Shows
Surface Tension151. The Three Big Assumptions | Surface TensionIn 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 truth God invites us into, and discover how shifting our core beliefs can transform our lives.2025-03-1451 minSurface Tension150. Surface Tension Spotlight: Melissa WhitemanCraig 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 one.She has devoted her life to helping children in similar situations move toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual safety.2025-03-0743 minSurface Tension149. Seeing The Soul | Surface TensionCraig 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.2025-02-2842 minSurface Tension148. AI and God | Surface TensionCraig 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.2025-02-2146 minSurface Tension147. A Misaligned Magician | Surface TensionCraig 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."2025-02-1441 minSurface Tension146. The Perfect Coach | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss reclaiming how we move through the world and how we all need coaches, one coach in particular.2025-01-3136 minSurface Tension145. Navigating Suffering | Surface TensionCraig and Alex explore what it means to navigate challenging times—whether you're the one in the hot seat or supporting someone who is.2025-01-1041 minSurface Tension142. Levels of Prayer | Surface TensionCraig and Alex address the somewhat daunting question of "how's your prayer life?"2024-12-1336 minSurface Tension141. Surface Tension Spotlight: Vincent DioguardiCraig 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.2024-11-2249 minSurface Tension139. Spending Time with the Coach | Surface TensionCraig 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 accurate view of God, knowing how he sees us, and knowing how he sees others.2024-11-0840 minSurface Tension138. Hidden Idols of the Heart | Surface TensionCraig 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 kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life.” (Comfort idolatry)
4. I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____.” (Control idolatry)
5. people are dependent on me and need me.” (Helping Idolatry)
6. ...2024-11-0141 minSurface Tension137. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jenna NelsonCraig 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.2024-10-1849 minSurface Tension136. Surface Tension Spotlight: Dan RobertsCraig 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, Premier Staffing, which was later re-branded as “HireCall,” with the intentional play on words of answering God's “higher call.”
Dan recounts multiple near death experiences, reminding us that God is alive and working.2024-10-1157 minSurface Tension135. Where's the Fruit? | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the directionality of spiritual fruit.2024-10-0436 minSurface Tension134. A Restored Tow-truck? | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss Peter's denial and restoration.2024-09-2737 minSurface Tension133. Timeout | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the question: "What if the next play Jesus called for us was a timeout?"2024-09-2041 minSurface Tension132. Cannon Fire | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it looks like when we aim our "cannons" at ourselves, at others, or even straight up in the air.2024-09-1334 minSurface Tension131. Walking with the Baker | Surface TensionAfter 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.2024-09-0643 minSurface Tension128. Revealing Beliefs | Surface TensionCraig 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.2024-07-1944 minSurface Tension127. Breaking Patterns | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss spiritual/mental/emotional patterns about how to identify and break them.2024-07-1244 minSurface Tension126. Eternity | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what happens when we turn our attention to eternity.2024-07-0544 minSurface Tension125. Scary Close | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it means to be "scarily close" to God. 2024-06-2840 minSurface Tension124. Healing the Unhealable | Surface TensionCraig and Alex take a deep dive into Mark 9 to discuss healing a variety of ailments, be they physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, or relational.2024-06-2141 minSurface Tension123. Surface Tension Spotlight: Quin WeissenbergerCraig and Alex sit down with Quin Weisenberger, an up-and-coming spiritual leader, to hear his God story.2024-06-1441 minSurface Tension122. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 4: Free Parking | Surface TensionCraig and Alex conclude their "Kingdom Monopoly" series by discussing the spiritual metaphors within the Free Parking square.2024-06-0738 minSurface Tension121. Kingdom Monopoly Part 3: Jail | Surface TensionCraig 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.2024-05-3138 minSurface Tension120. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 2: GO | Surface TensionCraig 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.2024-05-1046 minSurface Tension119. