profound role in human consciousness. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how ancient rituals, like those of the Israelites, used light as a bridge to the …

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Why You Shouldn't Ask Why {Reflections} 7:12

2M ago7:12

7:12

What if the question "Why?" is the wrong question to ask when faced with life's toughest trials? Episode 60 of the Reflections podcast invites you to join Ryan and Mike as they explore this profound inquiry. Drawing from Ryan's personal experiences in his pastoral work, including a heart-rending funeral for a young girl and a church building projec…

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Imitating or Pretending? with Ben Carruthers 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

Can dressing up for Halloween teach us about our faith? Imagine your kids in their costumes, embodying different characters, and you're left wondering how this parallels with our own spiritual journey. This episode unravels the layers of imitation and authenticity in living a life inspired by Jesus, using personal anecdotes and the teachings from t…

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Left Handed Power v Right Handed Power with Pastor Ryan Braley {Reflection: Special Edition} 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

What if there was a way of living that transcended political power and societal norms? Join us on this special edition of the Reflections Podcast as we explore the profound message of Ephesians 2:19-22, brought to life amidst the ancient streets of Ephesus. Despite unexpected technical hiccups, this unique sermon invites us to imagine a kingdom whe…

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Betting on Faith: Exploring Pascal's Wager {Reflections} 7:54

2M ago7:54

7:54

Can betting on faith lead to infinite happiness? Join us on the Reflections podcast as we close out our mini-series on the arguments for God's existence with a look at Pascal's Wager, one of the most intriguing and debated theories out there. Blaise Pascal, the Renaissance man and brilliant philosopher, suggests that we should gamble on belief—an i…

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Your Crumpled Old Self with Pastor Ryan Braley 27:53

2M ago27:53

27:53

Unravel the profound connection between Reformation Sunday and its historical resonance with Martin Luther's 95 Theses while exploring its fascinating alignment with Halloween. You'll gain insights into Ephesians 4, where Paul exhorts the Ephesians to embody lives worthy of their divine calling—bridging foundational gospel teachings with practical,…

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A Journey Towards Spiritual Fulfillment {Reflections} 8:46

2M ago8:46

8:46

Can our deepest longings point us towards a divine reality? This episode promises to explore the compelling idea that our unfulfilled desires hint at a spiritual world beyond our earthly experience. Inspired by the writings of C.S. Lewis, we consider how our innate desires for wholeness, love, and acceptance might suggest we're made for another wor…

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An Us with No Them with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

Picture a bustling ancient city with the vibrancy of modern-day New York, where historical divisions among its people were as tangible as its cobblestones. This episode transports us to Ephesus, where Paul's radical message of unity between Jews and Gentiles breaks down these barriers, inviting us to question the tribal lines we draw in our own liv…

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Science and Faith: A Cosmic Dialogue {Reflections} 11:10

3M ago11:10

11:10

Is the universe finely tuned for life, or is it all just a cosmic coincidence? Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and explore the intricate fine-tuning argument for the existence of God. Our journey through the universe's precise calibration takes us through the cosmic constants like the electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force, and gra…

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Unity through Reconciliation with Sonja Knutson 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

Unlock the path to unity and reconciliation within the Christian faith with us, as we journey through the profound teachings of Ephesians. What if the divisions that seem insurmountable are actually hiding the true calling that lies within each of us? Join our pastoral associate, Sonia Knutson, as she opens the door to understanding Paul's letter t…

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Philosophy Meets Science: A Journey to the Cosmic Edge {Reflections} 8:12

3M ago8:12

8:12

Unlock the secrets of the universe with our exploration of the cosmological argument for the existence of God. Ever wondered if the universe had a beginning and what that implies? Join us as we promise an enlightening journey through philosophical and scientific reasoning, where we discuss everything from the second law of thermodynamics to the pio…

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Navigating Life's Peaks and Valleys {Reflections} 7:18

3M ago7:18

7:18

How do we gracefully ride the waves of life's highs and lows?" Join me, Ryan, on the Reflections podcast, as I unpack a heartfelt narrative centered around my son Gavin’s flourishing freshman year at North Central College. His journey isn't just a personal milestone; it's a springboard into a discussion on navigating life's rollercoaster moments. F…

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You’re Going the Wrong Way! with Pastor Ryan Braley 33:36

