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. 4H AGO

    Is Immigration a Pro-Life Issue?

    Is caring about immigration part of being pro-life? In this episode, Brian and Lauren tackle a question that’s guaranteed to spark conversation. Using an article from Relevant Magazine as a jumping-off point, they wrestle with how Christians should think about immigration, human dignity, and what it really means to hold a pro-life ethic. The conversation doesn’t stay theoretical for long. As usual, things get a little fired up as they work through tensions, assumptions, and the challenge of applying biblical principles to complex, real-world issues. This episode isn’t about easy answers — it’s about asking better questions and thinking more deeply about what it means to live out a consistent, Christ-centered ethic in today’s world. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NMo3enw0qDw 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 got you thinking, 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==

    24 min

  2. MAR 25

    To Parents, Grandparents, and Influential Adults

    There is no one better positioned to mentor a teenager than the adults already in their life. In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Matt Brinkley, founder and associate director of PACT Ministry, to talk about his new book MentorMe and what it really looks like to invest in the next generation. With over 50 years of experience in youth ministry, Matt brings both wisdom and practical insight into how parents, grandparents, and other influential adults can move beyond surface-level conversations and build meaningful relationships with the teens in their lives. They discuss how to connect in a way that goes deeper than one-word answers, why intentional mentorship matters now more than ever, and how everyday moments can become opportunities for real discipleship. This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for anyone who wants to have a lasting impact on the young people around them. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SGi320qnAcA Learn more about PACT Ministry: https://pactministry.org/ Learn more about MentorMe: https://www.mentormebook.org/mentor-me 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==

    32 min

  3. MAR 18

    WWJD: Flip Tables

    When Jesus flipped tables in the temple, what was really going on? In this episode, Brian and Lauren dig into one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels and ask an important question: does Jesus flipping tables mean we can justify being angrily outraged about anything we want today? The conversation looks at the real reason Jesus drove out the money changers and merchants in the temple and how the situation was directly connected to exploitation and injustice toward the poor. It wasn’t random anger — it was a response to people taking advantage of those who had come to worship. Brian and Lauren wrestle with what it actually means to follow Jesus’ example in that moment. If the point of the story isn’t simply righteous anger, what does it look like for Christians today to stand up for the vulnerable and confront systems that harm the poor? This episode explores how easily the story can be misunderstood — and what it might look like to live out its deeper message. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GdBk5L2UUxA 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==

    29 min

  4. MAR 11

    You Need Marriage Therapy

    Marriage therapy isn’t just for couples on the brink of divorce. In fact, many healthy marriages benefit from a regular tune-up. In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Christie Orosz from Married Life Counseling to talk about why more couples should consider marriage therapy before things get serious. Instead of seeing counseling as a last resort, Christie explains how it can actually strengthen communication, deepen connection, and help couples stay ahead of common relationship struggles. Along the way, the conversation includes some funny marriage stories and plenty of honesty about the realities of long-term relationships. They also talk about why going to marriage therapy doesn’t mean your relationship is failing — sometimes it just means you care enough to invest in it. Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y1QsdyWNq8Y Learn more about Married Life Counseling: https://marriedlifecounseling.com/our-approach/ 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==

    35 min

  5. MAR 5

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Third Place
  • Show Website
    The Third Place

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