The Alisa Childers Podcast

Alisa Childers

Helping you answer Progressive Christianity and skeptical claims against the gospel from a biblical worldview

  1. 5D AGO

    #349 Hidden Sin, Near Divorce, and the Christian Music Machine, with Michael O’Brien

    Today’s conversation is a candid and at times sobering look inside the contemporary Christian music industry—where calling, platform, pressure, and spiritual warfare often collide. My guest is Michael O’Brien, beloved solo artist from the ’90s and former lead singer of NewSong. Michael opens up about the grueling pace of life on the road, the hidden sins that nearly cost him his marriage, and how the Lord used conviction, repentance, counseling, and a renewed love for Scripture to rebuild what was breaking. We also talk honestly about the “machine” that can form around Christian celebrity, how easy it is for sin to stay buried in public ministry, and why true reform in the Christian music world won’t come through branding—but through humility, servant leadership, and gospel purity. Along the way, we discuss the current cultural moment, the renewed interest in church and Christianity, and why discernment is more important than ever—especially for brand-new believers who are hungry, hopeful, and vulnerable to bad theology. ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: SUMMIT Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview. Go to www.summit.org for more information Use my code: ALISA26 BRAVE BOOKS Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.   Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information Use my code: CHILDERS GOOD RANCHERS American Meat Delivered Go to https://go.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information. Use my code: ALISA -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    1h 7m
  2. JAN 2

    #348 When “Better” Isn’t Biblical: Rethinking Progressive Bible Interpretations

    This is the first episode of the New Year, and I'm starting with a deep dive into how progressive Christianity approaches the Bible. In this episode, Natasha Crain and I walk through Better Ways to Read the Bible by progressive Christian pastor Zach Lambert, using it as a case study to examine common progressive claims about Scripture. Lambert argues that the Bible is often read through “harmful lenses” and should instead be read through new “healing” ones. While we agree that the Bible has been misused in real and damaging ways, we explain why his proposed solutions create more confusion than clarity. We discuss the critical difference between: The nature of Scripture (inspiration, inerrancy, authority)The interpretation of Scripture (how we determine meaning)Along the way, we address: Why “literalism” is often misrepresented in progressive theologyHow progressive Christianity reframes hell, sin, and judgmentMoralism vs. legalism—and what Scripture actually teaches about graceLiberation theology, critical theory, and power-based readings of the BibleThe misuse of “fruit” language to justify affirming what Scripture calls sinWhy progressive Christians still identify as Christian—and why sincerity is not the same as truthThis conversation is not about motives or tone. It’s about theology, presuppositions, and whether the progressive framework is consistent with the historic Christian faith. We’re starting the year by going back to first principles: what the Bible is, how it should be read, and why those questions matter.

    1h 14m
  3. 12/07/2025

    #347 The Zoegirl Reunion Fans Have Waited For (25 Years Later!)

    In this very special episode, I’m reunited with my ZOEgirl bandmates, Kristin Schweain and Chrissy Katina, to celebrate 25 years since our very first self-titled album released back in 2000. If you remember us as the “Christian Spice Girls” for tween girls, this one is for you! And even if you’ve never heard our music, I think you’ll be encouraged by three former CCM artists who are still walking with Jesus in an age of deconstruction. We share big news: ZOEgirl has written and recorded a brand-new song that will release in January, in honor of our 25-year anniversary. We talk about what it was like to re-enter the studio together after all these years, and we give life updates on what’s happened since we came off the road around 2008—family, ministry, photography, worship leading, and more. We also get honest about the darker side of the Christian music industry—the body-image pressures, the pull toward “mainstream-friendly” lyrics, and what it was like to watch so many fellow artists deconstruct or walk away from the faith. Kristin shares the powerful pro-life story of her son Callum’s high-risk pregnancy and the pressure she faced to abort. Chrissy talks about years-long health struggles, losing her voice, and what God taught her in a long season of “just listening.” Finally, all three of us answer a simple but profound question: “Why do you still believe?” We talk about sin, grace, the reliability of the gospel, and why Christianity isn’t just comforting...it’s true. If you grew up on ZOEgirl, or if you’re trying to stand firm in your faith in a culture that’s increasingly hostile to biblical Christianity, this episode is for you. Stay connected with ZOEgirl: Follow us on Instagram: @zoegirlmusicofficial Find us on Facebook under ZOEgirl Music Official Join us on our 2026 cruise (Oct 3–8) – details and registration at https://thekatinas.com/pages/the-kati... ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives. Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/ Use my code: ALISA FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think Biblically in a deceptive world.  Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information!  Use my code: ALISA GOOD RANCHERS American Meat Delivered Go to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information. Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj  Use my code: ALISA -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    1h 12m
  4. 11/30/2025