3M ago33:36

33:36

Ever feel like the constant barrage of political news and social media is taking a toll on your mental and spiritual well-being? Join us for an insightful conversation on how to manage political anxiety with faith, where we promise you'll learn practical ways to keep your sanity and spiritual health intact. We'll explore how to discern and avoid me…

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How to Defend the Faith {Reflections} 10:42

3M ago10:42

10:42

Ever questioned if belief in God is a logical choice in today's world? Join us on Reflections as we tackle this and more, promising an enlightening journey through the landscape of faith and rationality. We'll debunk the myth that non-believers are inherently more educated or rational, making a bold case for the reasonableness of faith. Forget rely…

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We Are the Fullness with Pastor Ryan Braley 31:48

3M ago31:48

31:48

What if you lived in a city where magic and amulets were as commonplace as smartphones are today? Journey with us to ancient Ephesus, a vibrant metropolis akin to New York City, where citizens worshipped the goddess Artemis and believed in the mystical powers of charms and amulets. We'll uncover how Paul's mission, as detailed in Acts 19, created r…

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The Transformative Power of Love and Righteousness {Reflections} 8:56

4M ago8:56

8:56

How often do we focus on winning arguments rather than embodying genuine kindness and love? Join us as we explore the profound impact of "The Power of Love and Righteousness" through personal stories and poignant reflections. Drawing from my experiences at Bethel University, I share the story of a student whose argumentative nature, despite his the…

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Anakephalaiossathai and Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians with Pastor Ryan Braley 26:25

4M ago26:25

26:25

Can a letter written nearly 2,000 years ago offer solutions to the divisions we face today? Discover how Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians provides timeless wisdom on unity and living as a community of believers. We'll transport you to ancient Ephesus, a city bustling with wealth and culture, to set the stage for Paul's teachings. The vibrant scene o…

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Awakened from Shadows {Reflections} 8:32

4M ago8:32

8:32

Have you ever wondered if the reality you perceive is just a shadow on the wall? Join us in episode 51 as we unravel the profound analogy of Plato's Cave and its implications on our understanding of reality. This idea, which I first encountered in my Philosophy 101 class at Red Rocks Community College, continues to be a cornerstone of my worldview.…

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Sovereignty of God in Uncertain Times with Pastor Lorraine Daley 29:48

4M ago29:48

29:48

What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty during uncertain times? Pastor Lorraine Daly, co-pastor of Restoring Lives Community Church in Zimmerman, joins us to explore this profound question. Since 2020, Pastor Lorraine has been a cherished voice at Central, and in this episode, she shares her journey of seeking God's guidance in every decisi…

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Always Restless, Never Satisfied {Reflections} 6:46

4M ago6:46

6:46

Ever found yourself wishing you were anywhere but here? Whether it’s ducking out of a party, an unending workday, or the claustrophobic confines of an airplane, we've all felt that restless urge to be somewhere else. On this landmark 50th episode of Reflections, Mike and I, Ryan, kick off with a hilarious Jerry Seinfeld bit that perfectly captures …

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Over-Promise, Under-Deliver with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:11

4M ago35:11

35:11

What happens when we misdirect our worship? Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we celebrate the heartwarming generosity of Central's community, who have handcrafted and donated 52 quilts to Lutheran World Relief. We extend a special shout-out to our online viewers, including North Central students and friends from Texas, showcasing the fa…

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Can I Murder? {Reflections} 7:44

4M ago7:44

7:44

What would you do if faced with the ultimate decision to use violence in self-defense or to protect a loved one? This week on Reflections with Ryan Braley, we explore the unsettling moral terrain of violence and pacifism through a personal story involving my father-in-law. As we navigate the tough questions posed by my seminary friend Sam, we wrest…

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Now Hear Me Out with Pastor Ryan Braley 36:47

4M ago36:47

36:47

Have you ever considered how the faith of early Christians might challenge today's social norms? Join me, Pastor Ryan, as we close our You Pick series with a deep exploration of the book of Philemon. I share amusing and eye-opening stories from my recent trip to Tanzania, including the quirks of driving on the left side of the road and navigating s…

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Violence in Old Testament Scripture {Reflections} 8:48

