The Living Grounded Podcast

Our culture may be increasingly secular, but it keeps talking about God—in our music,
movies, stories, and conversations about meaning, love, justice, sacrifice, redemption,
and salvation. Why does a culture that wants little to do with God keep bringing Him
back into the conversation? In this episode, Ron Moore explores three biblical
reasons: We are made in God’s image. Eternity is set in our hearts. We are looking
for a Savior. As we listen carefully to our culture, we may discover that beneath its
attempts to live without God is a deep...

What shapes the things we love most? In this thoughtful episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, Ann Marie Pirnat reflects on the enduring gift of Christian friendship, the wisdom of Augustine's ordo amoris—the right ordering of our loves—and the transforming power of Scripture. Together, we explore how God's Word reshapes our hearts so that we learn to love Him above all else and love others through His love. Ann Marie also shares her passion for welcoming seekers and new believers into the Bible, offering practical encouragement for anyone who longs to help others grow in faith. If you've...

Have you ever wondered where God is in the middle of grief, uncertainty, or spiritual dryness? In this episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, Allison Byxbe shares how journaling through Scripture became a lifeline that carried her from deep sorrow into a renewed awareness of God's presence. Drawing from her book, Journaling as a Spiritual Practice: Tracing the Lines of Grace to God's Presence, Allison explains how writing through the rich metaphors of Scripture can transform the way we pray, process pain, and experience God's love. Together, we explore why journaling isn't about creating perfect words but about making sp...

Have you ever felt like everything depends on you? In this encouraging episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, author Nichole J. Suvar shares how years of living with undiagnosed anxiety led her to discover that true peace isn't something we create—it's something we receive from God. Drawing from Genesis 2 and Colossians 1, she explains why so many of us build "false Edens" through perfectionism, productivity, and control, only to find ourselves more overwhelmed than ever. Together, we explore God's original design for peace, healthy boundaries, rest, and the freedom that comes from trusting Christ to hold all things together. If...

What if the missing piece in your spiritual life isn't trying harder—but learning to delight in God? In this encouraging conversation, Stephanie Rousselle shares how her journey from atheism to a passionate faith led her to discover that delight in God is not a luxury but the very foundation of a vibrant Christian life. Together, we explore why so many believers struggle with performance-based faith and how delight transforms our relationship with God, even in seasons of suffering. Stephanie offers practical ways to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence through simple, life-giving spiritual habits. If you've been lo...

What happens when a child who feels forgotten discovers he has never been abandoned by God? In this deeply moving conversation, Mark Spearman shares his journey through foster care, institutional living, discouragement, and the long road toward healing. Together, we explore how painful experiences shape our identity, how Christ restores what feels broken, and what it truly means to trust God in seasons of waiting. Mark's story reminds us that redemption is often a process, but God's faithfulness never changes. If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled with discouragement, or wondered where God is in your pain, this episode...

What happens when following God's call leads straight into unimaginable loss? In this unforgettable conversation, David and Alicia Lloyd share the story of their family's nearly three decades of ministry in Haiti, the legacy of their son Davy, and the heartbreaking events that shook their mission and the Christian world. Rather than focusing only on tragedy, they reveal the deeper story of hope, purpose, forgiveness, and unwavering faith that continues to shape their lives. You'll hear what sustained them through every parent's worst nightmare and why they still believe the gospel is worth every sacrifice. This episode will challenge...

What does it mean to suffer well without pretending that pain is good? In this honest conversation, Brittany Allen and I explore the biblical practice of lament, why comparing grief only deepens our isolation, and how God's unchanging goodness meets us in our deepest suffering. Together we reflect on the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Elijah to discover that healing isn't found in having all the answers—it's found in trusting God's faithfulness, depending on Christ, and allowing the Holy Spirit and Christian community to carry us through.

Christian nationalism has quickly become one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in America today. In this episode, Ron Moore interviews Joe Melaragno to explore what Christian nationalism is, how it differs from biblical Christianity and healthy patriotism, and why the conversation has become so significant in our cultural moment. Together they examine its historical roots, theological claims, political influence, and the concerns it raises for religious liberty and the mission of the Church. They also discuss why many sincere Christians are confused by the term and how followers of Jesus can faithfully engage both their faith and thei...

Knowing who we are in Christ is more than a theological concept—it is the foundation for everyday Christian living. In this episode, we continue our conversation on spiritual identity by exploring what it looks like to live from the truth of our union with Christ instead of being driven by performance, approval, failure, or fear.

