The Intersection Podcast

The Intersection Podcast

“Where heaven meets earth and faith meets everyday life.” Join us as we explore the profound ways God’s presence intersects with our daily lives. Through thought-provoking discussions, heartfelt stories, and practical insights, The Intersection Podcast delves into the transformative power of Jesus’ love, the significance of the cross, and the impact of faith in our work, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re seeking spiritual encouragement, looking to deepen your relationship with Jesus, or curious about how faith shapes the world around us, this podcast offers a space for connection, reflection, and inspiration. Let’s journey together to discover how heaven and earth converge in our hearts, minds, and actions.

  1. She Walked Away from God for 20 Years — Then Co-Wrote a Book That Sold 500,000 Copies

    4D AGO

    She Walked Away from God for 20 Years — Then Co-Wrote a Book That Sold 500,000 Copies

    She didn't want it to be true. For 20 years, Katherine Alsdorf — Silicon Valley CEO, three-time tech executive, UVA MBA — ran as far from God as she could. Then she surrendered. One month later, she was asked to run a company as a brand-new Christian. What followed was a decade of wrestling with one question: What difference does it actually make if I'm a Christian at work? That question eventually became the Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City — and a book she co-wrote with Tim Keller that has now reached over 500,000 readers in 17 languages. In this conversation with Bob Varney, Katherine shares:→ Her 20-year journey away from — and back to — faith→ Why her conversion felt like truth, not joy (and why that's more common than we think)→ What it looked like to lead companies as a follower of Christ→ How she built a groundbreaking faith & work ministry from a blank sheet of paper→ Why the Gospel changes not just your soul — but your work, your city, and the world→ What she wishes every pastor understood about workplace discipleship Whether you're a business leader, pastor, or someone who has ever felt the gap between Sunday faith and Monday work — this conversation is for you. 📖 Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller & Katherine Alsdorf:https://www.amazon.com/Every-Good-Endeavor-Connecting-Work/dp/1594632820 🌍 Learn more about Cities Project Global:https://citiesprojectglobal.com Article: https://citiesprojectglobal.com/articles/she-walked-away-from-god-for-20-years-then-she-co-wrote-one-of-the-most-influential-faith-work-books-in-history/ --- ⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction — Katherine's background2:17 Growing up in the church & walking away at 176:30 Why she came back to faith — and what it cost her9:10 "Flooded with truth, not joy" — an honest conversion story11:37 Becoming a CEO one month after surrendering to faith13:00 What difference does it make to be a Christian at work?16:30 The dot-com collapse & wrestling with God18:00 Building the Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer22:00 The R&D lab: Gospel change is always innovative24:04 Every Good Endeavor — and why they wrote it30:00 Calling: we're broken people invited into God's work42:00 What churches are missing about workplace discipleship47:00 What Katherine is doing today --- 🎙 The Intersection: Faith, Work and Life is hosted by Bob Varney and Hugh Brandt. We're committed to helping people see that discipleship means living by faith in God in all areas of life — all the time. #FaithAndWork #EveryGoodEndeavor #KatherineAlsdorf #TimKeller #ChristianLeadership #Calling #WorkAndFaith #CitiesProjectGlobal #BobVarney #TheIntersectionPodcast

