All Episodes

March 5, 2025 • 37 mins

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 both💀 What Ash Wednesday teaches us aboutmortality and meaning🎬 How the sci-fi thrillerAnnihilation brilliantly mirrors these themes💡 The journey toself-knowledge, transformation, and helping others

This episode goesbeyond ritual—it’s a deep dive into thehuman condition, the beauty ofgrace, and the call tolive with purpose.

🔥Watch now and join the conversation! #Faith #Lent #AshWednesday #Grace #DeepDives

Abby Olcese is a film critic, writer, and cultural commentator who explores the intersection offaith, film, and pop culture. Her work has been featured inThink Christian, Sojourners, RogerEbert.com, and more, where she dissects the deeper spiritual and societal themes in movies and media.  With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for meaningful conversation, Abby brings a fresh perspective to theLive Faith First podcast. She challenges listeners to think critically about the narratives shaping our culture and how they intersect with faith, justice, and human connection.

Elliot Sands (MBA, M.Div.) is the host of theLive Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as apastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and nowExecutive Director of Live Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As ahusband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion.Live Faith First is all aboutbridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationshipsacross the aisle, the street, or the table.

Join the conversation and discover how faith can be a unifying force in an increasingly fractured world. 🎙️🔥 #LiveFaithFirst #BridgeTheDivide #FaithInAction

Let’s All Live Faith First!!!


Abby Olcese links:

Website

Bio

Instagram

Sojourners

Live Faith First Links:

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

Website

Signup for email

Donate

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.