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 1: Overview | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss parallels between the board game Monopoly and a life of faith.2024-05-0344 minSurface Tension118. The Creator vs. The CreationCraig and Alex discuss the spiritual and relational implications of AI2024-04-2640 minSurface Tension117. Blow It Up | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the importance of knowing that oftentimes, our first thought/reaction isn't our best one.2024-04-1943 minSurface Tension116. Eucatastrophe | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what true fulfillment looks like, and whether the pursuit of "fulfillment" gets us where we need to be in the first place. 2024-04-1235 minSurface Tension115. Burnt Out? | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it looks like to hit "compassion burn-out," and what it looks like to move through it.2024-04-0536 minSurface Tension114. Inside Easter | Surface TensionCraig and Alex explore ways to lean into Easter.2024-03-2934 minSurface Tension113. Misery Needs Company | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it means to get out of a place of misery.2024-03-2038 minSurface Tension112. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jonathan Duncan, The Direction of a QuestionCraig and Alex sit down with Jonathan Duncan to discuss how to "ask better God questions."2024-03-1541 minSurface Tension111. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jonathan DuncanCraig and Alex sit down with Jonathan Duncan and ask him about his God story.2024-03-0848 minSurface Tension110. Outside the Playground | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it looks like to extend out of one's comfort zone in order to experience soul growth.2024-03-0134 minSurface Tension108. Filthy Feet | Surface TensionCraig and Alex Examine John 13: 1-17, where Jesus washes the disciples feet.2024-02-1633 minSurface Tension107. Grinch Mode | Surface TensionAlthough it's well past the Christmas season, Craig and Alex discuss a heart that's 3 sizes too small.2024-02-0932 minSurface Tension106. Ego Biscuits | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the desire for worldly recognition, and what it looks like to pivot away from "ego biscuits" to step closer towards the bread of life.2024-02-0236 minSurface Tension105. Dreams | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the difference between dreams "that start with us and work towards God" versus dreams "that start with God and work towards us."2024-01-2642 minSurface Tension104. Risky Business | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it means to take risks not only in faith, but in ministry and relationships, as well.2024-01-1939 minSurface Tension103. Chutes and Ladders | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the faith walk through the lens of a classic board game.2024-01-1243 minSurface Tension101. Surface Tension Spotlight: Matt DuncanCraig and Alex sit down with Matt Duncan for one of the most riveting God stories and interviews yet.2023-12-2942 minSurface Tension100. The Wrapping and the Gift | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it might look like to have a transformational Christmas.2023-12-2236 minSurface Tension99. What if I Matter (to God)? | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it means for us when we comprehend that we matter to God.2023-12-1529 minSurface Tension98. The Land of the Living | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it means to better notice the living God alive and working.2023-12-0835 minSurface Tension97. Governing Metaphors | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the metaphors that can underpin (or overshadow) our beliefs.2023-12-0140 minSurface Tension95. The Who Behind the Why | Surface TensionCraig and Alex reflect on the difference between one's purpose vs. one's calling.2023-11-1729 minSurface Tension94. The God Box | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it means to have God speak to you, and how to know when you're having a "God Moment."2023-11-1037 minSurface Tension93. Wanted: God | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss a variety of questions that can lead to deeper "God Moments," both in individual and group settings.2023-11-0240 minSurface Tension92. Surface Tension Spotlight: Abraham Diaz, Running with Wolves | Surface TensionCraig and Alex sit down with Outreach Pastor Abraham Diaz for the second part of their conversation.2023-10-2732 minSurface Tension91. Surface Tension Spotlight: Abraham Diaz | Surface TensionCraig and Alex sit down with Outreach Pastor, Abraham Diaz, to hear his faith story.2023-10-2034 minSurface Tension90. The End of the World? | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the End Times.2023-10-1337 minSurface Tension89. Truthing | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss "thought maps," as well as "truthing."2023-10-0643 minSurface Tension88. Knock, Knock | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss Revelation 3:14-22, highlighting Craig's approach to scripture, in general.2023-09-2936 minSurface Tension86. 10 Seconds with Jesus | Surface TensionCraig and Alex examine how small interactions can make our God "highlight reels."2023-09-1534 minSurface Tension85. There and Back Again | Surface TensionCraig and Alex, after taking a summer break, are back for the next chapter of Surface Tension.
