Service, Self-Expression, and the Future of Salem

What Does It Mean to Be a "Bureaucrat for Christ?" - A conversation with Michael Talbert

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Greg Bolt sits down with Michael Talbert, a man whose life reads like an adventure novel—spanning from surviving a devastating helicopter crash in Vietnam to calmly reading the newspaper while rockets fell in Iraq. Michael shares his unique journey of navigating global government bureaucracy while maintaining a profound respect for diverse faiths and proudly wearing the title: "A Bureaucrat for Christ". Listen in as they discuss the difference between viewing people as "snapshots" versus "movies" , the vital importance of finding humor in our deepest struggles , and why sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is fill out the right paperwork . Join us for a masterclass on grace, resilience, and writing your own story—even when the script goes completely off the rails.

Are We Afraid to Admit How Much Luck Influences the Economy? with Guest Economist Kathryn Edwards

Host Greg Bolt sits down with labor economist and TikTok sensation Dr. Kathryn Edwards (known online as @Keds_Economist) to demystify the often-confusing world of economic policy. From her unique journey as an unemployment insurance expert catapulted into the spotlight during the pandemic to her philosophy of "meeting people where they are," Kathryn explains why the economy often feels like it's driven by "animal spirits" and collective sentiment rather than just hard numbers.

Can We Find Radical Belonging in a Divided Human Story? - With Guest Ben McBride

Host Greg Bolt welcomes author, activist, and Empower Initiative co-founder Ben McBride for a deep-dive into why true belonging feels so fragile in our modern world. Ben shares personal reflections on belonging as a space where we can exist "without negotiation or apology" and explores how our biological need for safety often drives us toward exclusion and "contempt prior to investigation". From the lessons of Cabrini-Green to a surprising take on how the AI revolution might force us to rediscover our humanity, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, practice curiosity, and build a "wide circle" that includes everyone in the beloved community.

Following vs. Worshipping: Reclaiming the Way of Jesus

Host Greg Bolt welcomes spiritual guide and content creator Paige Hook (@ascending.phoenix [https://www.tiktok.com/@ascending.phoenix] on TikTok) for a deep dive into the provocative question: What is the difference between following Jesus and worshipping him? Paige shares her journey from growing up in the traditional Christian church to finding a middle-ground space where she helps others heal from church trauma and reconnect with the Divine. Together, they explore the "hard work" of active discipleship, the beauty of finding spiritual truths across different traditions, and why Jesus might be more interested in who we hang out with on Monday morning than the songs we sing on Sunday.

Service, Self-Expression, and the Future of Salem

Host Greg Bolt sits down with Salem City Councilor and mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke to discuss her vision for a more inclusive and affordable Salem. From her early days painting faces at the Salem Art Fair to her work as a public servant and advocate for foster youth, Vanessa shares how a deep-rooted commitment to service and "jumping in headfirst" guides her leadership. The conversation explores critical local issues, including the expansion of mobile crisis teams, the importance of green spaces like Minto-Brown Park, and the moral choices reflected in the city’s budget.