Finding Your Spine

Herzog Foundation
Herzog Foundation
  • 2.7 (7)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.

  1. 5d ago

    The Erosion of Truth in Academic Research

    Social psychologist Dr. Jose Duarte, PhD joins the conversation to examine the widespread problem of invalid and ideologically driven research in academia, particularly in social psychology. He describes how institutions that claim to seek truth often publish false claims about politics, climate, misinformation, and human nature, eroding public connection to reality and shaping policy on taxpayer dollars. Dr. Duarte recounts his early experiences, including being denied admission to a graduate program over a blog post criticizing Jimmy Carter, and his role as lead author on a major 2015 paper documenting the lack of political diversity in academic psychology and its damaging effects on research validity. The discussion covers the replication crisis, concrete examples of flawed studies (such as those claiming conservatives rationalize inequality), the distinction between scholarship and rigorous research, and the embedding of leftist constructs like “microaggressions” into National Institutes of Health grants. He details his recent efforts at NIH to develop a clean-science framework free of ideological bias, the limited progress made, ongoing funded projects that advance partisan narratives, and the broader consequences when media and policymakers treat such work as authoritative science. The episode closes with practical avenues for reform through Congress and the executive branch. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:47 – Junk Academic Research 00:01:15 – False Claims from Academia 00:04:44 – Duarte’s Professional Background 00:05:15 – Denied Graduate Admission 00:07:58 – 2015 Political Bias Paper 00:10:12 – Military Academia Disconnect 00:11:49 – Invalid Research Methods 00:13:10 – Conservatives Happiness Study 00:16:26 – Scholarship Versus Research 00:18:16 – Lack of Logic in the Field 00:20:21 – Examples of Ideological Titles 00:22:26 – Taxpayer Funded Ideology 00:24:41 – Defining Microaggressions 00:27:10 – NIH Microaggression Grants 00:28:58 – Clean Science Framework Work 00:32:53 – Impact of Junk Science 00:34:18 – COVID Mask Efficacy Claims 00:35:46 – False Claims on Conservatives 00:37:48 – Tyranny of the Experts 00:39:03 – Current Open NIH Grants 00:41:21 – Paths to Reform You can find more of Dr. Duarte's work at https://validscience.substack.com You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  2. Aug 3

    Reclaiming Christian Institutions from Progressive Drift

    In this follow-up interview, Pastor Jake Dell continues the conversation by sharing how he is revitalizing First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut, growing the congregation through bold, historic Christian preaching. He explains Operation Reconquista, the movement to reclaim mainline Protestant churches that have drifted into progressive theology. Dell makes the case that Christians have a responsibility to engage these historic institutions rather than abandon them, drawing on America’s founding, the role of Protestant denominations, and lessons from J. Gresham Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism. He outlines practical strategies, including starting with smaller under-resourced churches, using legal mechanisms for well-endowed ones, understanding denominational bylaws and state religious corporation laws, and the importance of stewardship from Genesis. The discussion also covers the myth of strict church-state separation in early America, the fallacy of the “red letter” argument, the role of social media in spreading uncompromised preaching, and the need for righteous boldness in the pulpit today. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:04:32 – Operation Reconquista Explained 00:08:52 – Machen and the Century-Old Fight 00:10:36 – Conservative Resistance in Episcopal Church 00:16:44 – Purpose Beyond Institutional Wins 00:18:51 – Following Bylaws and Legal Standards 00:21:54 – Separation of Church and State Myth 00:26:12 – Stewardship Mandate from Genesis 00:28:15 – Healing Sick Parts of the Church 00:32:32 – Red Letter Argument Fallacy 00:35:19 – Social Media for Bold Preaching 00:38:50 – Advice to Pastors in Captured Denominations You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  3. Jul 27