Together, we examine how our identity in Christ transforms the way we experience acceptance, security, forgiveness, purpose, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. As we learn to replace false narratives with biblical truth, we discover the freedom to walk wi...

In this episode, we explore one of the most foundational questions of the Christian life: Who am I? Our culture encourages us to build identity on success, relationships, achievement, and personal story—but Scripture offers a radically different foundation.

We unpack what it means to have union with Christ and how that truth reshapes our understanding of significance, security, acceptance, forgiveness, and spiritual power. Through pastoral reflection and biblical insight, we consider how believers drift into false identities—and how the Holy Spirit restores us to truth. This conversation is both theological and deeply practical, speaking directly into...

In this deeply personal episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, I sit down with Bob Gilbert to discuss his journey through the loss of two wives, Debbie and CJ. Bob shares candidly about the fear, loneliness, questions, and unexpected challenges that accompany grief. 

Together, we explore how suffering impacts faith, prayer, relationships, and one's understanding of God's purposes. Bob offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for anyone walking through loss or supporting someone who is grieving. This conversation is an honest reminder that even in our deepest sorrows, God remains always present and always faithful. 

Why do some people embrace Christ while others reject him? If salvation is entirely by grace, what role does human response play? And what do we do with passages that seem to emphasize both God's sovereign initiative and our responsibility to believe?

In this episode, Ron Moore and Tom Rojahn join host Jill Kowalski to explore some of the Bible's most thought-provoking passages concerning salvation, faith, and God's sovereign work. Together they discuss how Scripture presents both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, not as competing ideas, but as complementary truths that lead us to humility, worship, and...

Ron Moore and Tom Rojahn are joined by host Jill Kowalski to discuss God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. The conversation engages J.I. Packer’s idea of antinomy, discusses the dangers of overemphasizing either divine sovereignty or human responsibility, and considers why mystery in theology is not the same thing as incoherence.

For three decades, Ed Glover and his wife Tammy have faithfully served Pittsburgh’s North Side through a ministry rooted in presence, discipleship, and holistic transformation. In this deeply personal conversation, Ed shares the story behind Urban Impact — from his own journey to Christ and calling into ministry to the early days of reaching youth with faith and obedience.

This episode explores:

- Ed’s testimony and spiritual journey
- The calling that led to Urban Impact in 1995
- Why “holistic ministry” matters
- The power of living in the community you serve
...

What’s the difference between being sorry you got caught and genuinely repenting before God? In this episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, Ron Moore and Jill Kowalski discuss the recent public controversy surrounding NFL coach Mike Vrabel and sports journalist Dianna Russini—and why stories like these often reveal a deeper spiritual issue: the difference between regret and repentance. Using Psalm 51 as their guide, they walk through King David’s confession after his sin with Bathsheba and unpack six marks of authentic repentance.

Along the way, they explore God’s steadfast love, the reality of sin, the nece...

In this important and timely episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, Jill Kowalski, Kyle Zacour, and Ron Moore discuss the growing crisis of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection impacting families, teenagers, and communities across America.

More importantly, they ask:

What does Scripture teach about why humans were created for relationship?
Why are teens and young adults struggling to feel seen and known?
What role should Christian parents and the Church play in rebuilding meaningful connection?
And what hope does the Gospel offer that culture cannot?

Megg Hondru and Luke Mantzell join host Ron Moore to discuss the challenges teens face today that look nothing like they did a generation ago.  Through personal stories, frontline experience, and honest conversation, we explore:

- Where a passion for reaching teens begins
- The hidden pressures teens carry that most adults miss
- How parents can start difficult conversations around shame, mental health, and technology
- What it looks like to truly show up for teens in today’s culture
- And how faith and the message of Christ fit into these con...

What are the biggest digital threats facing your kids right now—and what can you do about them today? In this focused episode, Ron Moore breaks down ten essential insights every parent needs, from managing screen time and preventing addiction to fostering trust and teaching identity in Christ. This episode is practical, urgent, and deeply encouraging for parents navigating today’s challenges.

Tyler walked away from his faith and into a life marked by substance abuse, searching for something to fill the void. What began as distance from God eventually led to an overdose that could have ended everything.

But it didn’t.

In this powerful and honest conversation, Tyler shares how one constant never wavered—his dad’s unconditional love. That steady presence became a lifeline, guiding him back not just to sobriety, but to a restored relationship with Christ.

