The Mark Laymon Show

Mark Laymon

5.0 (2)
Christianity

Get ready to unpack life’s big topics in The Mark Laymon Show! Join me as I bring together diverse voices—left, right, and beyond—to explore politics, health, fitness, and quirky passions, watching comedy from all angles to find common ground with logic and reason. Expect lively chats, practical insights, and a fresh take on moving forward together, all delivered with a dash of humor and real-world wisdom.

Aug 24

TMLS - Aug 24, 2026 - w/ Matt Hasty - The Importance of Civil Disagreement

Mark Laymon welcomes Matt Hasty, a 20-year military veteran and former congressional candidate from Louisiana, for a candid, often confrontational exchange about how Christians should disagree, how scripture is interpreted, and why certain ideas have become untouchable in public life. What starts as a conversation about civility quickly becomes a deep dive into theology, politics, and the hidden assumptions shaping modern culture. You’ll hear them wrestle with: The role of civil disagreement in a pluralistic societyHow different books of the Bible carry different weight and authorityWhether the Jews, Israel, and Judaism are being conflated in modern political debateWhy democracy can drift into mob rule and demagogueryWhether women’s suffrage strengthened society or helped unravel the family unitWhy both men and women, in different ways, shape the moral direction of a nation Matt shares the turning points that pushed him from military success and political ambition into a deeper search for purpose, including a moment of personal collapse, a call toward God, and the role Ecclesiastes played in reframing his life. Mark shares his own updating convictions, drawing on scripture, marriage, and the limits of language to make sense of truth, authority, and the kingdom of God. This is an episode about more than politics. It’s about what happens when people stop treating truth like a slogan and start fighting over the foundations beneath it. If you’re tired of shallow takes and want a real conversation about faith, power, and the future of the West, this one is going to stay with you. Mark Laymon is the host of The Mark Laymon Show, home of TheForbiddenExperiment.com - Is your worldview strong enough to hold the weight of your world? Matt Hasty is a 20-year military veteran and former congressional candidate from Louisiana, bringing a blunt, scripture-heavy perspective shaped by service, politics, and a personal spiritual awakening.
Aug 12

TMLS - Aug 12, 2026 - Pastor Justin McMahan: Building Strong Individuals, Institutions & Societies

What if the real reason leaders burn out is not workload, but isolation, brokenness, and a culture that quietly walls people off? Pastor Justin McMahan joins Mark Laymon to unpack his upcoming book Breaking Silos, Stopping Leadership Burnout, and Building Healthy Organizational Culture - a deeply personal look at why church teams fracture, why good people quit, and how healing starts with brutal honesty. Justin shares the formula behind burnout, the concept of a "silo" as isolation born from wounds, and the story of leaving ministry after just two and a half years as a youth pastor in Oregon City. He also explains why that painful season was not the end of his calling, but part of a longer Holy Spirit-led process that included business leadership, fatherhood, a healthier church environment, and confronting the brokenness he carried from childhood. You'll discover: Why siloed teams become bitter, defensive, and eventually burnt outThe burnout formula Justin uses to diagnose unhealthy leadership cultureHow church health and business health can both reveal what good leadership actually looks likeWhy being called by God does not eliminate the need for self-awareness, healing, and maturityThe tension between striving for significance and resting in sonshipThe conversation also goes deeper into identity, grace, humility, and the tension between free will and God's sovereignty. Mark and Justin wrestle with the question every believer eventually faces: if Jesus is truly who He says He is, what difference should that make in real life? Justin's answer is raw, disarming, and hope-filled - his testimony is the evidence. If you've ever felt stuck in a toxic system, wondered whether ministry or leadership can actually be healthy, or needed a reminder that your value is not earned but received, this episode is for you. It's a conversation about burnout, calling, and the freedom that comes from knowing you are a son or daughter of God - and that's everything.
Aug 4

TMLS Ep 9 - Everyone Has A Worldview with Unprovable Assumptions

Everyone has a worldview that is founded on unprovable assumptions. Christians say that secularists are religious and have faith too; but this hasn't really created any worthwhile, bridge-building conversation in my opinion. So what should we do? I propose that we call Christianity a worldview and call faith an unprovable assumption. Does this diminish Christianity or give it the apologetic edge that is so needed today? Are your unprovable assumptions about reality that shape your worldview able to hold the weight of your world? Is love real? Should we pursue justice and at what cost? What should we do with the deplorable or illogical or violent among us? TheForbiddenExperiment.com
Jul 29

TMLS Ep 8 - Connor Crowe - Tensions & Conflicts: Christianity & Denominations/Science/Artificial Intelligence

