The Act Five Podcast

Act Five
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  1. Ep 44: Deconstruction, Power, and Practicing Resurrection with Angela Reitsma Bick

    2D AGO

    Ep 44: Deconstruction, Power, and Practicing Resurrection with Angela Reitsma Bick

    Angela Reitsma Bick, co-author of Blessed are the Undone, hops on the podcast with Madi to talk about deconstruction, power, and practicing resurrection. And, of course, we talk about the imagination!  Leave a comment to join in on the conversation. Or fill out this 5-minute SURVEY to let us know your thoughts as a listener. Interested in coming to Unreliable Instincts? Registration is open until March 25, 2026. References from the Conversation: Angela’s WebsiteBlessed are the UndoneICS Course: Reading the RuinsEvents: ⁠Winter Learning Series⁠Open HouseTo connect with us, find us here: Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠Read the Blog⁠⁠Ways to Give⁠Applications: Gap Year ⁠⁠Residency ProgramSponsors: Tyndale University: At Tyndale University, we believe university is more than just academics—it’s about discovering who you are, deepening your relationship with Jesus, and being equipped to make a difference in the world. With small class sizes, a diverse student community in the heart of Toronto, and programs taught through a biblical lens, Tyndale offers a unique space to grow in heart, mind, and character. Learn more at findyourself.ca Christian Courier: Christian Courier has been a trusted source for Canadian and Christ-centred news and opinions since 1945. Their journalism inspires action, builds community and influences culture for Christ. You can subscribe to their email newsletters or (better yet) subscribe in print at christiancourier.ca  Stronger Philanthropy: Stronger Philanthropy connects the right donors with the right charities, facilitating the kind of strategic, targeted giving that leads to real and lasting social change. By providing advisory services that bridge the gap between donors and the charitable sector, Stronger Philanthropy plays a critical role in strengthening the impact of Canadian philanthropy. Learn more at strongerphilanthropy.caThe Priscilla and Stanford Reid Trust: For over 25 years the Reid Trust has supported both creative and traditional initiatives in Reformed and Presbyterian theological education in Canada.

    1 hr
  2. Ep 43: The Shema with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson

    3D AGO

    Ep 43: The Shema with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson

    Listen to this bonus episode with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson, The Shema.

    14 min
  3. Ep 42: Considering Lilies, Stories and the Particular with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson

    5D AGO

    Ep 42: Considering Lilies, Stories and the Particular with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson

    Join our conversation with Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson where we get a window into her own imagination as the director of the Windstone Farm Community and a lover and scholar of George MacDonald.  Walk with us as we receive the command to consider the lilies, to attend to good stories, and to trust in the work of being present in the particulars of our own places and lives.  We are so grateful for this new relationship with Kirstin and Windstone Farm, and we anticipate this is just the beginning of the conversation between us. Hope you enjoy! Leave a comment to join in on the conversation! Or fill out this 5-minute SURVEY to let us know your thoughts as a listener. Interested in coming to Unreliable Instincts? Registration is open until March 25, 2026. References from the Conversation: George MacDonald Essay, “The Imagination: Its Function and its Culture”Windstone Farm Community PhantastesMore of Kirstin on George MacdonaldEvents: Winter Learning Series⁠Open HouseTo connect with us, find us here: ⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠Read the Blog⁠⁠Ways to Give⁠Applications: Gap Year ⁠⁠Residency ProgramSponsors: Regent College: Regent College is a graduate school where theological depth meets spiritual formation. It’s a vibrant community where many paths cross and many lives are changed. Above all, it’s a place to explore the difference Christ makes to everything. Regent College is more than a graduate school. It’s an invitation to be transformed. Learn more at regent-college.edu Stronger Philanthropy: Stronger Philanthropy connects the right donors with the right charities, facilitating the kind of strategic, targeted giving that leads to real and lasting social change. By providing advisory services that bridge the gap between donors and the charitable sector, Stronger Philanthropy plays a critical role in strengthening the impact of Canadian philanthropy. Learn more at strongerphilanthropy.caThe Priscilla and Stanford Reid Trust: For over 25 years the Reid Trust has supported both creative and traditional initiatives in Reformed and Presbyterian theological education in Canada.

    1h 15m
  4. Ep 41: Deep Thinking, Being Human, and Institutions with Brian Dijkema

    MAR 9

    Ep 41: Deep Thinking, Being Human, and Institutions with Brian Dijkema

    Brian Dijkema, President of Cardus, hops onto the podcast with Madi and Jon to discuss the importance of thinking deeply, humanism, and whether we should burn down or build up institutions and why.  Leave a comment to join in on the conversation! Interested in coming to Unreliable Instincts? Registration is open until March 25, 2026. References from the Conversation: Cardus.ca comment.org Article: Essaying Discernment by Christina Bieber LakeBook: Intellectual Lives of the British Working Class by Jonathan RoseBook: The World Beyond Your Head by Matthew CrawfordBook: Dominion by Tom Holland Art: Vanitas & Veriditas by Josh Thiessen Book: The Fabric of Character by Anne SynderEvents: ⁠Winter Learning Series⁠Open HouseTo connect with us, find us here: ⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠Read the Blog⁠⁠Ways to Give⁠Applications: ⁠Gap Year ⁠⁠Residency ProgramSponsors: Wycliffe College: Founded in 1877, Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto is a graduate school of theology committed to preparing students for lives of practical ministry and theological scholarship. Rooted in the evangelical Anglican tradition, Wycliffe is home to students from a wide variety of denominations seeking to deepen their commitment to Christ and knowledge of the Gospel through study and community. Wycliffe offers diverse programs from part-time certificates to doctoral degrees, check out their website for more information at www.wycliffecollege.ca. Stronger Philanthropy: Stronger Philanthropy connects the right donors with the right charities, facilitating the kind of strategic, targeted giving that leads to real and lasting social change. By providing advisory services that bridge the gap between donors and the charitable sector, Stronger Philanthropy plays a critical role in strengthening the impact of Canadian philanthropy. Learn more at strongerphilanthropy.caThe Priscilla and Stanford Reid Trust: For over 25 years the Reid Trust has supported both creative and traditional initiatives in Reformed and Presbyterian theological education in Canada.

