The Boundless Show
Focus on the Family
- 59 minutes 13 secondsJesus on the Job: Episode 933
Taking the gospel to work, plus Kyle Idleman on what it means to guard your mind, and should you bring your significant other home for Christmas?
Featured musical artist: Hollyn
Roundtable: Sharing the Gospel With Coworkers
If you work in a secular industry or environment, is it possible to make your faith known? What are creative ways to bring the gospel into how you show up on the job? Our guests have experience living out their faith in creative ways in everything from the corporate world to customer service to a counseling practice. They’ll give you the courage and tools to speak up, love your coworkers, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in the office, classroom, factory and beyond.
Culture: Thoughts Got You Stuck?
How do you keep your mind settled and sorted when too many things compete for your attention? Pastor and popular author Kyle Idleman explains what it means to guard your mind, and how fighting toxic thoughts, calming the chaos and fighting for truth makes a difference when fielding offenses and Satan’s lies.
Inbox: Bringing Your Date to Christmas
You want to bring your boyfriend or girlfriend to meet your family at Christmas. But what are the dos and don’ts for doing so? Counselor Erin Smalley weighs in.
18 December 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 40 secondsJust Friends: Episode 932
Friendships with the opposite sex, plus what we can learn from the elderly, and the difference between the Holy Spirit and your conscience.
Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham
Roundtable: Platonic Guy-Girl Friendships
Is it possible for men and women to be “just friends”? There’s an ongoing debate on the topic, with some arguing it’s possible while others maintain that it inevitably leads to something awkward (or worse, inappropriate). Our guests break down the pros and cons and give tips for doing friendship with the opposite sex in a God-honoring way.
Culture: Practical Love for the Elderly
Whether it’s your parents, grandparents, neighbor or fellow church member, God’s call to love our elders is clear. But it isn’t always easy. Senior citizens may be slower than us, have different perspectives, and can even be critical or aloof. But if you have the patience and intention to dig deep, there’s potential for rich relationship and even the opportunity to learn. Isabel Tom lived her entire childhood and young adult years with her aging grandparents. She now works with the elderly and shares her thoughts on what you stand to gain by prioritizing time with the seniors around you.
The Value of Wrinkles: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old Will Change Your Life
Inbox: Conscience or the Holy Spirit?
Venturing into a dangerous situation. Asking someone out. Knowing God’s will on a job offer. We all look for direction in various circumstances, but how do you know whether that prompting is your conscience or the Holy Spirit? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
11 December 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 4 minutesBoundaries for People Pleasers: Episode 931
Responding to restlessness on the job, plus Dr. Henry Cloud on establishing boundaries, and wisdom with physical touch when dating.
Featured musical artist: Je’kob
Roundtable: Why Am I So Restless at Work?
We all experience restlessness with our jobs or chosen career paths. But how do we discern when restlessness is discontentment or fear versus a sign that we need to move on to something new? Our guests share their own examples of feeling the “career itch” and how they’ve dealt with it effectively.
Culture: Lessons From a Boundaries Expert
Are you a people pleaser? Do you assume you can never say no for fear of disappointing others? Do you resent those who walk all over you, even as you let them do it? Dr. Henry Cloud wrote the defining book on boundaries and joins us with instruction for taking back our lives from our own fear, passivity and boundary busting.
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
Inbox: A Word About Touch
Physical touch may be your love language, but guardrails are still biblical and wise, especially with someone you’re dating. What should you know and do to honor God in this area? Counselor Andrea Vidano weighs in.
4 December 2025, 8:00 am - 58 minutes 23 secondsHappy Friendsgiving!: Episode 930
The rise of Friendsgiving celebrations, plus the real story behind Thanksgiving, and navigating grief during the holidays.
Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech
Roundtable: Thanksgiving With Friends
For people who either can’t or won’t celebrate Thanksgiving with family, the trend of “Friendsgiving” is here. We interview three single young adults who’ve hosted and participated in Friendsgiving celebrations. They’ll provide tips for how to invite and include people, divvy up the food, plan activities around the meal, and keep thankfulness at the center.
Culture: What Really Happened at the First Thanksgiving?
Pilgrims, Squanto, turkey, corn, big hats and a New World: We think we know the details of the first Thanksgiving, but what’s fact and what’s fiction? Thankfully, Bill Petro has done all the research so we don’t have to. He’ll share what led up to the historic feast, who participated, what it meant, and why it matters in 2025. We’ll also discuss the commercialization of Thanksgiving and some of the more modern applications and traditions.