Today, Tyler is helping others find that same grounding. Through discipleship and real-life investment in peo...

In this episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, we sit down with bestselling author Cliff Graham to explore the raw, unfiltered life of King David. From battlefield courage to deep personal failure, David’s story reveals what it truly means to be both a warrior and a worshiper. This conversation challenges modern assumptions about masculinity, leadership, brotherhood, and what it means to be a man after God’s own heart.

In this powerful and sobering episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, we sit down with survivor and advocate Alicia Kozak to uncover the real dangers of online grooming and exploitation. Alicia shares her personal story of being abducted after online manipulation—and how the FBI rescued her after four terrifying days. This conversation equips both parents and young people with practical awareness, while pointing us back to truth, courage, and hope.

Jessie Merckle discusses how she navigated the pressure and challenges to become the top javelin thrower in the country even amidst some behind-the-scenes difficulties. ,

Jill Kowalski sits down with Ron Moore to wrestle through faith, politics, Israel, and God’s sovereignty in a world at war. This conversation won’t give you easy answers—but it will challenge how you think, pray, and live.

Fear stops a lot of people from stepping into the life God is inviting them to live—but what if fear isn’t the signal to stop, but the signal to trust Him more deeply? In this episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, we welcome back Kent Chevalier, chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to talk about courage, calling, and the message behind his book Do It Afraid. Kent shares how to discern whether fear is a warning or an invitation from God, the role prayer plays when facing intimidating decisions, and practical steps anyone can take to move forward in f...

Ron Moore and Kyle Zacour join Jake Overman, University of Pittsburgh football standout, to discuss his Christian faith and what it looks like to live boldly for Jesus. 

A recent high school arrest for sexual extortion has shaken our community and left many parents asking, “Could this happen to my child?” In this powerful and practical conversation, therapist Heidi Erickson explains how screens impact the developing brain, why online behavior can escalate so quickly, and how technology can hijack young minds. Most importantly, we offer real tools and hope for parents who want to protect their children without living in fear.

In this episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, I sit down with longtime friend, Scott Keffer, to trace his journey from first trusting Christ to faithfully discipling others for decades. Scott shares how a deep love for Scripture shaped his identity, leadership, and one-on-one investment in people. Whether you feel spiritually dry or hungry for more of God’s Word, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to engage Scripture in a way that transforms both heart and life.

Jill Kowalski, Tom Rojahn, and Ron Moore discuss the question “Where do I go to hide from God?” using the story of King David’s escape to Ziklag. In this episode, we explore the warning signs that lead us to our own “Ziklag,” and the grace of crisis that brings us home.

Kaitlyn and Matt Freund share with raw honesty how their faith was tested when their daughter Monroe was born with life-threatening health challenges.

In this heartfelt episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, Kyle and I sit down with Olivia Sperber, a gifted singer-songwriter with a recording contract and a clear path to Nashville—who chose to pause her rising career for something even more meaningful: family.

Tom Rojahn and Ron Moore take an honest and biblical look at Christian community. Together, they explore why following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey—and why true community goes far beyond showing up on Sundays.

Writer and activist Ben Zeisloft on the abolitionist view of abortion. This episode is purposed to stretch us, challenge us, and force us to examine what faithfulness looks like in a complex culture. 

Fernando Ascencio speaks openly and honestly about grief, suffering, and hope in Jesus while grieving the loss of his son and being diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Geppert, leader of the Southeast Asia Prayer Center and the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, discusses the power of prayer in both personal and community contexts.

This Christmas episode of Living Grounded goes behind the manger as Jill Kowalski, Tom Rojahn, and Ron Moore walk through seven biblical purposes of the Incarnation. Their conversation reveals how Christ’s coming transforms more than a season—it transforms a life. Discover the lasting significance of God taking on flesh./

Karen Smith shares her powerful journey of faith, loss, and healing after the suicide of her husband and how God is using her to minister to college-age students today. 

Mack and Janet McAdoo on finding identity in Jesus rather than basketball and finding purpose and ministry in taking the message of Christ throughout the world with 1Died4All Sports. 

Melissa Arabia—an inspiring mom and ministry leader on creative and tangible ways for parents to become grounded in God’s Word. 

Tommy Sewall shares why your personal story is one of the most powerful tools in sharing the Gospel—especially with Gen Z. Learn how authenticity, vulnerability, and real relationships open the door for Jesus-centered conversations.