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An Open Letter

by An Open Letter...

We strive to be a rational voice in a blustering world of strong opinions. We hope to help you see the other side. Our goal is to talk about issues that the church isn't talking about or isn't talking about well. Carol and Dave are both Christians and life long learners and endlessly curious. We believe all truth is God's truth.

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Episodes

  1. An open letter on grief

    On this episode Dave and Carol interview their friend Tina Mallery. One of the reasons we started this podcast 2 and a half years ago was so that we could talk about things that the church wasn't talking about well or wasn't talking about at all. Grief is one of those topics. Tina has had to deal...

  2. blind musician Tony Gebhard

    We welcome Tony Gebhard to the show! Tony is an amazing musician who also happens to be blind. Carol and I talk to Tony about his story and get an idea of what it is like to have a disability and how it doesn't slow him down! We laugh a lot during this episode and get some great insight of what…

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  3. EMDR

    In this episode we dive back into Carol's life. We talk about her recovery from trauma in her life. She is going through EMDR which helps those who are suffering from PTSD. We dive into a little bit of the science and hear more of her story.

  4. Paul Hulford part 2

    We welcome Paul back for this episode to continue his story. One of our main questions: how does a man get voted in as a pastor when "heroin addict" is on the resume??

  5. with Paul Hulford

    On this episode we welcome Pastor Paul Hulford. He is a pastor, husband, father and...former heroin addict??? Paul has a fascinating, unique story. This is part one of a two parter.

  6. To kneel or not to kneel

    This is one of the hottest issues in our country right now- Should players kneel during the national anthem? What should we make of this controversy? Are these spoiled millionaires trying to draw attention to themselves or is this a peaceful protest trying to highlight a valid issue? Or something...

  7. An open letter with Pastor Craig Apel

    Craig Apel has been a pastor for over 40 years. He and I met while we were both in the play "The Great Divorce". He played George MacDonald and I played C.S. Lewis. We have maintained a friendship ever since. On this episode we discuss how patriotism and how that interacts with the Christian…

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  8. Dating And Relationships Adam

    Another old friend from Iowa episode! Pastor Adam Smith joins us to talk about sex, dating, and relationships. Adam is the campus pastor of South Hill church in Corona, CA. He is passionate, insightful and very funny.

  9. CINEMAFAITH

    We cover a lot of pretty serious topics on our podcast. Sometimes it's good to take a break from the heavy stuff- which leads us to our latest episode! We interview Jonathan Butrin, one of the founders of the website and podcast "Cinema Faith". We talk about why and how movies are important and…

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  10. Sharla Hintz Part 2

    This is the 3rd podcast focusing on Mike and Sharla Hintz's story. In this episode, Sharla tells the rest of her story and gives advice for those that are struggling in their marriages. She also talks about how to bounce back from life shattering events.

  11. sharla hintz

    In our last episode, we heard how Sharla's husband Mike shattered their family. This is the first of a two part episode where we hear Sharla tell us in her honest, open way, what her reaction was to Mike's betrayal and how she survived this trauma.

  12. Mike Hintz

    Over 10 years ago, the Hintz's world imploded. Mike, father of 4 young children and a youth pastor at a large church in Des Moines, Iowa, confessed to a crime that shocked the church, his community and especially his wife Sharla. Mike had an inappropriate relationship with a girl in his youth...

  13. Leith McHugh Part 2!

    Part 2 with Leith McHugh. I know. You cried during part one. And rightfully so. In this episode, we find out how the McHugh's rebooted their life.

  14. Leith McHugh

    I first heard of Leith McHugh on a different podcast. Her story soon had me in tears as I was trying to drive to work. Yes, her story is largely about grief- but it is so much more than that. In this special 2 part episode, we talk in depth about how Leith lost one of her children and how her...

  15. Ghost hunters are back!!!!!

    We brought the ghost hunters back in the studio for round two. This time we got a lot more aggressive with our questions. We specifically talked about and addressed the issues we have with some of their practices. And to their credit, they responded very well and helped us understand why they do...

  16. Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

    Do you believe in ghosts? Our entire culture is obsessed with the supernatural. It's all fun and games, right? Just silly TV shows and movies? What if it's not? We talk to the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters and hear their take on what it is they do- try and track down the supernatural.

  17. Daves Story Pt 2

    The end of my story- well, not "the end" end, hopefully I will be around for awhile. This was a very emotional couple of episodes for us as we deal with some very personal issues in my (Dave's) life. In the first episode you heard a lot of what I struggled with, in this episode we talk about how…

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  18. Daves Story Pt 1

    We have waited a year to do this 2 part episode. I have alluded to my own story numerous times in the podcast. Carol interviews me this time to talk about how devastating my addiction to pornography has been in my life. We also talk about how important it is to be open about things we currently...

  19. Http - --theporchonline.org - Mp3 - 20161113

    I (Dave) had the privilege of preaching at my church the Sunday after the election. We can not ignore the uprising of hate in this country. We must stand with those hurting. We have to come together. If you voted for Trump, don't ignore those who are scared. Stop calling those in fear crybabies....

  20. A view from outside

    My friend Craig talks to us about his faith journey. It's not a journey that normally gets talked about on faith based media. Craig does not identify himself as a Christian. At one time in his life he would have, but different things brought him to a different place. We think his story is very...