    #346 You're Not a Victim of Motherhood: Pushing Back on Victimhood Culture, with Abbie Halberstadt

    When motherhood feels more like a thousand little deaths to self than the glossy highlight reel on Instagram, is it really worth it? In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Abby Halberstadt, better known as M is for Mama, to talk about her new book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls. Abby is a mom of 10, a fitness instructor, and a deeply theologically grounded voice speaking into the chaos of modern motherhood. Together we tackle comparison, cultural backlash, “honest motherhood,” and what it really means to live as a faithful, joyful mom in a world that often treats children like a burden instead of a blessing. We talk about: Why our “marks” (stretch marks, scars, sleepless nights, and hidden sacrifices) can be beautiful testimonies of love, not flaws to hide How to push back against a culture that normalizes complaining, victimhood, and joking about hating motherhood The difference between rejoicing in all things and enjoying all things How our words, attitudes, and even facial expressions shape the spiritual atmosphere of our homes Comparison, social media, and what to do when people accuse you of being “fake,” “toxic positive,” or “doing it for the ’gram” Training our kids with a long view of legacy parenting—seeing everyday faithfulness as an investment in generations we may never meet Why obedience to Christ in the hidden, thankless moments is always worth it, even when our feelings lag behind our theology Abby also shares personal stories of suffering, health struggles, miscarriages, and how God’s kindness and sovereignty sustained her through it all. If you’re a mom who’s tired, discouraged, or tempted to believe the lie that you’re “not enough,” this conversation is for you. ???? Resources mentioned: Abby’s book: You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls Abby online: @m.is.for.mama on Instagram and the M is for Mama podcast If this episode encourages you, consider sharing it with a tired mom friend who needs to be reminded that her quiet, daily faithfulness really does matter—and yes, it’s worth it. ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: RANGE LEATHER American-Made Craftsmanship from Wyoming Go to www.rangeleather.com for more information Use my code: ALISA BRAVE BOOKS Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.  Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information Use my code: CHILDERS SUMMIT Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview. Go to www.summit.org for more information Use my code: ALISA26 -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    52 min
  5. 11/24/2025

    #345 Exposing Biola’s Drift: What Parents Need to Know, with Dr. Krista Bontrager

    ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICS Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics.  Experience the difference in quality and purity.  Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information.  Use my code: ALISA  SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives. Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/ Use my code: ALISA GOOD RANCHERS American Meat Delivered Go to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information. Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj  Use my code: ALISA -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    1h 24m
  6. 11/20/2025

    #344 A Beginner’s Guide to the Christian Worldview, with Greg Koukl

    In this episode of the Alisa Childers Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and OG apologist, Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason, for what I hope will be the episode you send to a brand-new Christian who’s asking, “Where do I even start?” In the wake of so many people coming to Christ, especially following Charlie Kirk’s death, Greg and I talk about how to help new believers understand the big story of the Bible: who God is, who we are, what’s gone wrong with the world, and how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make sense of all of it. Drawing from his book The Story of Reality, Greg walks us through the narrative arc of the Christian worldview using five simple words: God, man, Jesus, cross, resurrection. We also talk about: Why Christianity isn’t “your truth vs. my truth,” but a picture of reality Why God’s justice and love are not in tension but perfectly meet at the cross Heaven, hell, judgment, and why what you do with Jesus really does matter forever Practical encouragement for new Christians: how to start reading your Bible, why you need a solid local church, and how to think about prayer when it feels hard If you’re new to the faith, or you love someone who is, this episode is for you. ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: BRAVE BOOKS Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.   Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information Use my code: CHILDERS SUMMIT Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview. Go to www.summit.org for more information Use my code: ALISA26 FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think Biblically in a deceptive world.  Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information!  Use my code: ALISA -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    1h 23m
  7. 11/16/2025

