We all long for meaningful belonging—a place where we’re seen, accepted, and part of something greater than ourselves. But true belonging often comes at a cost. In this episode, Enoch and Tim explore why shared beliefs and behaviors—especially the difficult ones—are essential to forming lasting, purpose-driven communities. Building on their previous episode about the global rise of Christianity and renewed interest in faith, they dive into howcommitment, conformity, and even sacrifice shape religious identity. With personal stories, humor, and honest reflection, they unpack why even non-religious groups rely on behavioral boundaries to foster deep connection. Along the way, they reference the New York Times’ Believing project.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 July 2025

After years of slow decline, belief is growing. Not just in the US but across cultures and continents. In this episode, Enoch and Tim dive into surprising data about Christianity's recent rise, the return of young men to church, the increased attention from academics and influencers, and the influence of Christian underpinnings for society more broadly.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 1 July 2025

What do journalists and CIA analysts have in common? To be effective and trusted, both must present detailed information from a neutral perspective. But what happens when professionals in these fields feel an issue is important enough to cross the line into advocacy? Join Tim and Enoch as they sit down once again with former CIA executive Tim Buch to unpack the critical distinction between sharing information and pushing an agenda. In this timely conversation, they explore why neutrality matters, what’s lost when it's abandoned, and how to recognize bias—even in places where objectivity is expected.

Reference to previous episode with Jason Long on "History's Greatest Hits".

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics.

Recording Date: 13 May 2025

In a dramatic late-night session, Congress passed the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The legislation squeaked through the Senate in a 50-50 tie, broken by Vice President Vance, and passed the House by just four votes (218-214). But what exactly is in this massive bill—and why has it sparked such fierce debate? Enoch and Tim break down the key provisions, discuss why the bill is so controversial, and react calmly as they compare this bill to other hallmark deficit bills across modern presidential administrations

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 14 July 2025

Is AI coming for your job? In this episode, Enoch and Tim dive into centuries of techno-panic, from the Luddites and the ATM to ChatGPT and spreadsheet nostalgia. Is a world without work a dystopian nightmare or an opportunity to rethink purpose, productivity, and... pneumatic tubes? Join us as we laugh, learn, and maybe panic a little about the future of labor.

Link to referenced episode with Jason Long

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 7 May 2025

On June 21, 2025, the U.S. launched direct airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities—marking a dramatic escalation in its military posture and aligning with Israel in a deepening regional conflict. In this bonus episode of Choosing Better, Enoch and Tim break down what led to this moment, the international reactions, and what it signals for the future. They also dive into the broader history of U.S. military interventions: How often has America formally declared war? Which president used military force against more countries… Bush, Obama, Biden, or Trump? Find out on this timely bonus episode of Choosing Better.Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 25 June, 2025

Unemployment…presidential elections may be won or lost, stock markets rise or tumble, and our very optimism or pessimism is strongly attached to this one measurement. But how is unemployment measured and what exactly does it entail? Join Enoch and Tim on their first learning primer as they explain unemployment, labor force participation, and how it impacts the economy and even our identities. This is your chance to learn about unemployment and explore how different countries view unemployment and how policy is attached to the measurement. Later episodes will build upon this learning primer to explore topics of work and society. Tim and Enoch refer to past episodes including The Upside of Unequal and Birth Dearth.

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additionalthanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Recording Date: 29 April 2025

In this thoughtful and humorous episode, Enoch and Tim explore how having more choices can sometimes change not just what we pick—but how we feel about what we pick. The presence of certain choices—especially morally charged ones—can alter how we evaluate other options and even diminish our satisfaction with them.

Referenced Article by Scott Alexander

https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/more-drowning-children

Credits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drew Elliot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Recording Date: 24 April 2025