Craig's question comes as an offshoot from the book of Luke and the story of the Prodigal Son:
What is the Fathers heart towards the prodigal when he is in a far away land?2023-09-0837 minSurface Tension84. Surface Tension Spotlight: Rand Tanner | Surface TensionCraig and Alex sit down with retired Navy commander Rand "Bull" Tanner.2023-07-2636 minSurface Tension81. Surface Tension Spotlight: Mark Van MourikCraig and Alex sit down with philanthropist Mark Van Mourik2023-06-2836 minSurface Tension79. Unleashed | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss what it might look like to be "out of control" or "unleashed" for God.2023-06-1431 minSurface Tension78. The Bucket List | Surface TensionCraig and Alex have a thoughtful discussion about "bucket list" items.2023-06-0740 minSurface Tension77. Broken Toes and Prison Woes | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the way we approach suffering in what feels like an increasingly chaotic and tumultuous world.2023-05-3132 minSurface Tension76. The Great Gardener | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the parable of the sower. 2023-05-1732 minSurface Tension75. Slaves and Servants | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the dichotomy of "freedom to" and "freedom from"2023-05-1033 minSurface Tension73. Surface Tension Spotlight: Phil Deol | Surface TensionCraig and Alex host the chairman of Go Ministries International, Phil Deol, to discuss his story of faith, struggle, and leadership.2023-04-2643 minSurface Tension71. Utterly Wicked | Surface TensionCraig and Alex examine the question: "What if I'm a bad person?"
2023-04-0540 minSurface Tension68. Toxicity | Surface TensionCraig recounts the story of St. Patrick before he and Alex discuss the true meaning behind Saint Patrick's Day.2023-03-1732 minSurface Tension67. Punched in the Face | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss how to discern what someone needs from us in any given moment: a great question or hard truth.2023-03-1539 minSurface Tension66. Emptysville | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss a Henry Nouwen devotional:
"You have an idea of what the new country looks like. Still, you are very much at home, although not truly at peace, in the old country. You know the ways of the old country, its joys and pains, its happy and sad moments. You have spent most of your days there.
Even though you know that you have not found there what your heart most desires, you remain quite attached to it. tI has become part of your very bones.
Now you have come t...2023-03-0835 minSurface Tension64. Soul Food | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss Psalm 23, prompting a flurry of questions.2023-02-2241 minSurface Tension62. Double "You-Turn" | Surface TensionCraig opens the episode with a personal rule: If any journey requires two U-turns, it's a sign to go home. From there, Alex and Craig discuss the ins-and-outs of "repentance," a subject that isn't many people's favorite.2023-02-0826 minSurface Tension60. Ebbs and Flows | Surface TensionAlex and Craig discuss how to reengage in our spiritual journeys if/when we ever find ourselves slightly "checked out." 2023-01-2539 minSurface Tension58.5 Finding Your Word | Surface TensionCraig and Alex expound upon this week's episode by clarifying how to find "your word."2023-01-1314 minSurface Tension58. The Word is Presence | Surface TensionCriag explores the idea of picking "a word for the year."
To share your word with Alex and Craig, send an email to info@surfacetensionpodcast.com2023-01-1136 minSurface Tension55. A Christmas Carol | Surface TensionCraig and Alex review the popular story "A Christmas Carol," but quickly pivot into a much fuller conversation about the past, present, and future.2022-12-2140 minSurface Tension51. A Different Thanksgiving | Surface TensionCraig and Alex examine a wide variety of questions to better examine the difficult moments that might arise during Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.2022-11-2342 minSurface Tension49. Wants, Hopes, and Roadblocks | Surface TensionFor the 50th episode of Surface Tension, Alex asks Craig: "If this podcast exceeded all of our wildest expectations and became 'humongous,' what would you want for the listenership?"2022-11-0942 minSurface Tension44. Hanging by a Thread | Surface TensionAlex and Craig examine the question: "What's the best question you've ever been asked?"2022-09-2840 minSurface Tension42. Help Wanted | Surface TensionCraig and Alex work towards answering the question: "How do we arrive at the place where we can effectively help others?"2022-09-1441 minSurface Tension41. God is Not an Idea | Surface TensionCraig opens with a quick story, describing a praise song that highlights God's faithfulness. Alex responds with a quizzical: "I didn't ever consider faith as a two way street..."2022-08-3132 minSurface Tension38. The Wild Grapes | Surface TensionCraig and Alex spend the episode discussing Isaiah Chapter 5: 1-6