    1h 23m
  5. Ep 40: Jazz Music, Fiction Stories, and Empire vs Shalom with Marty Solomon

    MAR 2

    Ep 40: Jazz Music, Fiction Stories, and Empire vs Shalom with Marty Solomon

    Marty Solomon joined for week 2 of Unreliable Instincts! Take a listen to the conversation Madi and Jon had with Marty that resulted in a debate about jazz music, talking about their favourite musicals, and understanding the differences between Empire and Shalom.  Leave a comment to join in on the conversation! Interested in coming to Unreliable Instincts? Registration is open until March 25, 2026. References from the Conversation: BEMA DiscipleshipThe Gospel of Being HumanEvents: ⁠Winter Learning Series⁠Open HouseTo connect with us, find us here: ⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠Read the Blog⁠Ways to Give⁠Applications: ⁠Gap Year ⁠⁠Residency ProgramSponsors: Stronger Philanthropy: Stronger Philanthropy connects the right donors with the right charities, facilitating the kind of strategic, targeted giving that leads to real and lasting social change. By providing advisory services that bridge the gap between donors and the charitable sector, Stronger Philanthropy plays a critical role in strengthening the impact of Canadian philanthropy. Learn more at strongerphilanthropy.caThe Priscilla and Stanford Reid Trust: For over 25 years the Reid Trust has supported both creative and traditional initiatives in Reformed and Presbyterian theological education in Canada.

    58 min
  6. Ep 39: Darkness & Light, The Role of History, & How we Change with Jon Berends

    FEB 19

    Ep 39: Darkness & Light, The Role of History, & How we Change with Jon Berends

    Jon Berends kicked off our Winter Learning Series, Unreliable Instincts, with a talk titled, “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend.” Here this bonus conversation where Jon and Madi talk about darkness and light, the role of knowing history and how it shapes our imaginations, and how people actually change.  Leave a comment to join in on the conversation! Interested in coming to Unreliable Instincts? Registration is open until March 25, 2026. References from the Conversation: Iain McGilchristC.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeEvents: ⁠Winter Learning Series⁠To connect with us, find us here: ⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠Read the Blog⁠Ways to Give⁠Applications: ⁠Gap Year ⁠⁠Residency ProgramSponsors: Stronger Philanthropy: Stronger Philanthropy connects the right donors with the right charities, facilitating the kind of strategic, targeted giving that leads to real and lasting social change. By providing advisory services that bridge the gap between donors and the charitable sector, Stronger Philanthropy plays a critical role in strengthening the impact of Canadian philanthropy. Learn more at strongerphilanthropy.caThe Priscilla and Stanford Reid Trust: For over 25 years the Reid Trust has supported both creative and traditional initiatives in Reformed and Presbyterian theological education in Canada.International Justice Mission: Children, women and men face the reality of modern slavery, exploitation and abuse every day because people in power prey on the vulnerabilities that poverty creates. International Justice Mission Canada or IJM Canada is on a mission to partner with local communities to build a more just world where everyone can expect to be safe and protected. Together, we can build a safer, more just world. Learn more about getting your church involved at ijm.ca/churches.

    49 min
  7. Ep 38: Disordered Narratives, The Gospel, and Belovedness with Dr James K. A. Smith

    FEB 5

    Ep 38: Disordered Narratives, The Gospel, and Belovedness with Dr James K. A. Smith

    Who better than to kick off the launch of our Winter Learning Series, Unreliable Instincts, than Dr James K. A. Smith! This conversation launches our series on fostering an imagination, and it’s one you don’t want to miss.  Jon, Madi, and Jamie talk about the stories we’re part of, disordered narratives, philosophy, liturgies, and the Gospel. We also dive into friendship, noble failures, hope, presence, and belovedness conquering fear.  What a way to start off our series, Unreliable Instincts: The Case for a Robust Christian Imagination. Make sure you register to join in for the whole series starting February 18th, and going for 6 Wednesday evenings. The speaker line up is incredible. Check out our website to learn more and to register to be part of the conversation.  Learn more about Dr James K. A. Smith here.  Upcoming Events: ⁠Winter Learning Series⁠To connect with us, find us here: ⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠Read the Blog⁠⁠Ways to Give⁠Applications: ⁠Gap Year ⁠⁠Residency Program

    59 min

  8. JAN 21

    The Beginning of 2026

    Welcome back! Jon and Madi take a few minutes to share about the upcoming Winter Learning Series titled "Unreliable Instincts: The Case for a Robust Christian Imagination". Tune in learn more about the series. Register here to let us know you're coming, and invite a friend to join you! Check out last year's series, Six Acts in Six Sessions.

    8 min
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Come sit on Act Five's digital front porch to hear stories and learn together!

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  • Creator
    Act Five
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Act Five
  • Show Website
    The Act Five Podcast

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