Think on These Things. Slowly.
A disciplined exploration of culture, belief, identity, and the human condition. No outrage. No theatrics. Just steady examination of what shapes our lives.
I Tried to Fix a Broken Friendship... Here's What Happened | Ep 96
On the show today, I'm sharing the deeply personal story behind a surprise message I received last week from a former friend. It’s a powerful reflection on what happens when a friendship isn't fortified or true in test. We'll talk about a difficult call from last May, a failed attempt at reconciliation, and the final 'breakup text' that ultimately brought me an incredible gift: confidence, clarity, and assurance. Plus, we'll touch on the crisis of true friendship in our world today, and why every loss is a lesson when viewed through the lens of gratitude.
The Power of a North Star: Lessons from a White House Exec & $1B CEO on Building Success | Ep 95
On the show today, we explore the immense power of a "North Star" in helping you achieve your biggest professional and personal goals. I will share three of my major goals for the year 2026, and reveal the two individuals I’ve zeroed in on as North Stars in my life: trailblazing executive Michael Leach (First-ever White House Chief Inclusion Officer) and Leila Hormozi (Founder and CEO of Acquisition.com, who is scaling toward $1B).
The Pastor Who EXILED Me | Ep 94
On the show today, I share the full, personal story of joining a church community—only to be suddenly and unceremoniously exiled after questioning the pastor’s commitment to principle over political gain. From being presented as a "God-send" ministry leader to being cut off via an intermediary, hear the full account of the leader who thought they could play politics with the Gospel. I break down the ironies, the receipts, and why the "veneer of principle obfuscating the reality of politics" is all too common in today's church. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, disheartened, or ashamed because you've been rejected or mistreated by church leadership, this is for you. Plus, learn how to give thanks with your life, not just your lips, and why You Can't Block God.
Taking Care of Business | Ep 93
Happy Monday and Happy New Year (it's not too late to say that)! On today's episode, I want to reflect on a sort of loosely-formed goal from 2025 that ultimately was dead on arrival, and I want to explain why. Also, I want to do some light housekeeping in a segment I'm calling "How to Deal With Liars."
Consistency Begets Momentum (This Is War) | Ep 92
A few months ago, I got on the show and announced that I’m launching a new min series called “This is War”. As I thought about it yesterday and today, it got a lot clearer. Welcome to the 92nd episode of the Think on These Things podcast.
Pride and Prejudice | Ep 91
I've been offline mostly for the last few days, and last week was The Week of Difficult Conversations. If I'm completely honest with you, life is pretty hard, but I'm going to tell you why I'm not crashing out.
The Joy that Brought Us Together | Ep 90
The presence of disagreement is not equal to the absence of belonging.
Wonder Over Worry | Ep 89
Somehow I've learned how challenges invite opportunities for wonder over worry.
Whether You Fail or Fly | Ep 88
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU discusses the concept of beauty from a more holistic perspective, shares their experience and understanding of the term, and encourages others to see how beauty exists and can be embraced both in and around them.
A Marked Difference Between Good and Evil | Ep 87
I want to talk today about something that is really (really, really) important. We all go through hardship. We all go through good times. We all go through bad times. We all go through happy and sad. But there is a marked difference between good and evil.
Growth, A Signal of Strength
Happy Monday, and welcome to episode 86 of The Think on These Things podcast! Today's episode is going to be brief, but there are three things I want to talk about in today's episode: Manifestos; A Response to Death (particularly, the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk); and The Power of Friendship.
This is War (New Miniseries)
Today, we're doing something that's NEVER been done before on the Think on These Things podcast – we're starting a miniseries, and the title of that series is inspired by a bunch of stuff that's been going on in both my personal life as well as in the world. And it perfectly encapsulates some of the things I want to talk about very specifically. The title of this miniseries "This is War".
Put the Bag Down.
The Think on These Things podcast returns + Made Up Mind turns two. This episode is about the psychological phenomenon of parent-child estrangement, and how to navigate trauma + resentment.
Challenges and Growth
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about the relationship between challenge and growth in our lives, and calls out the key element that determines our ability to leverage the challenges we face and make the most of them.
New Year’s Resolution
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU reflects on the importance of willingness, and talks about its role in successfully building new habits and making the most of new year’s resolutions.
You Have To Say It
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU sheds light on the essential elements in developing self-awareness and leading an intentional, purpose-driven life. They also share some important announcements for what’s ahead in 2024.
Praise for Weakness
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU exposes the utility of awareness when it comes to our weaknesses, how people in society are largely conditioned to neglect their individual weaknesses and how the challenges we face as individuals are often related to our own negligence.
Praise for Strength
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU talks about the importance of perceiving and understanding personal strengths. They also share practical tips on creating space to reflect on the year behind and prepare for the year ahead.
You Have to Value Other People
On this episode of Think on These Things, KIRU explains why it is important to value others—even when we disagree with them and even when we deeply despise their words or actions.