2022-08-1037 minSurface Tension36. A Jury of Your PeersCraig finds himself out of sorts, which prompts Alex to ask: "What things have you been perceiving out in the world and within yourself that have got you in a space that you would qualify as 'not your main lane'?" 2022-07-2741 minSurface Tension35. Laser Grids and Empty Spaces | Surface TensionAlex opens with a quote, and then Craig follows up with the question: "What if we were aware of what we were filling the gap of love with?" 2022-07-2040 min
Surface Tension31. Hope | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the broad and important topic of "hope" and eventually arrive at the question: "What if I allowed hope to paint my reality today?"2022-06-2241 minSurface Tension29. The Reverse-Commute | Surface TensionCraig and Alex reflect upon each of their responses to being oversaturated in thought, occupying a "headspace" rather than a "heartspace."2022-06-0833 min
Surface Tension28. Your Map is Upside Down | Surface TensionAlex opens with a story, and Craig follows up with the question: "What do we do when, all of a sudden, the way we process things isn't working anymore?" 2022-06-0137 minSurface Tension27. General Admission to the Museum | Surface TensionCraig and Alex pick up where they left off last week in discussing "the beautiful artifact(s)" of our souls that we keep hidden from both ourselves and others. 2022-05-2533 min
Surface Tension24. The Matrix | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss a score of spiritually-charged concepts through the lens of the 1999 film, The Matrix.2022-05-0430 minSurface Tension22. The Artist Within | Surface Tension Alex opens with a story about a wedding he attended recently, and Craig finds the question: "What if we knew what we were creating in the world around us?"2022-04-2036 minSurface Tension20. Knife Attacks and Friendship | Surface TensionAlex kicks off the episode by recounting his interesting weekend activity: defending against knife attacks. From there, Craig and Alex discuss the important topic of adventure. 2022-04-0639 minSurface Tension18. A 10-Second Hug | Surface TensionCraig and Alex begin their discussion with the question: "What if we stopped killing ourselves?" (in as many possible ways as we can interpret) 2022-03-2335 minSurface Tension17. A Healthy Spiritual Immune System | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the question: "What would it look like to have a healthier spiritual immune system as an individual, as a community, and as a country?"2022-03-1642 minSurface Tension15. When Small Is Huge | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss the question: "What if the biggest things we could possibly do are smaller than we think?"2022-03-0233 minSurface Tension14. The Nuclear Option | Surface TensionThis episode of Surface Tension is all about anger, both healthy and unhealthy, and how we express it.
If you'd like to submit a question for Craig and Alex to explore, go ahead and email us at info@surfacetensionpodcast.com
Thank you for listening, and remember, if you're enjoying the podcast, the highest form of compliment you can give is passing your favorite episodes along to those who would also benefit from exploring the topics and questions, as well!2022-02-2333 minSurface Tension12. Thinking like Jesus | Surface TensionAlex asks Craig, "What percentage of your thoughts are Christian/Focused on Jesus?" Craig increases the stakes, and steers the discussion towards how we can all increase our Jesus-centric thoughts.2022-02-0940 minSurface Tension9. Call From a Friend | Surface TensionCraig and Alex begin by examining the question: "What if we could learn how to navigate the tension of people who want to pull us closer AND push us away [at the same time]?"2022-01-1934 minSurface Tension6. Canine CPR | Surface TensionOn this episode of Surface Tension, Craig and Alex begin by examining the question: "What if we were ready for the moments that matter most?"
Have a question for us? Email us! info@surfacetensionpodcast.com2021-12-2930 minSurface Tension2. The False Promises of the World | Surface TensionCraig and Alex discuss barriers to spiritual pursuits, and then moves into worldly promises rooted in people, places, and things that inevitably let us down.
If you have questions you'd like us to discuss, feel free to email us at info@surfacetensionpodcast.com2021-12-0833 minSurface Tension1. More Excited to See You... | Surface TensionOn the very first episode of Surface Tension, Craig and Alex begin by examining the question: "What if God was more excited to see you than you were to see him?" From there, the duo delves into the false duality between a disappointed god and a loving god, and allows the spirit do the rest.2021-12-0230 min