Almost everything we as a society argue for and argue against depends upon a foundational principle:  that there is such a thing as Objective Truth.  It’s a first step before which all other steps depend.  While that principle, for the most part, still carries the day with subjects that pertain to the observable realm (science), when it comes to applying the principle to religious faith or morals, it’s a different story.  (Especially if your name is Joe Rogan.)

Chad Tosses around capital ‘T’ words with a stickler’s pizzaz as lead Truth Teller for this episode, while Buff Ben confidently cruises around in Chad’s wake as co-host.  The Two engage (and DEMOLISH!) the error of denying Truth’s proper place in the most important debates of our day.  How is avoiding peanuts when you have a peanut allergy like Taking care of a child because you’re the child’s parent?  What are Two of the most prevalent “escape hatches” in the modern mind when Trying to avoid Truth?  And how can said escape hatches be easily–and embarrassingly–refuted?

SHOW NOTES:

Rev. Calvin Robinson speech:  Rev. Calvin Robinson | Christianity SHOULD NOT allow gay marriage – 6/8 | Oxford Union – YouTube

Clip of Chris Rock bit: (just kidding!)

Deepak Chopra gets owned:  Deepak Chopra gets owned by a Thug – YouTube

Pamphlet by Chris Stefanick:  Absolute Relativism – Real Life Catholic

Dr. Christopher Stroud is a board-certified OB/GYN at the Fertility & Midwifery Care Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which he and his wife started in 2014.  He is trained in a highly specialized, natural form of fertility care called Creighton Model Fertility/NaPro Technology.  Dr. Stroud runs the Holy Family Birth Center in Fort Wayne, which uses an integrated physician-nurse midwife model of care.  He is also the co-host of a nationally known radio show & podcast called “Doctor, Doctor”.  He and his wife Marianne have five children and three grandchildren.

Chad takes responsibility as the fall guy for this men-talking-about-women’s-health episode, while Ben loosely associates so as to maintain the safe appearance of neutrality.  The two have to hold their mouths in the closed position for fear of gaping dumbly at all the utterly fascinating insights shared in this interview.  What are some things dads need to know about what their young daughters are going through during their teen years?  How does the Creighton Model Fertility/NaPro Technolgy differ from more traditional approaches to women’s health?  In what ways does the use of the pill adversely affect a young woman’s future fertility? (And what is Ben’s burning question about contraception at the end of the episode?)

SHOW NOTES:

Longer bio for Dr. Stroud:  Dr. Christopher Stroud, Obstetrician/Gynecologist – Fertility & Midwifery Birth Center (fertilityandmidwifery.com)

Dr Stroud tells his conversion story:  Atheist Doctor Becomes Catholic OBGYN and Pregnancy Expert – The Catholic Gentleman

Resources mentioned by Dr. Stroud:

• Creighton Model – Unleashing the power of a woman’s cycle
• One More Soul

Dr Stroud’s radio show/podcast:  Catholic Medical, Health, and Doctors Podcast and Talk Show – Doctor Doctor Podcast

In an age of high slit dresses, low cut tops, and leggings, making an effort toward modesty might simply seem impractical.  Depending on where you look, though, it could be that it’s not even a consideration–maybe even in Christian, conservative circles.  What that means for a man and his conscience is one thing.  But what that means for a father raising a daughter?  Well… good luck (is about what it seems)!

Ben buffs up, and shines to a sheen, his various guns as the dad of two daughters for this episode, while Chad innocently stares down the double-barrel topic as co-host.  The two take aim and tear up their target of rallying dads to the protection of their daughters’ purity.  How will Chad do in Ben’s game, “Should a Dad?”  What are the dynamics at play (for men, in particular) when a female dresses sensually in public?  And what is a father’s role when it comes to expectations and parameters for his daughter’s way of dressing?

SHOW NOTES:

Ben’s book reference: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meeker | Goodreads

Many, if not most, of the greatest artists of all time were men.  Yet it could be argued that the average man today has distanced himself from much of what could be traditionally called “the arts.”  Whether it’s making it or appreciating it, things like poetry and painting, crafts and classical music, aren’t likely at the top of the list for the manliest activities.  Should that concern men?

Chad channels his chest hair envy and ‘leads like a Ross’ for this episode, as Ben keeps the beat and plays the p(art) of groovy co-host.  The two take an inward look at their own artlessness and tease out the untapped potential.  What sorts of creative activities qualify as art?  How can art enable us to see deeper into and appreciate the world around us?   And what is lost to us should we forgo the chance to engage in our artistic interests?

SHOW NOTES:

Andrew Peterson book:  Adorning the Dark, a new book by Andrew Peterson

Poem referenced by Chad:  If— by Rudyard Kipling | Poetry Foundation

Cool song by Kings Kaleidescope:  All Glory Be to Christ – Kings Kaleidoscope – YouTube

All The Poets (Peterson song read by Chad at episode’s end): All The Poets | Andrew Peterson | Lyric Video – YouTube

Aaron Kuhn (back by popular demand) is our first return guest on the podcast! Joining us to take a deep dive on the topic of marriage, he has been working in the field for over 20 years as a licensed mental health and addiction therapist.  He currently provides counseling, including marriage and family, at Counseling & Consulting Services in Celina, Ohio.  Aaron brings years of clinical experience and a firm belief in the institution of marriage to bear on the conversation.

Chad jumps in headfirst as the lead for this interview, eager to ask a million questions (for a friend, of course!).  Ben keeps the pace at a near-20-year marital clip, as the two wind up their guest, set him loose, and are all ears as he goes to town on this topic!  What is “second order change” (as compared to “first order change”), and why is it imperative for healing a hurting marriage?  How can couples deal (or not deal) well with the various life cycles of marriage?  What place does counseling play in working through marital issues, and to what extent is it necessary for all marriages?

SHOW NOTES:

Aaron’s practice:   Aaron Kuhn, LPCC-S – Marriage & Family Therapist in Celina, OH | Healthgrades