Live Faith First Podcast

What do youth group dirt bikes, awkward pizza parties, and Ecclesiastes have in common? According to pastor and author Nicholas McDonald—everything.

In this honest and hopeful conversation, Elliot Sands and Nicholas talk about his new book The Light In Our Eyes and the hunger so many people feel for a faith that’s honest, embodied, and full of beauty. They explore what deconstruction really is (and isn’t), why so many have left the ...

Can we really bridge political, cultural, and relational divides with curiosity? Journalist and bridge-builder Monica Guzmán thinks so. In this episode of Live Faith First, Elliot and Monica explore how to disagree without dehumanizing, why curiosity is a superpower in divided times, and how grace, humility, and honest conversation can reshape our relationships—even with family members who vote very differently. They also share rea...

What if the first thing someone needs from you isn’t a sermon—but a hamburger?

In this episode, Elliot sits down with Jason Lomelino, pastor of Isla Vista Church and founder of Jesus Burgers, a grassroots ministry in the heart of one of America’s wildest college towns. From handing out burgers on Del Playa to offering spiritual blessing and prayer to anyone who stops by, Jason’s life is a testament to presence before persuasion, and...

What if healing isn’t just about feeling better—but about finally knowing you belong?

In this powerful episode, Elliot Sands sits down with author and speaker Amy Julia Becker to explore the intersection of disability, grace, identity, and healing. Drawing from her books To Be Made Well, White Picket Fences, and A Good and Perfect Gift, Amy Julia opens up about her daughter Penny’s Down syndrome diagnosis, how it reshaped her unders...

What if the key to spiritual growth isn’t trying harder—but admitting you can’t do it alone?

In this powerful episode of the Live Faith First podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with John Ortberg to unpack his newest book, Steps—a transformative journey that fuses the honesty of the 12-step recovery model with the heart of Christian discipleship.

They dive headfirst into the messiness of real life—addictions, control issues, emotional ba...

What if humility wasn’t weakness—but one of the most powerful forces for connection, leadership, and spiritual growth?

In this episode of Live Faith First, Elliot Sands sits down with psychologist, author, and humility researcher Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren to unpack what it really means to be right-sized in a world obsessed with being the best.

They explore why humility is often misunderstood, how it helps us become better friends, leade...

What if Easter isn’t just about what happened—but about how we live it? In this powerful episode, Elliot Sands and Abby Olcese explore the historical and spiritual impact of Easter, unpacking the tension between love and fear—and how it all connects to the beloved filmThe Iron Giant.

⚡What’s Inside:

💡 The heart of Easter—why resurrection still changes everything

🤖The Iron Giant as an unexpected Easter analogy

🔥 Love vs. fear—how bot...

What does Good Friday have in common with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? More than you think. In this powerful episode, Elliot Sands and Abby Olcese unpack the emotional weight of Good Friday, exploring themes of sacrifice, community, and hope—both in the Christian tradition and incinema.

🔥What’s Inside:

⚔️Rogue One and the power of laying it all on the line

💔 The raw, emotional depth of Good Friday—why it still resonates

🌅 Finding h...

In this insightful and dynamic conversation, Elliot Sands sits down with Mark Glanville, a theologian, pastor, and jazz musician, to explore how cultural shifts are reshaping the way we communicate biblical truth. From the decline of Christian cultural dominance to the rise of post-Christian spirituality, they dive deep into how the church can remain faithful in today's rapidly evolving world.

Mark shares practical insights from...

In a world filled with stress, anxiety, and distractions, could gratitude be the game-changer we all need? In this uplifting episode, Elliot Sands and Dr. Neal Plantinga dive deep into the life-changing power of gratitude, exploring how it transforms our mind, body, and soul.

🔥 What’s Inside:💡 How gratitude fights anxiety & depression—backed by science & faith❤️ The emotional & physical benefits of a grateful mindset🚀...

Is the Jesus we follow the real deal—or just a reflection of American culture? In this thought-provoking conversation,Elliot Sands andSteve Bezner dive deep into the intersection offaith and culture, challenging the ways we’ve shaped Jesus to fit our own narratives.

🚀What’s Inside:🔥 Has Christianity in America lost its radical edge?🌍 Lessons from the diverse, struggling early church🤝 Building bridges across cultural and religiou...

What ifLent isn’t just about giving something up—but aboutfacing ourselves? In this thought-provoking episode,Elliot Sands andAbby Olcese dive into the powerful themes ofAsh Wednesday, Lent, fear, grace, and mortality, uncovering how these sacred traditions challenge us to confront our deepest truths.

🎭What’s Inside:🕊️ The raw introspection of Lent—why it matters more than ever⚖️ The tension betweengrace and sin—and why we need bo...

In a world that feels morepolarized than ever, how do we move fromdivision to connection? In this powerful episode,Elliot Sands andjohn a. powell dive into thereal work of bridging, belonging, and overcoming othering—one small step at a time.

🔥What’s Inside:🔑 Whatbridging, belonging, and othering really mean—and why they matter💡 Howfear fuels division—and how to break the cycle📖 Thepower of storytelling in reshaping narratives a...

Get ready to level up your emotional game in this dynamic conversation with Dr. Kevin Chapman, psychologist, author, and emotional wellness expert. We dive deep into the purpose of emotions, the art of navigating intense feelings, and the secret power of empathy to transform relationships.

Discover how your thoughts shape your emotions, practical tools for managing emotional responses, and why facing discomfort is the key to buildi...

This conversation delves into the historical context of hate groups, focusing on the Holocaust and the rise of Nazi Germany with author Michael Gutter. The discussion highlights the psychological aspects of indoctrination, the role of ordinary citizens during the Holocaust, and the implications of othering in modern society. Mike and Elliot emphasize the importance of learning from history to prevent future atrocities and the signi...

In this conversation, Amy Williams, known as the 'Hope Dealer', shares her journey from a biracial upbringing in Maine to working with gang-involved youth in Chicago. She discusses the challenges faced by these young people, the importance of hope, and the need for understanding and compassion in addressing their circumstances. Amy emphasizes that youth involved in gangs are not just statistics or projects, but individuals with the...

In this conversation, Elliot Sands and Abby Olcese explore the themes of Christmas, focusing on the nativity story of Jesus and its implications in today's world. They discuss the chaotic environment into which Jesus was born, the vulnerability of his early life, and draw parallels with the film 'Children of Men,' highlighting the importance of community and the sacrifices made by those surrounding Jesus. The conversation emphasize...

In this conversation, Elliot Sands and Abby Olcese explore the theme of peace, particularly in the context of the Christmas season and the historical film 'Joyeux Noël'. They discuss the significance of the Christmas Truce during World War I, emphasizing the importance of human connection and understanding in overcoming conflict. The conversation reflects on biblical teachings about peace and the challenges of maintaining it in a c...

In this conversation, Elliot Sands and Abby Olcese delve into the concept of joy, exploring its deeper significance beyond mere happiness. They discuss the role of joy in the context of faith and hope, using the character of Paddington from the beloved children's movies as a metaphor for joy in community. The discussion also touches on the Magnificat, highlighting the joy found in expectation and social change, and emphasizes joy a...