  21. Mike Walton episode 16

    My friend Mike Walton is on the show for the first time! Mike used to be a pastor at the church we attend, Solomon's Porch. Recently he decided to change careers and become a counselor. He now has his own business- Second Story Counseling. We talk about why he decided to switch careers and why so...

  22. Carol and I on Ignite radio

    JR Pittman invited Carol and I on his radio show on 9/11. We chat about Carol's experience in Nice, France when the attack took place. It's a great conversation! And we loved being on the show!

  23. ArtPrize Missing Persons episode 15

    Our first LIVE episode! We journey downtown to interview one of the artists participating in Art Prize. What is Art Prize you may be asking? Why it's the largest art competition in the world! Right here in my home town of Grand Rapids, Mi. Joe Reid is the artist and his entry is a 17 foot high…

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  24. An open letter- Suicide is not Painless episode 14

    We welcome Jared Zimmerman to the podcast. We tackle a very challenging subject- suicide. Jared's brother took his life in the spring of 2014. Jared is very open and honest about the impact on himself and his family. A powerful listen.

  25. on racism with JR Pittman episode 13

    We welcome to the studio JR Pittman, local pastor and radio show host! In this episode, JR and I have a lively discussion on racism and what it means to be a black man in the US of A. It was difficult getting JR out of his shell, but I think I did it.

  26. Carol in Nice France

    Carol was in Nice, France when the attack occurred. She was a part of a study abroad program for GVSU. She was there with 18 students and another professor. I was there as well (Me, Dave) but I left on July 3rd. Thankfully she is ok, as are the students. This podcast is actually from a radio show...

  27. A conversation about gender episode 12

    Chad, Carol, Matt and I discuss and yes, argue, about the explosion of terms defining gender. We try and define some terms so we can bring understanding to a topic many are struggling to understand. We also discuss what the reaction of the church has been and what we feel it should be.

  28. Carol Dave Whos Coffin This is not an episode.

    A timeless and insightful track that shows the power those editing the program have. A must listen

  29. An open letter with the return of Collin episode 11

    Collin returns and we talk more about being a funny person. We also explore what motivates someone to want to get other people to laugh. We also touch on important topics like insecurity and how everyone needs attention.

  30. An Open Letter with Collin Everett! Episode 10

    Collin Everett is a college student here in the Grand Rapids area. I met him when we were both actors for a sitcom being produced by Compass Arts, a college he attends here in Grand Rapids. Collin is a very talented thoughtful young man. We cover a few different subjects including comedy and its...

  31. An open letter... David's House Ministries Episode 9

    This is part two of our show focusing on David's House Ministries. Last time we heard Paul's story and what led him away from a good job to work for this company. On this episode we take a deeper look at what David's House does and the 5 stages that take place when you interact with those that…

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  32. An Open Letter... David's House Ministries- Paul's Story Episode 8

    This is part one of a two part episode featuring the David's House Ministries. My former coworker and friend- Paul Wiersma- is on the show to talk about his own journey and how his challenges and successes have led him to this awesome and needed ministry. David’s House Ministries provides quality...

  33. Christians - Politics - Social Media Episode 7

    On this episode you get to meet a good friend of mine, Daniel Koons! The bearded wonder! (not that you can tell by listening) We talk about politics- should Christians vote?- which kingdoms are we a part of and which kingdom should be the most important?

  34. Nerdcast2 Mixed Episode 6

    Nerdcast version dos! Josh is back and we talk about the video game "SUPERHOT" which he likes just a tiny bit. We also chat up Zootopia and the movie "Room".

  35. An Open Letter... our violent culture Episode 5

    In this episode we talk about the violence that seems to permeate our culture and the origins and current expressions of violence. As believers, what should our response be?

  36. An Open Letter...1st NERDout edition Episode 4

    My son Josh is on the show for the first time! We discuss the entertainment we are currently enjoying. This is a more lighthearted episode of the show. We will have a NERDout podcast about once a month.

  37. Depression Carol Testimony Pt 2 Episode 3

    Part 2 of my interview with Carol. She explains what it is like to be in a bout of depression and we try and give practical help.

  38. An open letter about depression pt 1 Episode 2

    Carol is brave enough to let me interview her in regards to her struggle with depression.

  39. An Open Letter... The First One 1

    On our very first episode we talk about why we are doing the podcast and discuss the principles that will be guiding us.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

We strive to be a rational voice in a blustering world of strong opinions. We hope to help you see the other side. Our goal is to talk about issues that the church isn't talking about or isn't talking about well. Carol and Dave are both Christians and life long learners and endlessly curious. We believe all truth is God's truth.

HOSTED BY

An Open Letter...

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does An Open Letter have?

An Open Letter currently has 39 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is An Open Letter about?

We strive to be a rational voice in a blustering world of strong opinions. We hope to help you see the other side. Our goal is to talk about issues that the church isn't talking about or isn't talking about well. Carol and Dave are both Christians and life long learners and endlessly curious. We...

How often does An Open Letter release new episodes?

An Open Letter has 39 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to An Open Letter?

You can listen to An Open Letter on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts An Open Letter?

An Open Letter is created and hosted by An Open Letter....
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