Let's Talk Basic Christianity: Exploring the Bible with Open Minded Faith

Michael & Anthony Kocienski | Open Minded Faith
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Explore Jesus and spiritual growth in this open-minded Christian podcast. In today’s confusing world, it’s not easy to trust just anyone when you want to understand Jesus and the bible without pressure!  This Podcast is for you.  I am pretty much a beginner in the bible, but I have been through it twice and have watched many shows to educate myself and have gained an understanding of what is written in it!   My son is much more versed in the bible and speaks a little deeper than I.  We will interpret from our perspective and get help from experts when needed.  This is a podcast for us ALL to learn together.  My name is Michael (Mike), and my son is Anthony (Tony).  We started this podcast not because everyone else is doing one.  We did it because of our experience getting to this point.  As previously stated, we are not experts; in fact, I was a non-practicing catholic who was sitting in my recliner when I was chosen, and my son was going through a crisis when he was chosen. I will also note that I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, and I am here for any vets who need to talk!   We will share our experiences and move onward together, and hopefully grow together.  Once we establish our stories, we will reach out for suggestions and your stories to share.  We are not looking for you to convert to Jesus; we only want to give you the tools to understand if you choose to.  We hope we can help you understand what we know and help you to decide your track.  Or you can just listen every week and enjoy the show!  The choice is yours, not ours, and we will NEVER pressure you to join any denomination of a church! We will also, over time, have guests on our show who are from various denominations so that you can hear about them all if you choose to come back to Jesus!  We really want this podcast to be fun and inspiring at the same time.   There are, however, some rules. Please do not swear (if we are live), be courteous to other individuals' feelings, but most of all be open-minded!

  1. 12/22/2025

    S1E15 LTBCPC - The Power of Gratitude – Spiritual Growth and Jesus Reflections

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, Tony and Mike delve into spiritual growth and reflections on Jesus through the lens of gratitude. The multifaceted nature of gratitude, how it evolves through different life stages and circumstances. They emphasize the importance of recognizing gratitude not just in good times but also during challenges, and how it can serve as a powerful perspective shift. The conversation delves into the spiritual aspects of gratitude, its role in faith, and the necessity of acknowledging the good in life, even amidst difficulties. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they encourage listeners to cultivate a grateful heart and recognize the blessings in their lives. Takeaways Gratitude can look different depending on life stages. It's important to recognize gratitude in both good and bad times. Gratitude is a powerful perspective shift that can change how we view our circumstances. Acknowledging gratitude can lead to a deeper appreciation of life. Gratitude is not just a surface-level emotion; it runs deeper than that. Life's challenges can often lead to a greater sense of gratitude. Faith plays a significant role in how we perceive gratitude. Practicing gratitude can improve emotional health and well-being. Gratitude can help anchor hope during difficult times. It's essential to express gratitude for the small things in life. Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Gratitude 03:39 Gratitude Across Life Stages 05:47 The Transformative Power of Gratitude 08:16 Gratitude in the Face of Adversity 11:05 The Role of Gratitude in Perspective 13:54 Finding Gratitude in Everyday Moments 16:11 The Spiritual Dimension of Gratitude 18:32 Navigating Hard Times with Gratitude 21:18 The Impact of Gratitude on Life Changes 23:48 Gratitude as a Lifelong Journey 27:27 The Power of Gratitude 28:54 Generational Perspectives on Gratitude 30:38 Transforming Perspectives: From Why to Thank You 32:57 Finding Meaning in Adversity 34:21 Understanding God's Role in Our Lives 36:16 The Importance of Acknowledging the Good 39:41 Season One Reflections and Future Directions 45:08 Podcast Ending 2_00.mp4 Blue Dark Fira Custom Gifts: www.bluedarkfiracustomgifts. myshopify.com Previous Episodes: 1. Introduction  2. Tony tells about his journey to Jesus Christ 3. Mike tells about his journey to Jesus Christ 4. What is the Bible 5. Free Will (Part 1) 6. Free Will (Part 2) 7. Family – Why it Matters 8. Church in the Cul-De-Sac 9. Faith and Family: The Braswell Legacy 10. Information Ep 9.5 Exploring BC A journey of       faith. 11. Hard Times & Strength 12. Bitterness and Peace 13. End Times 14. Faith and Healing: Felisha Madison’s Journey Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    45 min