    Preaching Without Compromise After Leaving the Episcopal Church

    Pastor Jake Dell shares his personal journey from the Episcopal Church to his current role at First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut. He explains the progressive theological drift he witnessed in mainline denominations, the pressure to signal conformity on cultural issues, and the events that led him to resign in 2024.  Dell recounts his early call to ministry, experiences at Yale, the impact of Obergefell on the Episcopal Church, and how COVID-era policies and 2020 protests revealed inconsistencies that pushed him to speak more boldly from the pulpit. He discusses the difference between the form of religion and its true power, the proper role of pastors in addressing cultural and civic matters, and why he believes Christians must actively reclaim institutions rather than abandon them. The conversation highlights the growth he has seen in his current congregation by returning to historic Christian preaching and refusing to compromise on core truths. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:03:30 – Mainline Theological Drift 00:04:24 – Early Faith and Calling 00:09:33 – Divisive Cultural Issues 00:14:29 – Johnson Amendment as Excuse 00:21:23 – Post-Obergefell Shift 00:27:05 – 2020 as Turning Point 00:32:11 – Gospel Implications for Culture 00:34:17 – Public Witness Required 00:37:00 – School Board Stand 00:41:03 – Resignation and Fresh Start 00:42:19 – Growth Through Biblical Preaching You can find more of Jake Dell's work on Substack at https://jwdell.substack.com/ You can pre-order Jake's book, Exile and Return, here: https://payhip.com/b/Hc6up You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  4. Jul 20

    Questioning Islam Almost Cost Him His Life

    Dr. Mark Christian shares his remarkable journey from a devout Muslim upbringing in Cairo, Egypt, to surviving a horrific assassination attempt. He describes the early seeds of doubt that took root during a period of intense personal study, the painful confrontation with his father after seeking answers to deep inconsistencies in the faith, and the decade of family estrangement that followed. The conversation centers on the events of March 29, 2003, when Dr. Christian walked into what he believed would be a reconciliation meeting, only to face a firebomb that nearly ended his life. He recounts the miracle of his survival after tripping on a rug at the entrance, an event he credits to divine protection, and the long physical and emotional recovery that followed. Beyond his personal story, Dr. Christian explains why he came to see Islam as both a religion and a political movement that cannot be separated. He discusses the strategy of civilization jihad, the challenges of assimilation in Western societies, and the urgent need for citizens to understand and defend the foundational principles of freedom and national identity. This episode explores the high personal cost of standing for truth and the broader implications for Western culture today. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:37 – Survived Assassination 00:02:48 – The 2003 Incident 00:03:10 – Childhood in Egypt 00:05:21 – Movie Theater Incident 00:06:49 – Questioning Islam 00:08:33 – Seeking Father's Help 00:12:27 – Firebomb Ambush 00:15:03 – Zeal to Spread Islam 00:18:42 – Muhammad's Missing Proof 00:36:12 – Melting Pot America You can find out more about Dr. Mark Christian's work at Global Faith Institute's website: https://globalfaith.org/ You can find Dr. Mark Christian's book, The Apostate here: https://www.amazon.com/Apostate-My-Search-Truth/dp/1737176300 You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  5. Jul 13

    Higher Ed's Culture of Conformity

    Dr. Chase Spears sits down with Dr. Herbert Riedel, former community college president and author of Silenced, to discuss the pressures of maintaining moral and intellectual integrity in today’s higher education environment. Riedel shares his experience leading institutions, confronting institutional conformity, and the personal and professional costs of resisting woke ideology. They explore how cultural Marxism influences campuses, accreditors, regulators, and professional associations, and why even red states are not immune. The conversation covers critical race theory compliance failures, gender ideology enforcement, and the challenges of reforming entrenched bureaucracies. Riedel also outlines his vision for Clymer College, a new institution grounded in classical education, true academic freedom, and whole-person development rooted in American founding principles. A candid look at institutional rot in education and paths toward renewal. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:15 – Career Path and Challenges 00:03:08 – Silenced Book Overview 00:05:59 – Vision for Clymer College 00:10:15 – Location and Timeline 00:14:11 – Classical Liberal Arts 00:18:21 – Community Colleges Role 00:22:49 – Northeast Iowa Experience 00:28:55 – Administrative Pushback 00:34:18 – Doing the Right Thing 00:41:22 – Advice for Educators You can find out more about Clymer College at https://www.clymercollege.org/ You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  6. Jul 6

