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Live Faith First: Groundswell Podcast

Live Faith First: Groundswell Podcast

By: Live Faith First
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 We live in a divided world. At Faith First, we believe there’s a way to live that allows us to avoid getting caught up in division. We believe that when we put our faith first, and divisive topics second we can cross over divides to build unity and understanding with those around us.Live Faith First Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Deconstruction, Dirt Bikes, and the Light of Jesus with Nicholas McDonald

    Deconstruction, Dirt Bikes, and the Light of Jesus with Nicholas McDonald
    Jul 7 2025

    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 Church but not Jesus, and how the Church’s calling is not escape but restoration. Along the way, they laugh at awkward ministry moments, challenge escapist theology, and paint a picture of hope that makes Christians peculiar.

    This episode is for anyone who's questioning, carrying someone else’s questions, or ready to rebuild their faith story with Jesus at the center.

    • What deconstruction actually means

    • Why many leave the church, but not Jesus

    • American evangelicalism vs. the historic global church

    • Escapist theology and the problem with “just get saved”

    • Confession, communion, and authentic grace

    • Hope as a spiritual act of resistance

    • Restorying faith through Scripture, beauty, and belonging

    Nicholas McDonald is a pastor, writer, speaker, and the author of The Light In Our Eyes: Seeing the Church Again for the First Time. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the University of St. Andrews, Nicholas has worked in both campus ministry with university students and pastoral roles. His writing explores themes of beauty, belonging, and belief in a disenchanted world. He currently serves at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and publishes a Substack newsletter called The Bard Owl.

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

    Connect with Nicholas McDonald

    📘 Book: The Light In Our Eyes

    📰 Newsletter: The Bard Owl on Substack

    🎤 X: nicholasmcd

    🌐 Church: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis


    Connect with Live Faith First

    🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

    📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

    🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

    👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Curiosity, Conflict, and Crossing the Divide with Monica Guzmán

    Curiosity, Conflict, and Crossing the Divide with Monica Guzmán
    Jun 23 2025

    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 real stories, practical tools, and laugh-through-the-awkward wisdom for navigating today’s polarized culture.

    Monica Guzmán is a senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, host of the podcast A Braver Way, and author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. A proud Mexican-American immigrant, Monica has spent her career in journalism, storytelling, and community building. She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle and is a frequent speaker and commentator on depolarization, bridge-building, and curiosity.

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

    Connect with Monica Guzmán

    🔸 Monica’s Website

    📘 I Never Thought of It That Way Book

    🎧 A Braver Way Podcast

    🕊️ Braver Angels

    🐦 Twitter/X

    📷 Instagram


    Connect with Live Faith First

    🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

    📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

    🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

    👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Presence Over Preaching — Jason Lomelino on Love, Burgers, and Discipleship in Isla Vista

    Presence Over Preaching — Jason Lomelino on Love, Burgers, and Discipleship in Isla Vista
    Jun 9 2025
    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 love before judgment.Together, they explore:Why relational ministry is more powerful than religious performanceHow Jesus Burgers went from a backyard grill to a global movementThe role of hospitality in healing spiritual woundsWhat discipleship looks like when it’s life-on-life, not top-downHow to hear God’s voice and practice a non-anxious presence in a chaotic worldWhy Gen Z might be more open to Jesus than we thinkThis episode is real, inspiring, and full of stories that remind us that God shows up where people show up with love.Jason Lomelino is the Lead Pastor of Isla Vista Church in Isla Vista, CA, and the founder of Jesus Burgers, a ministry that’s been serving love—and free hamburgers—to college students every weekend for over 20 years. He’s passionate about presence-based discipleship, community living, and helping people walk in the fullness of who God created them to be.Jason is also the founder of Mission Isla Vista and co-leads the creative collective Isla Vista Worship, which has impacted listeners across the globe. He and his wife Holly have seven kids and are deeply rooted in their local neighborhood.Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Live Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.This conversation is raw, hopeful, and incredibly practical for anyone who’s tired of faking it and ready for a more honest walk with Jesus.Let’s All Live Faith First!!!🔗 Connect with Jason Lomelino🌐 Website: jasonlomelino.com 📘 Books: Books by Jason Lomelino 🎧 Worship: Isla Vista Worship 📷 Instagram: @jasonlomelino 📘 Church: islavistachurch.org 📽️ Ministry: Mission Isla VistaConnect with Live Faith First🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com 📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst 🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins

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