The Third Place

Brian Dahlen and Lauren Cuevas
  • 5.0 (39)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Brian and Lauren talk about topics related to faith in NE Ohio.

  1. 6D AGO

    2,165 Children

    There are 2,165 children in Cuyahoga County right now who need someone to show up for them in court as they navigate the foster care system. In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome CASA of Cuyahoga County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to the podcast to talk about what that number really represents — not statistics, but children who need stability, advocacy, and a consistent adult in their corner. We talk about how CASA volunteers are trained to walk alongside children as their cases move through the court system, helping ensure their voices are heard and their best interests are represented. Children in foster care need someone they can count on, and this is one tangible, accessible way to step into that need right where you live. James 1:27 reminds us that “true and undefiled religion” is to care for the widow and the orphan. For many believers, that can feel abstract or overwhelming. This conversation highlights a practical way to live that out today — not someday, not theoretically, but in real time for real children. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Sx2j3FpmuA Learn more or get involved: https://cfadvocates.org/ Watch the CASA of Cuyahoga County promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xyH88FDsnY 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    31 min

  2. MAR 3

    This One Is Dedicated to Patrick Swayze

    This episode was supposed to have a topic. It really was. Instead, Brian and Lauren spend the entire time catching up with Pastor Scott and Maureen Lessing of Grace Church — and absolutely failing to stay on track. Every time they try to get serious, something derails it. And honestly, it’s better that way. What follows is a chaotic, hilarious, completely unserious conversation covering Patrick Swayze, Criminal Minds, bus driving trips, Brian’s birthday, and whatever else managed to come up in the moment. If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when four friends with microphones forget they’re supposed to have a plan — this is it. No outline. No structure. Just laughter and long-standing friendship. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yKmhifbdPnA Learn more about Grace Church: https://gracecma.org/ This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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 made you laugh, 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    57 min

  3. FEB 26

    Taking Notes From Gen Z

    In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Blake Kauffman, a Malone University student and founder of R7 Ministries, to talk about what Gen Z is actually seeking in Christianity today. There’s no shortage of opinions about “kids these days” — but what do young adults themselves say they’re hungry for when it comes to faith? Blake shares what he’s seeing on college campuses and through R7, and how students are engaging with Scripture, community, and discipleship in this cultural moment. We discuss: What Gen Z is really looking for in church How young believers feel most connected to Christ The role of Scripture in a generation shaped by social media Why authentic community matters more than ever What older generations often misunderstand about Gen Z faith If you’ve wondered whether young adults are drifting or digging deeper, this conversation offers insight straight from the source. Learn more about R7 Ministries: https://www.instagram.com/r7ministries?igsh=MXJ1eXB5djU1aW1mNQ== Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8j_jkLfDjKM This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    1h 3m

  4. FEB 24

    Just Open Your Bible

    What would happen if we stopped overcomplicating faith… and just opened our Bibles? In this episode, Brian and Lauren discuss a TikToker who has started a Bible reading journey and is being refreshingly honest about the experience with millions of followers online. No polished theology. No curated church answers. Just real-time reactions, questions, confusion, curiosity — and a willingness to read what’s actually there. It got us wondering: what would change about our faith if we approached Scripture the same way? We discuss: Why simple Bible reading can feel revolutionary How familiarity sometimes dulls our sense of awe The difference between reading Scripture devotionally vs. culturally What honesty does for spiritual growth Whether we’ve made the Bible more complicated than it needs to be Sometimes the most spiritual advice isn’t complex. It’s just this: open it. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Yy6_Bjr1kRQ This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    40 min

  5. FEB 19

    Don’t Touch the Tools

    It’s 50 degrees outside and you’re reaching for the rake… STOP. Step away from the yard tools. In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by The Cranky Arborist (John Palmer), ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, to talk about why you absolutely should not be cleaning up your garden and yard just yet. As tempting as those warm days feel, early yard work can actually harm pollinators, beneficial insects, and the health of your landscape. John explains what’s happening beneath the surface in late winter and early spring — and why patience matters more than productivity. We discuss: Why you shouldn’t rush spring cleanup What’s happening in your garden that you can’t see How early trimming can hurt trees and shrubs The importance of planting native trees Why every yard needs a little “Lorax energy” And yes — he really does want you to plant a tree in your yard. Find an arborist near you: https://www.trees4ohio.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/trees4ohio_home-page Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EQ1vyajpy90 This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    48 min

  6. FEB 17

    Frozone Takes Over the Social Security Administration

    What actually happens to your Social Security benefits when there’s a death in the family? Or a major change in your household? In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Rob Fenn, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, to talk through the real-life situations most families don’t feel prepared for — but eventually have to face. From losing a spouse to changes in custody, disability status, or retirement, we walk through how Social Security payments are affected and what steps families should take to avoid unnecessary stress during already difficult seasons. We discuss: What to do immediately after a death in the family How survivor benefits work What happens to payments when family dynamics change Common misconceptions about Social Security Practical steps to avoid overpayments or administrative headaches This episode is practical, informative, and surprisingly helpful — because navigating government systems is hard enough without confusion layered on top. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Ltq-F6vQic This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    47 min

  7. FEB 14 · BONUS

    BONUS: The Halftime Show That Split America

    In this bonus episode, we sit down with an actual Puerto Rican Christian to get their perspective on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show and the broader cultural reaction surrounding it. This conversation goes beyond hot takes. We explore the cultural significance of the performance, what it meant for Puerto Rican identity, and why questions of citizenship, belonging, and representation still carry emotional weight. We also discuss: The historical and political backdrop of Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States Why the performance resonated deeply with many Puerto Ricans The controversy surrounding explicit lyrics and public morality The tension between cultural pride and Christian discernment What representation in media does — and doesn’t — accomplish Rather than reacting from a distance, this episode creates space for a thoughtful, faith-informed perspective from someone personally connected to the culture being discussed. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bpTsedremhc This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    43 min

  8. FEB 12

    Her Body Chose Flight

    What started as a routine day turned into an unexpected physical and emotional response that Lauren didn’t see coming. Lauren and Brian take a break from their usual topics to talk about Lauren’s recent hospital experience after her son’s surgery.  Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZaGEpr9zejY This episode is brought to you by Edgewater Investment Group https://www.edgewaterig.com/ 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/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podthirdplace?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    33 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Brian and Lauren talk about topics related to faith in NE Ohio.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Dahlen and Lauren Cuevas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Third Place
  • Show Website
    The Third Place

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