Episode 8: Do You Own Your Faith? Finding Your Particular Relationship with Christ
What happens when faith becomes more than just a family tradition? Join us in the final episode of the Curious Curmudgeon podcast's inaugural season, as we explore the profound journey of personal conviction in Christ. We'll share Adam's transformative experience at 16, shedding light on how to make faith truly personal and authentic. We also express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout our journey and invite you to share this episode with friends who might find solace and inspiration. Navigate the intricate path of faith through periods of doubt and personal...
Episode 7: Does Pain Have Purpose? Finding Gain through Loss
What happens when the unexpected storms of life turn your world upside down? In this emotionally charged episode, we promise you'll gain insights into navigating life's most challenging transitions. Adam opens up about his harrowing experience with multiple lung collapses and surgeries during a time he least expected it. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how unplanned events can alter our life's path, and how finding wisdom and comfort during these times can be transformative. As we move forward, we delve into the raw and often painful journey of life after divorce. We candidly...
Episode 6: Parenthood Failures, Lessons, & Laughs from 4 Combined Decades of Fatherhood
Join us on the Curious Curmudgeon podcast as we explore the multifaceted journey of parenting through life transitions. With nearly two decades of experience raising children, we reflect on our transition into parenthood and the continuous evolution that comes with each stage of our children's lives. From the sleepless nights of infancy to the bittersweet moments of preparing our children for college, we share invaluable lessons learned, the shifting priorities over time, and the wisdom and humility gained along the way. Discover the relentless changes that define parenting and the values...
Episode 5: Graceful Exits and Fresh Starts
Leaving a church is never a simple decision. Remember when we had to make that tough call? We felt the emotional and spiritual weight bearing down on us, wrestling with whether it was the right time to move on. This episode is all about those moments—whether you're leaving due to painful experiences or positive life changes, we’ve got strategies to ensure a Christ-honoring exit. We share personal stories to reveal the complex dynamics of quietly disappearing versus formally saying goodbye, and how one’s role in the church and its size can influence these decisions.Before deciding to...
Episode 4: The Church Journey and Authentic Faith Connections
In this episode of the Curious Curmudgeon Podcast, Barnabas Piper and co-curmudgeon, Adam Read, take a stroll through their church histories, examining the fabric of their faith from childhood to the present. They reflect on their formative years in the pews, the nuances of congregational life across different geographies, and the profound impact of long-term church relationships. From San Diego's sun-soaked sanctuaries to the Bible Belt's abundance of worship, listen in as they unpack the beauty and trials that come with being entrenched in the Body of Christ. In this heartfelt...
Episode 3: The Ever-Evolving Nature of Friendship: Navigating Adulthood, Church, and Friendship Expectations
Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane, exploring the evolution of friendship through the various stages of life. We start with childhood, reminiscing about the constant companionship of siblings and the golden days of high school with its bands and mild mischief. As we move through the timeline, we laugh over the social minefield of middle school and the burgeoning emotional connections of high school. Listen in as we reflect on the unique environment of college, where conversations deepened, yet the weight of adult responsibilities hadn't quite landed on our shoulders. This...
Episode 2: Unpacking Life’s Moves: Community, Faith, Moving, and the Art of Connection
Join us on the Curious Curmudgeon podcast as we unpack the various suitcases that come with moving through different stages of life. We share our own nomadic journeys, spanning countless states and homes, and reflect on how these transitions have reshaped our lives. From the thrill of adventure when flying solo to the intricate dance of relocating with a family, we tackle the less discussed human costs that accompany the financial ones. Listen in as we weigh the effects of uprooting and the nuanced decisions behind the starts of new chapters.In this week's conversation, we shine a light...
Episode 1: From Grunt Tasks to Dream Jobs: Exploring The Spiritual and Practical Aspects of Our Work Lives
Ever wondered how a job can be more than just a paycheck, or pondered the spiritual significance behind the daily grind? Join Barnabas Piper and co-curmudgeon, Adam Read, as they unravel the tapestry of career paths, job satisfaction, and the deeper meaning of work. This inaugural flight begins with brooms in hand as church custodians, a humble start that springs into a rich dialogue about the twists and turns of their professional journeys. They explore the catalysts that prompt career changes, whether it's the financial provision, the pursuit of growth, or the alignment of personal...
Intro Episode – Curious Conversations on Life and Faith: Who we Are
A suburban Nashville pastor and a rural Virginia technology director coming together to stir up a heartwarming concoction of wisdom and wit. That's what you're in for as Barnabas Piper and Adam Read swing open the doors to their lives, revealing the quirks of pastoral duties and digital dilemmas, all while herding chickens and wrangling kids. Amidst the hum of family chaos and clucking poultry, we delve into the everyday realities that keep us grounded and perpetually curious. It's not every day you get to eavesdrop on two friends as they navigate life's transitions, from the...