PODCAST · religion
Surface Tension
by by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber
Meaning exists below the surface, and by utilizing well-crafted questions, Craig and Alex dive as deeply as possible, exploring the spiritual import that underpins our daily lives. In a world that seems chaotic and frantic, would exploring the calmness below the surface be a terrible idea?
Episodes
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168. Two Kinds of People | Surface Tension
Alex and Craig start with a simple thought experiment: “there are two kinds of people in the world,” and follow it all the way to identity, grace, and eternity. This is a hopeful, honest conversation about letting God hold the pen for your story instead of white knuckling it yourself.
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167. Surface Tension Spotlight: Maverick Moore
Craig is joined by Maverick Moore for his God Story. Maverick shares a brutally honest story of how family fracture, addiction, and a double life nearly destroyed him, and how God met him through a lifeguard mentor, a moldy childhood Bible, a trip to Mammoth, and the radical forgiveness of the...
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166. The End of Spiritual Okayness | Surface Tension
Alex and Craig unpack David Benner’s Surrender to Love and ask why so many of us settle for spiritual “okayness” instead of the ocean of the Father’s love. Through movie metaphors, the prodigal son, and honest personal stories, they explore how fear, control, and religious earning keep us stuck…
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165. Junk Mail | Surface Tension
Alex and Craig unpack what it means to recognize and respond to God’s invitations hidden among life’s noise. Through humor, scripture, and heartfelt stories, they explore why we often ignore what’s most meaningful, and how saying “yes” can change everything. A moving reflection on forgiveness,...
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164. Processing Pain | Surface Tension
In this episode of Surface Tension, Alex and Craig explore how to process pain and sadness through a lens of faith, empathy, and surrender. Drawing from Dostoevsky and their own personal stories, they unpack what it means to “metabolize pain” and let God transform wounds into wisdom. A raw and...
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163. The Biggest Loser | Surface Tension
After a powerful men’s retreat, Alex and Craig wrestle with what happens after a genuine encounter with God. From “The Biggest Loser” to mountaintop faith, they unpack why lasting transformation often fades, and how Jesus, the ultimate trainer, walks with us long after the show ends. A heartfelt...
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162. Curious About the King | Surface Tension
This episode explores forgiveness through the lens of Matthew 18’s parable of the unmerciful servant. Alex and Craig break down why relational ruptures feel overwhelming, tying it to the human tendency to see problems as personal, pervasive, and permanent. They highlight how true forgiveness must...
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161. The Answer Is Yes: Now What’s the Question? | Surface Tension
Are you waiting on God, or is He waiting on you? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the tension between divine direction and human obedience, weaving in Scripture, everyday stories, and the challenges of letting go of control. From Whole Foods encounters to Abraham’s radical faith, they...
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160. Marriage, Ministry, and Martyrdom | Surface Tension
Alex and Craig return to Surface Tension with a deeply personal conversation about teaching, marriage, and how real life tests our faith. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s shocking death, they wrestle with one central question: how do we forgive and love those who harm us when our hearts want justice...
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159. Instrumental or Intrinsic?
In this episode, Alex and Craig revisit the story of the prodigal son, but with a twist. What happens when the son returns home and tries to earn his way back into the Father's favor? This leads to a vulnerable and timely conversation about how we see value, in ourselves, in others, and even in...
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158. The Carnival | Surface Tension
What if life is like a carnival, and we’re running from booth to booth, chasing prizes that never satisfy? In this episode, Alex and Craig dive into a vivid dream about a carnival, revealing how we often find ourselves hustling for worth, approval, and success in all the wrong places.
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157. Refusing Affirmations | Surface Tension
Why is it so easy to believe the worst about ourselves, and so hard to receive what’s good and true? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore why affirmations often bounce off our hearts while criticism cuts deep. They reflect on the emotional walls we build, the spiritual consequences of…
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156. Judgement Day | Surface Tension
When you hear the words “Judgment Day,” do you feel fear… or anticipation? In this episode, Alex and Craig challenge the fire-and-brimstone narrative by asking a bold question: Should we actually be excited for it? Through the stories of Babel, Jesus' mercy, and personal reflections, they explore...
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155. Two Things at Once | Surface Tension
What if two seemingly opposite emotions (like fear and joy, or vulnerability and safety) could exist together, rather than cancel each other out? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the surprising spiritual maturity found in holding tension: between shame and love, pain and hope…
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154. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jim Moss
What does it look like to serve God on the frontlines (literally)? In this gripping episode, former SWAT team member and Air Rescue 5 veteran Jim Moss shares how decades in high-stakes law enforcement shaped his faith, refined his prayer life, and revealed God’s purpose in both chaos and…
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153. Big G, little g | Surface Tension
In this episode of Surface Tension, Alex and Craig explore the concept of choosing which "god" to serve in life, discussing the difference between the "Big G God" (the one true God) and the many "little g gods" that often distract us, such as societal approval, money, and comfort. They reflect on...
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152. Two for Two? | Surface Tension
Are you okay? Are things going to be okay? In this episode, Alex and Craig go beneath the surface to explore these two deceptively simple questions. They reflect on how childhood, emotional wounds, and our pursuit of validation shape our sense of security and identity. Through personal stories…
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151. The Three Big Assumptions | Surface Tension
In this episode, Alex and Craig unpack three foundational questions: Who is God really? Do we want to live in reality? How important is love? The way we answer these shapes everything—from our faith to our relationships. Join the conversation as we examine the illusions we cling to, confront the...
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150. Surface Tension Spotlight: Melissa Whiteman
Craig and Alex sit down to hear Melissa Whiteman's God Story. From an early age, Melissa faced hardships many wouldn’t be able to bear. From extreme violence to drug use and trafficking, she found herself desperate for God, and by His divine grace and intervention, she was saved in more ways than...