Welcome to the Mark Laymon Show; home of TheForbiddenExperiment.com where I ask “Is your worldview strong enough to hold the weight of your world?” On today’s episode I am pleased to present a conversation that I had with Connor Crowe, A geologist, and soon to be educator of the next generation. Here is an individual that will be in a position to make some of the biggest impact and how the next generation views science and learning itself. Is it a stretch to say that much of the future is in his hands? No I do not think so and that is why this conversation is so vitally important. Is it possible to be a Christian and a scientist? Which one needs to take the backseat because they can’t both really live together inside the same individual harmoniously, can they? What really went down between Galileo and the Catholic Church? Are Christian denominations dividing the body of Christ? Do we go into our denominational silos so that we don’t have to interact with the rest of the body of Christ? What does unity within the body of Christ look like and do denominations have any role whatsoever in this unity? Is artificial intelligence apple filled prophecy of Science Fiction of the last 60 years? Is there anything redeemable from artificial intelligence or are we just surrendering everything that makes us human over to the machine? This was an awesome three hour conversation where we talk about so much. Sit back enjoy drive full sleep wake up exercise whatever you’re doing. Thanks for joining.
Jul 28

TMLS Ep 7 - Jerry Gilmer LPC - Is There Any Reasonable Middle Ground & What Is TRUTH?

Welcome to the Mark Laymon Show; home of TheForbiddenExperiment.com where I ask “Is your worldview strong enough to hold the weight of your world?” On today’s episode I am pleased to present a conversation that I had with Jerry Gilmer LPC. Jerry Gilmer is a licensed professional counselor and between this and his years in Christian ministry, he has been helping individual work through some of the hardest issues that we humans have to deal with for over 40 years! He is a Christian and works in behavioral health. What is the overlap between being a Christian and a licensed professional counseling today’s society? Is there any? Are there truths that are available to anyone regardless of their beliefs? Is it really importance of what we put our faith in? What is truth? Is it what works for you? Is your worldview strong enough to hold the weight of your world?
Jul 18

TMLS Ep 6 - FIRE! Pascal’s Night of Fire & The Political Middle Ground

Why do multiple liberal Democrat friends of mine refuse to be on my podcast? Is there any reasonable and logical middle ground or shared vocabulary between Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, religious and non-religious? Is there any middle ground between the LEFT and the RIGHT; or is it only an unbridgeable divide? What was Blaise Pascal‘s night of FIRE? Why did he give up almost everything after this night and what did he then commit the rest of his life to? What would YOU do if you met GOD? What words could you possibly use to describe it? Pascal’s main word was FIRE!
Jul 15

TMLS Ep 5 - No Solutions, Only Trade-Offs: When Racism and Coercion Outrank Rape and Conversion

In this episode, we confront a hard Sowell truth: there are no perfect solutions — only trade-offs. Using the UK grooming gangs scandals as a sobering case study, we examine the inverted priorities that allowed organized child sexual exploitation to persist for years while criticism of institutional failures was often met with speech scrutiny. We explore foundational questions: Is racism worse than rape? Are humans blank slates to be molded by government, or flawed beings who need restraint? When does state coercion cross into thought-policing, and why does it so often fail to create lasting virtue? Drawing on insights from Thomas Sowell, Daron Acemoglu & James Robinson, Raj Chetty, & Robert Sampson, we look at the limits of top-down “molding” and the power of community, culture, and intrinsic motivation. We discuss multiculturalism, cultural confidence, the “fumes” of Judeo-Christian heritage, and why protecting core values (rule of law, individual dignity, free speech, and protection of the vulnerable) matters more than granting every ideology equal space. This isn’t about left or right — it’s about honest trade-offs, clear hierarchies of harm, and whether the West still has the cultural substructure to prevent repeating the same failures. Sometimes the most compassionate thing is telling the truth. Pre-order my book The Forbidden Treatise https://a.co/d/0fffgeiN
Mar 20

TMLS Ep 4 - Adam Nielsen (Israel/Iran, Prophecy, Coalition Conflict & MORE)

This fast paced episode talks about the Israel/Iran conflict, Epstein files, Calvinism vs Arminianism & end time prophecies & how all of these can be viewed through the lens of scripture. Questions for engagement? Was Israel involved in the assassination of Charlie Kirk because he didn't support a war with Iran? Is the ancient stream of anti-semitism alive and well and using this conflict from WITHIN the conservative coalition? What are some down-to-earth, practical issues in the Middle East right now and what should America consider on a geopolitical level? When do conspiracy theories go too far? Is any of this prophesied in the Bible? What is time and does this help reconcile Calvinism & Arminianism? Are we living in a simulation? What are your questions and are you willing to continue this very conversation on social media or by being a guest yourself on the podcast? Are you courageous enough to join TheForbiddenExperiment.com
Mar 15

