The Third Place

America’s 250th Anniversary

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, what does the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom look like today? In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Glen Duerr, Chair of History and Government and Professor of International Studies at Cedarville University, to discuss King Charles’s recent visit to the United States and the enduring “Special Relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K. Together, they explore how two nations once divided by revolution became some of the closest allies in the modern world. The conversation looks at the historical roots of the relationship, why it still matters geopolitically, and how shared language, culture, and values continue to shape diplomacy today. As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Duerr helps unpack what anniversaries like this reveal about national identity, history, and the evolving role of America on the global stage. Learn more about Dr. Glen Duerr: https://www.cedarville.edu/academics/schools/arts-and-humanities/history-and-government/faculty-staff/duerr-glen Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tXO0Cm818sU Support the Show: Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month: https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast Learn more about Stained Glass Media: https://stainedglass-media.com If this episode helped you think more deeply about history, culture, and international relationships, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/ [https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Second Chances Are Worth Fighting For

What does real prison reform look like—and why should Christians care? In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Ben Chambers, Senior Director of Outreach at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Illinois, to talk about prison reform, second chances, and why this work matters for both justice and discipleship. Ben recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he was lobbying alongside Prison Fellowship for the reauthorization and expansion of the Second Chance Act—legislation originally signed into law in 2008 to help reduce recidivism and support successful reentry for those leaving incarceration. Together, they discuss why this legislation matters, what’s at stake if it isn’t renewed, and why Prison Fellowship is pushing for something more sustainable than year-to-year reauthorization. The conversation also explores what meaningful reform actually looks like, including long-term support, mental health resources, spiritual care, and the kind of practical systems that help people rebuild their lives after prison. This is a conversation about justice, mercy, restoration, and why second chances are worth fighting for. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yWm54p3q8jI Learn more about Christ Community Church: https://ccclife.org/ Support the Show: Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month: https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast Learn more about Stained Glass Media: https://stainedglass-media.com If this episode challenged or encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/ [https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Faithfulness in the Face of Discouragement

What does it look like to stay faithful when the work feels hard, the fruit feels slow, and discouragement starts to settle in? In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Ron and Anita Morrison of Hope Alliance Bible Church to talk about faithfulness, discouragement, and what the book of Jeremiah teaches us about obedience in difficult seasons. Drawing from recent preaching through Jeremiah, the conversation explores what it means to remain faithful when the message is costly, the response is disappointing, and the outcome feels uncertain. Jeremiah’s story is one of obedience without immediate reward, faithfulness without applause, and trust in God even when everything feels uphill. Together, they discuss the kind of discouragement that can creep into ministry, marriage, and everyday discipleship—and how Scripture calls us to remain steady even when the results aren’t what we hoped for. Learn more about Hope Alliance Bible Church: https://hopealliancebiblechurch.org/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lCDxCptIc68 Support the Show: Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month: https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast Learn more about Stained Glass Media: https://stainedglass-media.com If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/ [https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

War Powers and the Constitution

Who actually has the authority to declare war—the President or Congress? And why does it feel like that line isn’t always clear? In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Mark Caleb Smith of Cedarville University—Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, Director of the Center for Political Studies, and Professor of Political Science—to break down one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in American government. Together, they walk through what the Constitution actually says about war powers, how those powers have been interpreted over time, and why modern conflicts don’t always fit neatly into the categories the Founders had in mind. The conversation explores how executive authority has expanded, what role Congress is supposed to play, and why these questions still matter for everyday Americans—even if you’re not a political junkie. As always, the goal isn’t just to understand the system, but to think more clearly and thoughtfully about leadership, responsibility, and the weight of decisions that impact lives around the world. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cwV1icVoxzQ Support the Show: Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month: https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast Learn more about Stained Glass Media: https://stainedglass-media.com If this episode helped you better understand how our government works, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/ [https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Your Website Is Ugly

Be honest… when was the last time you thought about your website? In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome their web designer, Jonah Swenson, to the podcast to talk about why your website matters more than you think. From first impressions to clear communication, Jonah breaks down how design shapes the way people experience your brand, ministry, or business. They talk about why so many websites miss the mark, what people are actually looking for when they land on your page, and how small changes can make a big difference in how you’re perceived. If you’ve ever wondered whether your website is helping or hurting you… this episode might answer that question. If you like our website, have Jonah design yours: https://ikigais.design/ Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KEBXDr3sBNE Support the Show: Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month: https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast Learn more about Stained Glass Media: https://stainedglass-media.com If this episode helped you rethink your online presence, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/ [https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]