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.

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).

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.

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."

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.

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 presence of disagreement is not equal to the absence of belonging.

Somehow I've learned how challenges invite opportunities for wonder over worry.

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.