David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of Low Anthropology and Seculosity, joins Wade Franson for a rich conversation on faith, culture, and the power of grace. Drawing from years of work translating theology into everyday language, David shares how Mockingbird’s message — that God’s love is for the real, the flawed, and the weary — continues to resonate in a culture driven by achievement and self-definition. Together, Wade and David explore what it means to proclaim good news in an age that doesn’t think it needs saving, how “low anthropology” opens the door to deeper compassion, and why grace is the most radical message of all.

In Sacred, Not Sinful, Dr. Lyman A. Montgomery provides a bold, biblical, and balanced exploration of the tension between Greek life and Christian discipleship. Drawing on scripture, cultural history, and personal testimony, his book offers clarity, not condemnation, showing believers how heritage can be redeemed, traditions re-examined, and identity rooted firmly in Christ.

Where religion and reporting meet, the stakes are high, and the stories are deeply human. Writer and scholar Mark Oppenheimer joins Created in the Image of God to reflect on a life spent at the intersection of belief, culture, and public conversation. Known for his work with The New York Times, This American Life, and the groundbreaking Unorthodox podcast, Oppenheimer brings wit and candor to how faith traditions—his own Jewish background among them—can enrich our collective dialogue rather than divide it. Together, we explore what moral imagination journalism requires, how spiritual humility can coexist with critical inquiry, and why telling the truth about who we are remains one of the most sacred acts in a pluralistic world.

Philosopher and educator Joe Atman approaches the Book of Genesis as a universal and familiar entry point for rethinking how humanity learns—and why we so often mistake information for understanding. Rather than treating Genesis as theology, he interprets it as a map of consciousness: a story of curiosity, judgment, and rediscovery that mirrors our intellectual and moral evolution. Drawing on his experience at Middle Tree, where reimagining education means restoring wonder to the learning process itself, Atman explores how true learning begins with humility—and how the human mind must continually be re-educated to perceive meaning beyond its own assumptions. This conversation moves between philosophy, discovery, and the renewal of learning itself—a journey back to the source, where creation and education meet.

Can journalism still serve truth instead of ideology in an era defined by partisanship and polarization?Tangle founder Isaac Saul joins Created in the Image of God for a timely conversation about the pursuit of balance in modern media. Through Tangle’s nonpartisan model—where stories are examined from the left, right, and center—Isaac is reimagining what it means to inform without inflaming, to challenge without dividing.Together, we explore how humility, transparency, and moral courage can restore faith in journalism—and why the spiritual act of seeking truth may be the antidote to a broken information age.

The power of thought—hailed in the Bahá’í Writings as the true reality of humankind—has become both a creative and contested frontier. In an age of cognitive warfare, where persuasion is engineered and trust erodes by design, the act of seeking truth demands vigilance.This discussion with journalist Mehrtash Olson explores how modern media and information systems shape not only public opinion but also the moral fabric of society itself. Through the lens of Bahá’u’lláh and Abdu’l-Bahá’s guidance on truthfulness, justice, and journalists’ responsibilities, it examines what integrity in communication requires in a world of constant influence.An invitation to reclaim discernment—and to treat thought itself as sacred ground.

In this episode of Created In The Image of God, we welcome David French — New York Times opinion columnist, constitutional lawyer, Iraq War veteran, and author of Divided We Fall. Few voices today carry his combination of legal expertise, military service, and journalistic influence. French has long argued for the importance of character in leadership, the defense of religious liberty, and the dangers of political polarization.Our conversation centers on media literacy in a world of echo chambers. French reflects on how information ecosystems have fractured, leaving citizens vulnerable to manipulation and mistrust. Drawing from his work in law, his writing for national outlets, and his personal experiences navigating political and religious controversies, he offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to discern truth when every platform seems designed to divide.What emerges is not simply commentary on today’s headlines, but a deeper call to conscience. French challenges listeners to consider how faith, civic responsibility, and moral clarity can help rebuild an everyday reality in public life. At a moment when mistrust runs high, his voice reminds us that clear thinking and honest dialogue remain essential to both democracy and community.

When words fail, art speaks. Licensed art psychotherapist Tracey Saia has spent over 25 years helping people process trauma, strained relationships, and life transitions through creative expression. Her work proves that art isn’t about talent — it’s about giving your inner world a way to speak.Tracey shares how art therapy turns pain into expression, builds resilience, and opens doors to healing when language falls short.