    1h 2m
  2. Discovering Your Unique Part in God's Beautiful Orchestra

    FEB 28

    Discovering Your Unique Part in God's Beautiful Orchestra

    Keywords Sunday-Monday gap, dualism, avoda, shalom, orchestra metaphor, work as worship, cultural mandate, common grace, collaboration, individual contribution Summary This conversation explores the concept of the Sunday-Monday gap, a phenomenon where individuals feel a disconnect between their spiritual lives and their work lives. The speakers discuss how this gap is rooted in a dualistic worldview influenced by Greek philosophy, which separates the sacred from the secular. They introduce the Hebrew concepts of 'avoda' (work as worship) and 'shalom' (wholeness), emphasizing that all work can be meaningful and contribute to the greater good. The metaphor of an orchestra is used to illustrate the importance of each individual's unique role in the workplace, encouraging listeners to embrace their contributions, no matter how small. Real-world examples demonstrate how individuals can transform their work environments by focusing on excellence and service, ultimately fostering collaboration and common grace among diverse colleagues. The conversation concludes with a reminder that every contribution matters and that finding balance in work and rest is essential for a harmonious life. Takeaways The Sunday-Monday gap reflects a deeper worldview issue.Greek dualism has influenced our perception of work and spirituality.Avoda means work, worship, and service are interconnected.Shalom represents wholeness and restoration in our work.We are all part of a divine orchestra with unique roles.Success is about playing your part well, not seeking the spotlight.Even small contributions can have eternal significance.Common grace allows collaboration across different worldviews.Transforming work environments requires a focus on excellence and service.Finding balance in work and rest is crucial for harmony. Titles Bridging the Sunday-Monday GapRevisiting Greek Dualism in Modern Work  sound bites "It's a fundamental philosophical error.""The physical labor itself is the worship.""Your leaf matters." Chapters 00:00 The Sunday-Monday Gap: A Fragmented Existence02:58 The Dualistic Worldview: Greek Philosophy's Impact06:00 Avoda and Shalom: Redefining Work and Worship08:54 The Orchestra Metaphor: Finding Your Unique Role12:01 Leaf by Niggle: The Value of Small Contributions14:58 Real-World Applications: Transforming Workplaces18:04 The Role of Common Grace in Collaboration21:05 Embracing Your Instrument: The Importance of Individual Contribution

    24 min
  3. Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Dr. Sanders' Impact From the Air Force to Denver's At-Risk Youth

    JAN 17

    Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Dr. Sanders' Impact From the Air Force to Denver's At-Risk Youth

    Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Dr. Sanders' Impact From the Air Force to Denver's At-Risk Youth Welcome to the Intersection Faith Work and Life podcast, hosted by Bob Varney and Hugh Brandt. In this episode, we delve into the life and mission of Dr. Joe SA Sanders, a leader in Denver, Colorado, who joined Colorado Uplift in 2017. With a decorated background as a retired Air Force colonel and a PhD in Leadership and Human Resource Development from Calder State University, Joe is pivotal in character leadership and youth development. Over an inspiring interview, Joe shares his spiritual journey, the profound transformation of his father through faith, and his pivotal role at Colorado Uplift. We explore Joe’s latest book, 'Unreasonable Responsibility, eradicating the Disease of Entitlement,' and gain insights into how he actively shapes future generations by addressing societal issues and fostering a culture of responsibility. Subscribe now to hear more discipleship stories and be inspired by Joe's remarkable journey towards making a lasting impact on the community. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with others! 00:00 Introduction to Discipleship in Daily Life00:44 Meet Dr. Joe SA Sanders: A Leader in Character Development03:11 Joe's Spiritual Journey: From Childhood to Adulthood07:09 Serving the Lord: Family and Community Leadership08:53 Highlights from Teaching at the US Air Force Academy13:23 A Leap of Faith: Transition to Colorado Uplift22:02 Colorado Uplift: Mission and Impact26:35 High School Students Teaching Elementary Students27:02 The Impact of Peer Mentoring27:21 A Story of Accountability28:21 Introducing the Book: Unreasonable Responsibility29:01 The Rise of Entitlement in Society30:40 Responsibility as a Remedy32:52 Mental Health and Responsibility35:06 Entitlement's Impact on Society36:06 The Role of Responsibility in Education38:10 Unreasonable Responsibility in Christianity49:41 Encouragement for Leaders50:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    51 min
  4. Integrating Faith with Work: A Journey from ER to Global Ministry - Bob Snyder's Story

    09/23/2025

    Integrating Faith with Work: A Journey from ER to Global Ministry - Bob Snyder's Story