TMLS Ep 3 - The Secularist in Me

BIG EPISODE! Name Change, Intro to the Forbidden Experiment & my core goal (Evangelism through sharing Testimony). In ascending order of importance: I changed the name of the podcast because this one seems more simple. Complexity without purpose is chaos. Complexity with purpose is....well...YOU tell me! The Forbidden Experiment (an example of a Holofractal Equilibrium) asks the question "What happens when INDIVIDUALS ask FORBIDDEN questions?" The FORBIDDEN human question is "Can your worldview hold the weight of your world?" and the FORBIDDEN AI question(s) are separately asked to any AILLM chat bot "If humans are biological machines, then how can a worldview claim to have no axioms?" then ask the same chat bot any questions needed for clarification. One such example would be "what does this mean for secularism's claim to authority and neutrality in education, government & the public space?" This FORBIDDEN social experiment never ends (it has no terminal state). It is recursive and self-similar at every level. You cannot be reduced it by zooming in and you cannot find the border by zooming out. It is self referencing and scale invariant. It is a shared, social Holofractal Equilibrium! Now for the most important part: the word of our testimonies (Rev 12:11)! The name change was to take focus off of a "clever" name so more focus can be on testimonies and substance. The social experiment is ONLY to bring up the opportunity to share Jesus with others. Yes, it may have some "other" effects, but if those effects do not aid in shining the light and glory of Jesus Christ, then they are not considered eternal fruit (IMHO). But that is interesting, isn't it: the core question of if everything is inherently reducible or if at least some things are not computationally reducible? THAT is where my testimony begins: when I wrestled with the concept of "infinity" at the age of 5. Enjoy and please ask questions, challenge, pushback, ENGAGE & gain the courage in the power of the Holy Spirit to share the word of your testimony with others in YOUR life!
10/01/2025

In Layman's Terms - Justin McMahan - Is A Secular Civilization Sustainable?

In this intellectually rich and historically grounded episode of In Layman Terms, I sit down with Pastor Justin McMahan of Living Water Fellowship Church in Tillamook, Oregon. With a background spanning business, politics, community service, and ministry, Pastor Justin brings a multidimensional perspective to one of the most pressing questions of our time: Can a secular society truly sustain itself—or does the West need God to thrive? We explore the recent Charlie Kirk memorial and whether it crossed the line between church and state, unpack the rise of Christian nationalism, and reflect on the original intent behind the separation of church and state. Pastor Justin shares insights from his current sermon series, Church Hurt, available now on YouTube, and reminds us that Christianity’s mission is about hearts and souls—not just political victories. While acknowledging the harm done when faith is weaponized, we also consider the historical pattern: civilizations that drift from their spiritual foundations often falter. Visit LivingWaterCoast.com to learn more about Pastor Justin’s ministry and messages.
08/30/2025

In Layman's Terms - Ep 1 - Andreas Moeller - Fitness Health Hacks

Welcome to the first episode of In Layman’s Terms w/Mark Laymon! I’m thrilled to kick things off with a conversation that’s changed how I view fitness and what’s possible at any age. I’m 37, and after a 17-year break from weightlifting, I’m already as strong—if not stronger—than I was at 18, all while working out half as much. The secret? Training smarter with my personal trainer, Andreas Moeller. A former NAIA football star at Evangel University, and when I say star, I mean, star. Andreas set national records as a defensive lineman and brings a Christian-based approach to building a stronger body and spirit. He did all of this while maintaining a near perfect 4.0. So he might just look like a meat head that loves the juice, but he’s got the brains to back up the brawn. In this episode, he shares his philosophy of mastering six fundamental movements to gain strength and muscle with just an hour a week. Whether you’re curious about efficient workouts or the science behind them, Andreas breaks it down and shows why your strongest days are still ahead. Check him out at https://www.moellermuscle.com Let’s dive in!

11 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Get ready to unpack life’s big topics in The Mark Laymon Show! Join me as I bring together diverse voices—left, right, and beyond—to explore politics, health, fitness, and quirky passions, watching comedy from all angles to find common ground with logic and reason. Expect lively chats, practical insights, and a fresh take on moving forward together, all delivered with a dash of humor and real-world wisdom.

Creator

Mark Laymon
Years Active

2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Mark Laymon
Show Website

The Mark Laymon Show