    #343 Candace Owens, Discernment, and the Crisis of Critical Thinking

    In this episode of the Alisa Childers Podcast, Alisa tackles the swirling controversy surrounding Candace Owens’ claims about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the alleged cover-up by TPUSA and others. Rather than chasing every rumor, Alisa walks through how Christians can biblically and rationally discern claims like these—especially when they implicate real people, by name, with no publicly available evidence. Drawing from Scripture (2 Corinthians 10, Ephesians 6, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Thessalonians 2), she explores why truth is not relative, why discernment is central to spiritual warfare, and how conspiracy thinking can slide into slander, character assassination, and even cult-like dynamics. Alisa also examines some of Candace’s rhetoric and tactics—insinuation, speculation, appeals to secret knowledge, and ad hominem attacks—and contrasts this with a truly Christian approach to seeking truth, guarding our hearts, and being transformed into the image of Christ. This episode is especially aimed at Christian women who find themselves glued to every new “bombshell” update. Alisa offers a sober call to repentance from gossip and titillation, and an invitation back to Scripture, prayer, family, and a life ordered around Jesus, who is the Truth. Link to Israel trip: https://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl26060126n58473#eotours Link to full episode of J. Warner Wallace and Frank Turek: https://youtu.be/--ks1iEl1Ws?si=X4Bsm3kfN67frEKs Link to full episode with Allie Stuckey: https://youtu.be/Q01g03147eY?si=PmuS1gKmw7dkmHLR ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: FOUNDATION WORLDVIEW Foundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to think Biblically in a deceptive world.  Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information!  Use my code: ALISA A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICS Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics.  Experience the difference in quality and purity.  Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information.  Use my code: ALISA  SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE Taste the Coffee that is Saving Lives. Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/ Use my code: ALISA -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    1 hr
  8. 11/10/2025

    #342 Gender Isn't a Spectrum...It's God's Design, with Dr. Jeff Myers & Dr. Kathy Koch

    Gender isn’t something we “become,” it’s a good gift from God. In this episode, Alisa talks with Dr. Jeff Meyer (Summit Ministries) and Dr. Kathy Cook (Celebrate Kids) about helping kids understand male and female as part of God’s design, without reducing them to stereotypes. We tackle what today’s teens are really asking (“Is God good?”), how social media fuels confusion, practical ways parents and grandparents can talk with kids at every age, and why saying “no” to social transition can be a life-giving act of love. Jeff and Kathy share conversation starters, red-flag behaviors to watch for, and a hopeful vision of how men and women harmonize for the good of the family and the world. In this episode: Gender as design vs. stereotype Social media, rapid-onset confusion, and wise boundaries Age-appropriate scripts for tough questions When boys want dresses & girls want buzz cuts—how to respond Genesis 1–2, identity, and human flourishing Building homes where God’s voice is the loudest Resources & links: Get the book Raising Gender-Confident Kids free: genderconfidentkids.com Updates: Alisa shares sabbatical plans, Unshaken Faith Christmas livestream, studio move, and a preview of upcoming episodes on critical thinking and cultural discernment. ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: RANGE LEATHER American-Made Craftsmanship from Wyoming Go to www.rangeleather.com for more information Use my code: ALISA SUMMIT Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview. Go to www.summit.org for more information Use my code: ALISA26 BRAVE BOOKS Entertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.  Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more information Use my code: CHILDERS -------------------------------------------------------------------- To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/music There you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachilders To order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/ To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/ To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.com To see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to: https://kit.co/alisachilders Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/ Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

    1h 15m
4.9
out of 5
5,209 Ratings

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Helping you answer Progressive Christianity and skeptical claims against the gospel from a biblical worldview

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