    Rethinking Race Through Christ

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Ron Freeman — former NFL player for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, All-American at Pittsburg State University, Chaplain for the Royals and Chiefs, and current football coach at Maranatha Christian Academy. Ron shares his powerful journey from a non-church background to a transforming encounter with Christ at age 25, including the moment God spoke to him about being adopted as a son. The conversation explores Ron’s book Rethinking Race, the spiritual roots of racial division, and why secular solutions fail where the gospel succeeds. They discuss fatherlessness in the black community, the impact of the Great Society programs, victimhood narratives, law enforcement encounters, and the call to unity in Christ that transcends ethnicity. Ron emphasizes loving God and neighbor as the true path to healing. This episode challenges listeners to view identity, justice, and culture through a biblical lens rather than worldly categories. A bold, hopeful discussion on faith, manhood, and national unity. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:12 – Faith Journey 00:05:00 – Rethinking Race Book 00:06:51 – Spiritual Problem 00:08:22 – Early Experiences 00:11:01 – Gospel Over Politics 00:15:12 – Law Enforcement Stories 00:24:41 – The Story of Crispus Attucks 00:30:57 – Black Leadership Critique 00:40:20 – Next Book Vision You can find Ron’s book "Rethinking Race" on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Race-Better-Than-Believe/dp/B0DN88MKFT You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  7. Jun 29

    Operating Under the Consent of the Governed

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Josiah Lippincott back to Finding Your Spine for a candid follow-up discussion on how the two first connected. Lippincott recounts his viral 2021 Twitter exchange with a general over COVID policies and rising military suicides, which thrust him into the national spotlight. The conversation dives deep into institutional decay within the military — from “Mil Twitter” activism and ideological capture to senior leaders disconnected from the public they serve. They examine the founders’ skepticism of large standing armies, the bloat of endless briefings, and whether today’s institutions can be reformed or must be reset from core principles. Topics include accountability, the consent of the governed, parallel institutions, and what real national defense should look like in a republic. This episode offers sharp analysis on reclaiming military purpose, restoring constitutional focus, and why speaking truth remains essential even when facing institutional pushback. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:05 – The Viral Twitter Clash 00:03:37 – Going Viral and Fox News 00:06:50 – Mil Twitter and Institutional Rot 00:11:06 – Regime as a Choir 00:12:23 – What Happened to the Critics 00:15:20 – Burn It Down or Reform 00:19:06 – Founders and Standing Armies 00:23:46 – Resetting Institutions 00:26:11 – Pentagon as a Sovereign City 00:30:33 – Consent of the Governed You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

  8. Jun 22

    Questioning Wars of Choice

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Marine veteran and scholar Josiah Lippincott to discuss courage, intellectual independence, and the need to challenge institutional orthodoxies. Lippincott shares his journey from questioning U.S. presence in Okinawa to pursuing a PhD at Hillsdale College while openly critiquing leftist dominance in academia and moralistic foreign policy. The conversation explores the progressive shift in American warfare from defensive necessity to crusading interventions, the true costs of endless conflicts, and why the last genuine existential foreign threat was the War of 1812. They examine trade-offs in foreign policy, the domestic price of overseas engagements, the failures in Afghanistan, and the importance of prioritizing threats at home over nation-building abroad. Lippincott emphasizes connecting scholarship to real life, the value of popular writing, and maintaining principled consistency over partisan loyalty. This episode offers thoughtful reflections on military service, legitimate authority in war, and reorienting national focus toward American prosperity and security. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:39 – Standing Against the Tide 00:01:58 – Courage in Academia 00:05:06 – Okinawa Questions 00:06:47 – Popular Writing Discipline 00:12:03 – Folly in the Pacific 00:16:49 – Existential Threats 00:18:30 – Costs of Crusading Wars 00:24:58 – Afghanistan Reflections 00:31:14 – Domestic Priorities First 00:38:23 – Reclaiming Sovereignty You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

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In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.

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