5M ago8:48

8:48

How can the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus illuminate seemingly contradictory biblical teachings? Join us as we tackle Beth's insightful question about harmonizing Old Testament laws with the transformative teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. By taking a closer look at interpretations from noted theological scholars like Greg Boyd, Mar…

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The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength with Pastor Ryan Braley 38:11

5M ago38:11

38:11

What happens when faith, hope, and joy intertwine on a journey across continents and back to the heart? Join us as we kick off this episode with a heartfelt prayer and a reflection on Nehemiah's timeless words, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." You'll hear about the emotional rollercoaster of dropping a son off at college, and then travel wit…

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Finding Peace in the Darkness {Reflections} 7:58

5M ago7:58

7:58

What if the darkness you fear is the key to discovering a deeper connection with the divine? This week on Reflections, Ryan takes you through his transformative journey during a five-day retreat in the wild mountains of Colorado. Inspired by the teachings of Thomas Merton, Ryan recounts a profound night watch experience that reshaped his relationsh…

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Do We Have to Go to Church? with Sonja Knutson 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

Do you really need to go to church to grow spiritually?" This is one of the thought-provoking questions we tackle in this episode as we explore the role of church attendance in deepening one's faith and relationship with Jesus. We share personal stories, like Sonia's journey of finding healing within the church community after a tumultuous childhoo…

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Soul Work is Subtle {Reflections} 7:17

5M ago7:17

7:17

Ever felt like your soul's on mute despite your best efforts to tune in? Imagine being in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado, ready to bask in divine revelation, only to feel... nothing. Join me, Ryan Braley, as I recount my humbling journey from frustration to enlightenment during a five-day retreat. Through the lens of my own thirst for…

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Do I Have Enough Faith? with Ben Carruthers 24:36

5M ago24:36

24:36

Ever wondered how much faith is enough? Join us as we unravel this profound question with Ben Carruthers, the insightful director of student and family ministry. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights from Matthew 17, Ben tackles the misconception that the quantity of faith determines its power. Learn why the true strength of faith lies i…

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Embracing Life's Unpredictable Moments {Reflections} 8:35

5M ago8:35

8:35

What happens when your meticulously planned retreat turns into a series of unexpected challenges? Join me, Ryan, as I recount my recent five-day silence, solitude, and wilderness retreat in the picturesque mountains near Montrose, Colorado. Faced with canceled flights, expensive Uber rides, and an unplanned overnight stay, I discovered that these i…

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What Should I Do and Not Do on Sunday? with Pastor Ryan Braley 36:47

5M ago36:47

36:47

Is your work-life balance a myth rather than a reality? Discover how observing the Sabbath could transform your life, bringing you joy, rest, and a sense of freedom you never knew you needed. We kick off our episode by unraveling the essence of the Sabbath in Jewish tradition and the fascinating debates among rabbis about what activities constitute…

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The Magic Phrase That Transforms Relationships {Reflections} 7:35

5M ago7:35

7:35

What if a simple phrase could completely change the way you handle conflicts? Today, I’m flying solo from my office to share a groundbreaking communication technique that has transformed my relationships and could do the same for you. This isn’t just theory; it’s a practical, easy-to-remember tool that you can start using today. The magic words? "W…

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What Happens To People After They Die? with Pastor Ryan Braley 35:59

5M ago35:59

35:59

Ever felt the transformative power of pure silence and solitude? Join Pastor Ryan as he recounts his recent retreat in the serene mountains of Colorado. He shares how this period of quiet reflection not only rejuvenated his spirit but also deepened his sense of gratitude toward the congregation for their understanding during his time away. Get exci…

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The Healing Power of Silence and Solitude {Reflections} 8:53

6M ago8:53

8:53

Have you ever wondered how silence and solitude can lead to profound psychological healing? This week on Reflections, we explore Carl Jung's illuminating insights on the numinous—the divine encounters that can transform our inner lives. You'll hear personal stories from my journey as a pastor, including my transformative experiences with Youth With…

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Savor the Seasoning with Bethany Rogness 27:28

6M ago27:28

27:28

Have you ever wondered how life's trials can shape and strengthen us? Join me as I recount my transformative journey from graduating Bethel University to working at Feed My Starving Children, with profound experiences like getting married, having three children, and moving to Austria as a missionary. Discover how our return to the U.S. and becoming…

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