They Came for Freedom: The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims
Inbox: Grief at the Holidays
Whether you’ve experienced a recent loss or not, the holidays are a trigger for grief and other big emotions. Using the example of his father’s recent death, counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in on how to process feelings of intense sadness.
27 November 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 4 secondsSingles in the Shadows: Episode 929
The “singles vacuum” at church, plus pastors discuss the church’s attitude toward single adults, and what to do about difficult bosses and coworkers.
Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado
Roundtable: The Singles Gap
Kids, youth, college-age, young marrieds and seniors: Most churches seem to have unique ministries for these demographics. But what about young professional single adults? Our guests discuss the seeming vacuum in churches when it comes to creating space for singles, and what we can do to foster belonging and impact among this too-often “lost” segment of the church.
Culture: Does the Church Value Marrieds More Than Singles?
Does your church seem to place a higher value on marriage than on singleness? Is there any truth to this claim, or is it just the skewed perspective of the unmarried and embittered? Two pastors, one married and one single, discuss both sides of the argument. They suggest how the church can better teach singleness as a unique gift while showing sensitivity and honor to the singles in their pews.
Single-Minded: Finding Purpose & Strength in Your Season of Singleness
Inbox: Dealing With Difficult Coworkers
How do you properly address problems with a boss or coworker? At what point do you confront bad behavior in the workplace? HR expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in.
20 November 2025, 8:00 am - 58 minutes 51 secondsAdvice for Dateless Men: Episode 928
Men who struggle in dating, plus determining a person’s growth potential, and how do you spot a false teacher?
Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta
Roundtable: Guys’ Dating Struggles
We all know men who’ve tried to date well (or date at all), but with no success. If that sounds like you and you want to turn things around, take heart. Our guests were in the same boat, experiencing fear, rejection, dead-ends, and even a few broken engagements. Now married, they share advice for growth and self-awareness, plus courage to not give up hope even in the midst of disappointment.
Culture: Can This Person Change?
We all have room to grow, but when dating, how much can we expect a person to change? And in what ways? In light of this, how can we know when our expectations are unrealistic and it’s time to either adjust them or end the relationship? Dr. Bob Paul specializes in helping couples in crisis. He joins us to talk about relational expectations and how to discern whether two people have what it takes to go the distance.
Empowered to Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love
Inbox: Discerning False Teachers
It’s popular in Christian circles to label someone a false teacher. But what are credible signs that a pastor or influencer is truly anti-biblical and dangerous? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.
13 November 2025, 8:00 am - 53 minutes 59 secondsAdvice From Seasoned Saints: Episode 927
Boomers dispense advice for young adults, plus navigating sexual desire as a single in your 30s, and the hallmarks of a thriving faith.
Featured musical artist: David Dunn
Roundtable: Life Lessons for Young Adults
What would Christians in their 60s and 70s tell their younger selves? We find out this week as our guests dispense some of their best life advice and perspectives. From spiritual rhythms to life hacks to navigating regrets to staying hopeful, listen in and get wisdom from those who’ve gone before you.
Culture: Sexual Integrity for the 30-Something
Counselor M.T. Wilson was single until age 38. He has great advice for navigating the tricky decade of your 30s as a Christian who wants to honor God with your sexuality. From stewarding sexual desire to understanding intimacy, longing for companionship, and struggling to trust God with His timing, M.T. shares lessons from his own journey as well as his expertise as a relationship and sex therapist.
Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes … Everything
Inbox: Is Your Faith a Blessing or a Bore?
Why do some people seem to have a thriving relationship with God, while others struggle? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
6 November 2025, 8:00 am - 56 minutes 43 secondsWhen Friends Leave the Faith: Episode 926
How to respond when your friends deconstruct, plus creative ways for men to build friendships, and keeping healthy boundaries with coworkers.
Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker
Roundtable: Discouraged by Deconstruction
Your friend who once loved Jesus is struggling to keep the faith. He or she has written off parts of the Bible, or stopped going to church, or is excusing sin as not a big deal. All of us go through seasons of doubt, but how should you respond when you see someone drifting away from biblical truth and Christian community? Our guests have experienced this firsthand, and share how to love your friends and entrust them to God in the midst of their struggles.