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149. Seeing The Soul | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex explore what it means to love someone for their soul, rather than merely for their thoughts, emotions, or decisions: an approach that surpasses the typical focus of most personal relationships.
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148. AI and God | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual implications of the impending AI revolution, and examine what underlying assumptions and promises have been motivating people to do and become more.
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147. A Misaligned Magician | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex explore Acts 8:9-25, the story of Simon the Magician, and reflect on what it means to surrender our version of "good" for His ultimate "Good."
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146. The Perfect Coach | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss reclaiming how we move through the world and how we all need coaches, one coach in particular.
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145. Navigating Suffering | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex explore what it means to navigate challenging times—whether you're the one in the hot seat or supporting someone who is.
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144. Surface Tension Spotlight: Doc Jacobs
Craig sits down with Pastor Doc Jacobs to discuss "everywhere ministry," true courage, and how even pastors must constantly reset on prioritizing Jesus, family, and community.
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143. Christmas Questions for Jesus | Surface Tension
Craig opens with the seemingly counter-intuitive question of "What are the wrong questions to ask around Christmas time?"
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142. Levels of Prayer | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex address the somewhat daunting question of "how's your prayer life?"
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141. Surface Tension Spotlight: Vincent Dioguardi
Craig and Alex sit down with Vincent Dioguardi to hear his "God Story." From near death experiences, to overcoming addiction and homelessness, Vincent attributes his miraculous life to the one who loved him when nobody else would.
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140. Do We Want What We "Want"? | Surface Tension
Craig poses the question: What if the reward or payoff of something is scary, or isn't something we actually want? Surface Tension is brought to you by https://www.goministryinternational.org
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139. Spending Time with the Coach | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex, upon returning from a weekend men's retreat, discuss seeing God, themselves, and others through a new lens. The challenge for us is not only recognizing God's reality, but how to consistently walk in it. Finding our true purpose and living it out is contingent on having an…
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138. Hidden Idols of the Heart | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss the 20 "hidden idols of the heart" as outlined by Tim Keller. The 20 idols are as follows: “Life only has meaning/I only have worth if… 1. I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry) 2. I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry) 3. I have this…
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137. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jenna Nelson
Craig and Alex sit down with Jenna Nelson to hear about what it looks like to create emotional safety with God. In a world that doesn’t feel particularly easy to navigate as a young person, Jenna shares her God story, giving both hope and insight for followers of Jesus, young and old, alike.
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136. Surface Tension Spotlight: Dan Roberts
Craig and Alex sit down with Dan Roberts, a faith giant, to discuss his God story. Dan, a proud father of four and great nephew of Oral Roberts, has worked in both ministry and industry. In addition to owning technology, background screening, and insurance companies, he founded a staffing agency,...
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135. Where's the Fruit? | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss the directionality of spiritual fruit.
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134. A Restored Tow-truck? | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss Peter's denial and restoration.
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133. Timeout | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss the question: "What if the next play Jesus called for us was a timeout?"
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132. Cannon Fire | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss what it looks like when we aim our "cannons" at ourselves, at others, or even straight up in the air.
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131. Walking with the Baker | Surface Tension
After a brief summer break, Craig and Alex reunite to discuss asking better questions and zooming out to find the "God Story" being authored that supersedes our personal realities.
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130. A Deep Dive with Jesus | Surface Tension
Alex and guest-host Quin Weissenberger sit down to discuss what it looks like to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus, through the lens of scuba diving.
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129. Questions that Love Asks | Surface Tension
Craig starts the episode with the profound question: "What are the questions that love asks?"
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128. Revealing Beliefs | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss how our thoughts and behavior can help reveal our innermost beliefs, and what to do if those beliefs don't feel entirely aligned with our stated purpose.
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127. Breaking Patterns | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss spiritual/mental/emotional patterns about how to identify and break them.
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126. Eternity | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss what happens when we turn our attention to eternity.
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125. Scary Close | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss what it means to be "scarily close" to God.
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124. Healing the Unhealable | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex take a deep dive into Mark 9 to discuss healing a variety of ailments, be they physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, or relational.
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123. Surface Tension Spotlight: Quin Weissenberger
Craig and Alex sit down with Quin Weisenberger, an up-and-coming spiritual leader, to hear his God story.
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122. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 4: Free Parking | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex conclude their "Kingdom Monopoly" series by discussing the spiritual metaphors within the Free Parking square.
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121. Kingdom Monopoly Part 3: Jail | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex continue their discussion about the spiritual metaphors embedded in the classic board game Monopoly. This week, the duo examine the significance of Jail.
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120. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 2: GO | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex continue their series about the parallels between Monopoly and a faith journey. This week, the duo discuss the GO square and piece selection.
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119. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 1: Overview | Surface Tension
Craig and Alex discuss parallels between the board game Monopoly and a life of faith.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Meaning exists below the surface, and by utilizing well-crafted questions, Craig and Alex dive as deeply as possible, exploring the spiritual import that underpins our daily lives. In a world that seems chaotic and frantic, would exploring the calmness below the surface be a terrible idea?
HOSTED BY
by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Surface Tension have?
Surface Tension currently has 169 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Surface Tension about?
Meaning exists below the surface, and by utilizing well-crafted questions, Craig and Alex dive as deeply as possible, exploring the spiritual import that underpins our daily lives. In a world that seems chaotic and frantic, would exploring the calmness below the surface be a terrible idea?
How often does Surface Tension release new episodes?
Surface Tension publishes regularly with 169 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Surface Tension?
You can listen to Surface Tension 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 Surface Tension?
Surface Tension is created and hosted by by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber.
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