  2. 12/02/2025

    S1E14 LTBCPC - Faith and Healing: Felisha Madison’s Spiritual Journey with Jesus

    Send us a text Summary In this heartfelt conversation, Fleshia Madison shares her inspiring journey of faith, motherhood, and resilience. From facing the challenges of infertility to experiencing miraculous healing, Fleshia's story is a testament to the power of belief and community support. She discusses her struggles with personal health issues, the impact of her family on her faith, and the importance of sharing testimonies to inspire others. Fleshia emphasizes the significance of staying connected to God and the role of prayer in overcoming life's adversities. Her aspirations for the future include writing a book to share her experiences and encourage others on their spiritual journeys. Takeaways - Fleshia's journey to motherhood was filled with challenges and miracles. - Faith played a crucial role in Fleshia's healing and resilience. - Community support is vital in overcoming personal struggles. - Fleshia emphasizes the importance of sharing testimonies. - Pride and guilt can hinder spiritual growth and connection with God. - Fleshia learned to hear God's voice during her struggles. - Her children are a testament to her faith and perseverance. - Fleshia's experiences with health issues shaped her spiritual journey. - She aims to inspire others through her future book. - Fleshia believes that God is not done with her yet. Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    47 min

  3. 11/17/2025

    S1E13 LTBCPC - End Times – Spiritual Growth and Jesus’ Teachings

    Send us a text To view the end times video, please go to:  https://youtu.be/KuYo9AWaUVY  Summary: In this episode, the hosts delve into the topic of end times, emphasizing Jesus and the importance of spiritual readiness over fear. They discuss personal experiences with the concept of the end times, the role of faith in navigating current events, and practical steps for maintaining a strong relationship with God. The conversation highlights the need for families to come together in faith and encourages listeners to embrace love and peace in their daily lives. takeaways This conversation is serious and important for believers. Jesus spoke about the end times to prepare, not scare. Readiness is more important than predicting the end times. Fear can turn into peace through understanding God's love. Current events reflect biblical prophecies about the end times. Spiritual readiness is essential for believers. Living with purpose and intention helps in faith. Encouraging families to integrate faith into daily life is crucial. Daily prayer and scripture reading strengthen faith. God's love and peace are central to navigating life's challenges. Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    51 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    S1E12 LTBCPC - Bitterness and Peace - Spiritual Growth Through Jesus

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, Mike and Anthony explore the themes of bitterness and peace, discussing how bitterness can manifest in various forms such as grief, anger, and malice. They emphasize the importance of addressing these feelings to achieve peace, highlighting the role of trust in God and practical steps to cultivate a peaceful mindset. The conversation also touches on the significance of forgiveness and the transformative power of faith in overcoming life's challenges. Takeaways  Bitterness is a heavy feeling that creeps in when hurt. It acts like a root that grows and poisons everything around it. Anger can lead to bitterness if not addressed properly. Peace cannot coexist with bitterness; one must be chosen over the other. Trusting God is essential for finding true peace. Forgiveness is a key step in releasing bitterness. The Bible serves as a manual for living a fulfilling life. Praying before reacting can shift your heart. Surrounding yourself with peace is crucial for healing. Bitterness chains you to the past, while peace frees you for the future. Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    50 min

  5. 10/06/2025

    S1E11 LTBCPC - Hard Times & Strength

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, Mike and Anthony discuss the intertwined themes of hard times and strength, sharing personal experiences and insights on how faith plays a crucial role in navigating life's challenges. They emphasize the importance of recognizing God's presence during difficult moments and the transformative power of resilience. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support, humility, and the need to unplug from societal pressures to reconnect with one's faith. The episode concludes with a reflection on future topics and the ongoing journey of personal growth and spirituality. Takeaways -          Hard times can lead to personal growth and resilience. -          God is always present, even in our pain. -          Strength is not just physical; it encompasses spiritual and emotional aspects. -          Navigating hard times requires faith and trust in God's timing. -          Community support is vital during challenging periods. -          Humility and kindness are essential virtues in difficult situations. -          Unplugging from social media can help refocus on faith and relationships. -          Every struggle shapes us for future blessings. -          God's love is unconditional and transformative. -          The journey of faith is ongoing and requires openness.  Chapters -          00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates -          04:40 Navigating Hard Times -          16:10 The Role of Strength in Adversity -          29:53 Finding Strength in Faith -          34:43 Understanding True Strength -          41:42 Cultural Christianity vs. Spirituality -          47:36 The Role of Faith in Society -          54:36 Podcast Ending 2_00.mp4 Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    55 min

  6. 09/29/2025 · BONUS

    S1E9.5 LTBCPC -Exploring Basic Christianity: A Journey of Faith

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of Let's Talk Basic Christianity, host Mike Kocienski introduces the podcast and recaps previous episodes while discussing future plans. The conversation emphasizes the passion for sharing faith and engaging with the audience, highlighting upcoming topics and the importance of community involvement. Takeaways -          The podcast aims to share personal journeys of faith. -          Future episodes will cover various topics related to Christianity. -          Engagement with the audience is a priority for the hosts. -          The format is conversational rather than preachy. -          Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast with others. -          The hosts express their love for Jesus Christ. -          Future topics include demonology and near-death experiences. -          The podcast is evolving with new formats and engagement methods. -          Listeners can reach out via email or the website. -          The hosts are committed to a successful season ahead. Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    6 min