    Welcome to the Intersection Faith Work and Life podcast hosted by Bob Varney and Hugh Brandt. In this episode, Bob Varney interviews Dr. Bob Snyder, founder of IHS Global, as he shares his inspiring journey from practicing emergency medicine in the United States to establishing a global ministry in Budapest, Hungary. Learn how Dr. Snyder integrates his faith into his daily work and how the IHS Global ministry has trained over 50,000 Christian healthcare workers in 128 countries. Discover the challenges and victories of witnessing in the workplace and how collaboration and effective strategies can bring Jesus into every sphere of life. For more enriching discipleship stories and to learn about our Leadership Circle program, visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. #FaithAndWork #GlobalMinistry #ChristianLeadership #Discipleship #HealthcareMinistry #IHSGlobal #WitnessTraining #FaithIntegration #ChristianPodcast #LeadershipCircle #SpiritualGrowth00:00 Introduction to the Intersection Podcast00:31 Meet Bob Snyder: A Journey of Faith and Medicine02:04 The Call to Budapest and the Birth of IHS Global03:47 Integrating Faith into Daily Work06:24 The Saline Solution: A Tool for Witnessing09:14 CPR and Faith: Taking Jesus Outside the Church17:18 The Importance of Cultivating Faith18:48 Collaborations and Partnerships in Healthcare32:51 Personal Reflections and Family Impact38:19 Practical Examples of Witnessing46:00 Closing Thoughts and Prayer00:05 Introduction to the Intersection Podcast00:31 Meet Bob Snyder: From ER Doctor to Faith Leader00:40 The Birth of IHS Global02:04 Integrating Faith into Daily Work06:24 The Saline Solution and Its Impact09:31 The Importance of Taking Faith Outside the Church18:48 The Role of Collaboration in Faith-Based Initiatives33:00 Personal Reflections and Family Impact38:19 Practical Examples of Being a Witness46:00 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

    1h 42m
  5. Leadership in Action: Shereen Shaker's Faith-Driven Journey

    07/22/2025

    Leadership in Action: Shereen Shaker's Faith-Driven Journey

    Integrating Faith and Work: Shereen Shaker's Leadership Journey | Intersection PodcastWelcome to the Intersection Faith Work and Life Podcast with hosts Bob Varney and Hugh Brand. In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Shereen Shaker, Vice President for Management and Operations at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Shereen shares her 30-year career journey, emphasizing how she integrates her faith into her professional life, overseeing a team of 800 personnel. Learn from her experiences in academia, corporate roles, and her involvement with the Leadership Circle program, which focuses on understanding and applying faith principles in the workplace. Shereen talks about the challenges and triumphs of living by faith in professional settings, the impact of the Leadership Circle, and the importance of culture in the workplace. Don't miss this enriching conversation about living out one's calling and making an impactful difference!00:00 Introduction to the Intersection Podcast00:24 Meet Shereen Shaker: Career and Background01:46 Shereen's Role and Responsibilities at AUC04:15 Integrating Faith into the Workplace06:31 The Leadership Circle Experience08:19 Challenges and Success Stories11:11 The Impact of the Leadership Circle18:24 Expanding the Leadership Circle and Future Plans23:08 The Importance of Culture in the Workplace30:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement34:04 Closing Remarks and Prayer

    56 min

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About

“Where heaven meets earth and faith meets everyday life.” Join us as we explore the profound ways God’s presence intersects with our daily lives. Through thought-provoking discussions, heartfelt stories, and practical insights, The Intersection Podcast delves into the transformative power of Jesus’ love, the significance of the cross, and the impact of faith in our work, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re seeking spiritual encouragement, looking to deepen your relationship with Jesus, or curious about how faith shapes the world around us, this podcast offers a space for connection, reflection, and inspiration. Let’s journey together to discover how heaven and earth converge in our hearts, minds, and actions.