Culture: Finding Great Friendships as a Man
How do men, especially single men, find meaningful friendships in church and beyond? Ty Dannenbring and Jeff Dillon learned how to cultivate community by sharing activities they love, being more visible in their spheres of influence, and reaching out to neighbors. Because guys do friendship differently than women, the practical ideas Ty and Jeff bring to the table are immensely helpful and attainable for men who crave meaningful connection. Ladies, we dished out friendship ideas for you last week!
Party in the Front!: Overcome Loneliness and Build Community Right Where You Are
Inbox: TMI on the Job
What’s appropriate to share at work, and what’s TMI (or worse)? HR expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in.
30 October 2025, 7:00 am - 59 minutes 31 secondsMissionary Mode: Episode 925
What it takes to be a full-time missionary, plus creative ways for women to find friendship, and should you be involved in a church plant?
Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust
Roundtable: Are Overseas Missions Meant for Me?
All Christians are called to fulfill the Great Commission, but not everyone is meant to be a missionary in a foreign country. How can you find out if you are? This week’s panel features seasoned missionaries, a missions agency leader, and a prospective missionary to share their journeys toward serving overseas, plus the unique temperament and qualification needs of a missionary, and what to expect in the preparation and candidating process.
Culture: Finding Great Friendships as a Woman
How do women, and especially single women, find meaningful friendships in church and beyond? Melissa Zaldivar has creative ideas that focus on being intentional, asking questions, meeting needs, and being open to women in other stages of life. She’ll also list some qualities that are necessary for a real friendship to thrive. Men, next week we’ll have ideas for you!
Get Over Here: A Single’s Guide to Building Meaningful Community
Inbox: Should I Help Plant a Church?
How do you know if you’re supposed to join a church plant? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.
23 October 2025, 7:00 am - 57 minutes 52 secondsYoung Adults at Church: Episode 924
How churches are reaching 20- and 30-somethings, plus a woman’s quest to love her sisters in Christ, and tips for paying off student loans.
Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC
Roundtable: What Does Your Church Do for Young Adults?
Does your church have a strong young adult ministry? Does it have one at all? Regardless of your specific scenario, young adults belong at church, and it’s the responsibility of church leadership plus young professionals (that’s you!) to ensure that you’re fed, included, serving, giving and committing. What does that look like? What are some creative ways to reach and enfold 20- and 30-somethings into the life of your local body of believers? Our panel of two young adult leaders and one pastor to young adults gives tips for being seen and heard and then engaging with your church community.
Culture: The Power of Women Helping Women
As a former worship leader, Natalie Runion has lots of experience with the highs and lows of Christian service and culture. But when her pastor offered her a women’s ministry role, she panicked. “I don’t even like women!” she blurted in response. Over time, God changed her heart, and she’s now seen God use her role in women’s ministry in ways she never expected. In our candid conversation, Natalie gives inspiration and advice for women to nurture and lift up other sisters in Christ — and then see what God does.
I Don’t Even Like Women: And Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood
Inbox: Strategies for Paying Off Student Loans
Many grads spend years, if not decades, paying off their student loans. Is there a way to short-circuit the process and get ahead? Financial expert Jay Blackman weighs in.
16 October 2025, 7:00 am - 59 minutes 6 secondsAmbition Ambivalence: Episode 923
Being salt and light when you’re mostly around Christians, plus hope for those who lack career ambition, and making career and family work.
Featured Resource: Know Your Why: Finding and Fulfilling Your Calling in Life
Featured musical artist: Danen Kane
Roundtable: Finding the Lost Around You
If you go to church and small group and have mostly Christian friends, you may need to be really intentional about seeking relationships with those who don’t know Christ. Our guests have lived in various aspects of the “Christian bubble” but have gotten creative when it comes to befriending and sharing Jesus with non-Christians. Listen in to learn from their example and gain courage to represent Christ where you live, work and play.
Culture: I Don’t Have Career Goals
You have a job but you’re not ambitious, and you can’t really think of any lofty career goals. Is something wrong with you? Ken Lane has transitioned multiple times in his career. From technology to non-profit to executive coaching, Ken answers whether you have to be passionate about your job, what it looks like to be open to opportunity, and how to trust God in the process of crafting your career, regardless of how excited you are about it.
Inbox: Do Career and Family Mix?
How do you balance a desire for a career with settling down and having a family? Bry Shirin weighs in.
8 October 2025, 10:21 pm - More Episodes? Get the App