  7. 08/25/2025

    S1E9 Let's Talk Basic Christianity PC Faith and Family: The Braswell Legacy

    Send us a text In this episode, Mike & Tony Kocienski interview Trey Braswell on his journey of faith, the integration of Christian values in business, and the impact of their family legacy on the community. Trey shares insights on balancing family dynamics within a business context, the importance of faith in decision-making, and how they strive to serve their community through their work. The conversation also touches on the role of corporate chaplaincy and the encouragement for other business owners to honor God in their work.  takeaways Trey Braswell shares his journey of faith and family.Faith has been a guiding force in Trey's life and business.The importance of community relationships in business.Trey emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with Christ.Balancing family dynamics can be challenging in a family business.Faith should influence every decision made in business.The role of corporate chaplains in supporting employees.Trey encourages business owners to integrate faith into their work.Running a profitable business can honor God and support missions.The importance of humility and stewardship in business.  00:00 Introduction to the Braswell Family Farms 04:15 Trey's Personal Faith Journey 10:54 Growth in Faith: Personal and Professional 19:09 Balancing Faith and Business 24:50 Working with Family: Challenges and Growth 27:24 Refocusing Priorities in Family Business 28:03 Faith as a Guiding Principle in Decision Making 32:15 Integrating Biblical Values into Business Operations 34:53 Impacting the Community Through Faith and Service 38:54 Advice for Business Owners on Honoring God 41:06 The Weight of Stewardship in Business Legacy 49:33 Podcast Ending 2_00.mp4 Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    50 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    S1E8 LTBCPC Church in the Cul-De-Sac

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of 'Church in the Cul-de-sac', hosts Mike and Tony engage with guests Elijah Curtis, Nathan Curtis, and Jason Spell to explore profound themes surrounding the Bible, free will, and the importance of family in God's plan. The conversation delves into personal interpretations of the Bible, its unique qualities compared to other texts, and the theological implications of free will about divine sovereignty and church authority. The discussion culminates in reflections on the significance of family, both biological and spiritual, in fostering love and community among believers. Takeaways The Bible is not just a book; it is a living guide. Understanding the Bible requires belief and openness. The Bible serves as a mirror reflecting our lives. Free will is a divine gift that allows for true love. God's sovereignty and human free will coexist. Family is central to God's design and purpose. Community in faith provides support for broken families. Love and compassion are essential in ministry. Obedience to God involves mutual respect in relationships. Grace and mercy are foundational to understanding God's love. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:15 Understanding the Bible: Personal Perspectives 05:42 The Bible vs Other Religious Texts 12:45 Exploring Free Will: Theological Perspectives 21:35 Free Will and Church Authority 37:45 The Importance of Family in God's Plan Support the show Visit our website: www.letstalkbcpc.com Our E-Mail: ant.mike.pc.2025@gmail.com

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Explore Jesus and spiritual growth in this open-minded Christian podcast. In today’s confusing world, it’s not easy to trust just anyone when you want to understand Jesus and the bible without pressure!  This Podcast is for you.  I am pretty much a beginner in the bible, but I have been through it twice and have watched many shows to educate myself and have gained an understanding of what is written in it!   My son is much more versed in the bible and speaks a little deeper than I.  We will interpret from our perspective and get help from experts when needed.  This is a podcast for us ALL to learn together.  My name is Michael (Mike), and my son is Anthony (Tony).  We started this podcast not because everyone else is doing one.  We did it because of our experience getting to this point.  As previously stated, we are not experts; in fact, I was a non-practicing catholic who was sitting in my recliner when I was chosen, and my son was going through a crisis when he was chosen. I will also note that I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, and I am here for any vets who need to talk!   We will share our experiences and move onward together, and hopefully grow together.  Once we establish our stories, we will reach out for suggestions and your stories to share.  We are not looking for you to convert to Jesus; we only want to give you the tools to understand if you choose to.  We hope we can help you understand what we know and help you to decide your track.  Or you can just listen every week and enjoy the show!  The choice is yours, not ours, and we will NEVER pressure you to join any denomination of a church! We will also, over time, have guests on our show who are from various denominations so that you can hear about them all if you choose to come back to Jesus!  We really want this podcast to be fun and inspiring at the same time.   There are, however, some rules. Please do not swear (if we are live), be courteous to other individuals' feelings, but most of all be open-minded!

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