A Burden For The Times
3 brothers that take on BIG topics in order to decipher what is Bona fide truth, what is just Bogus and what is Biblical. Join us as the Burden Brothers have clarifying conversations about our current culture and race relations.
Faith and Fossils (Part 1)
Faith & Fossils: Can Christians Disagree About Origins?
Few conversations create more tension among Christians than the question of origins. Was creation six literal days? Are the “days” of Genesis longer periods of time? Can faith and science coexist without compromising Scripture?
In this episode, we begin a thoughtful conversation around Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, and Evolutionary Creationism. Rather than arguing caricatures, we wrestle with what Scripture says, where faithful Christians disagree, and why the conversation matters.
Most importantly, we ask a deeper question: What, exactly, is at stake?
Wh...
The Architecture of Desire
What do generations really want?
In this episode, we revisit one of the biggest unresolved conversations from our recent generational discussions and ask a deeper question: Are people across generations actually pursuing the same things, or are our desires fundamentally different? From boomers and millennials to purpose, security, sacrifice, and happiness, this conversation moves beyond stereotypes and into the deeper motivations shaping how people live, work, worship, and relate to one another. Along the way, the discussion touches on everything from job loyalty and fulfillment to generational misunderstandings, church culture, identity, and what happens when happiness becomes...
Critics vs. The Crowd
Critics vs. The Crowd… who should you trust?
A movie gets trashed by critics but loved by audiences. A product has thousands of 5-star reviews… but something feels off.
So what actually matters?
In this episode, we dive into the tension between expert opinions and everyday voices. From movies to Amazon reviews to life decisions, we explore how review culture shapes the way we think, choose, and even trust.
Are critics necessary?
Have reviews become too powerful?
And are we still thinking for ourselves anymore?
The Generation Conversation (Part 3)
We’ve spent this series breaking down generations. Now we bring it home.
In this episode, we look at what happens when those generations meet inside the church. From classic church kid memories to deeper conversations about culture, faith, and shifting values, this discussion turns meaningful quickly.
Each generation has been shaped by something. Those moments did more than influence culture. They shaped how we approach church, authority, authenticity, and even truth itself.
So what happens when those perspectives come together?
Where do we misunderstand each other? What strengths are we ov...
The Generation Conversation (Part 2)
We continue our Generation Gap series by turning the focus to Millennials and Gen Z.
What starts with nostalgia—Game Boys, Beanie Babies, and iPhones—quickly shifts into a deeper conversation:Â
Are younger generations actually lazy, or are they shaped by a different world?
We explore generational tensions around work ethic, modern convenience, and the desire for meaningful work—while also asking a bigger question:
Is the future something to be hopeful about?
This episode sets the stage for our next conversation on how these generations interact within the church...
The Generation Conversation
Generations and the Stories That Shape Them
Every generation believes their experience is normal. But when we take a step back and listen to one another, we start to see just how much the time we were born into shapes the way we see the world.
In this episode, we begin a new conversation about generations and the differences between them. From the Silent Generation to Generation X, we talk about the cultural moments, historical events, and shared experiences that have influenced how people think, work, and live. Â
Black Clergy Who Shaped the Movement
Black History Month continues, and this week we turn our attention to Black clergy whose voices shaped both the church and the culture.
Before we dive into history, we start with a lighter question that takes us back to the preachers who influenced us growing up. Some answers may surprise you.
Then we explore three powerful and very different figures. One saw the beauty of Christ in the middle of injustice and helped shape a movement from behind the scenes. Another became known as a steady, Scripture-centered voice in an era often drawn to spectacle...
The Black History That Shaped Us
Every February, we pause our usual format to reflect, remember, and learn. In this Black History Month episode, the conversation takes a personal and thoughtful turn as the hosts explore the people who first shaped their understanding of Black history.
From well-known names to voices that deserve more attention, this discussion highlights how curiosity, reading, and lived experience shape how we see the past and understand the present. Along the way, the group reflects on education, perseverance, and why telling these stories still matters today.
This episode also features a special voice who brings a...
2025 - Year in Review
What if the moments we barely noticed last year are the ones shaping everything ahead?
As the year opens, the conversation goes deeper than resolutions and recaps. This episode looks back at the past year through a wider lens, asking which moments truly mattered, which ones slipped by unnoticed, and what they reveal about where we are headed next.
From personal reflections to cultural and national shifts, the discussion wrestles with memory, fatigue, faith, and the challenge of making sense of a year filled with noise, change, and unanswered questions.
This...
New Year's Resolutions
We’re back.
After a short break, A Burden for the Times returns with a fresh conversation to start 2026 the right way. This episode kicks off the new season by digging beneath the surface of New Year’s resolutions, not just what we want to change, but why change so often doesn’t stick.
From lighthearted banter to honest reflection, we talk about habits, failure, accountability, and the difference between wishful thinking and lasting transformation. Along the way, we explore why some goals quietly fade, why others reshape our lives, and how grace plays a role i...
Ten Questions, Twenty Answers: Our 2025 Reading Recap
In this bonus episode of A Burden for the Times, Aaron and his wife Erin Burden sit down at their kitchen table for a fun, honest, book-lover’s conversation. Together, they walk through ten questions about their 2025 reading year — with twenty very different answers.
You’ll hear how many books each finished (spoiler: the numbers are wild), which stories made them laugh, what shaped them spiritually and personally, and which titles didn’t make the cut. From leadership and spiritual formation to historical fiction, juvenile fantasy, and social issues, this epi...
Charlie Kirk (Part 3): The Final Conversation
In this final part of our Charlie Kirk trilogy, the Burden brothers wrestle with the hardest question yet: Has his influence been better or worse for American society?
After two episodes examining his rhetoric and platform, we now face the aftermath of his assassination. Did polarized political discourse create the conditions for this tragedy? What should the church's response have been? And when we weigh all the variables—the conversions, the controversies, the patriotism, the divisiveness—where do we land?
Anton, Aaron, and Adrian find surprising agreement on some points and sharp division on others. From...
Charlie Kirk (Part 2): The Debate Over Debate
In this second part of our Charlie Kirk conversation, the Burden brothers continue an unfiltered discussion about faith, conviction, and tone.
Is “hard truth” automatically harsh? Can strength and gentleness coexist in public witness? And what happens when political identity gets tangled with Christian belief?
Anton, Aaron, and Adrian unpack how conservative voices have shaped college campuses, why tone matters as much as truth, and what real masculinity looks like when it’s governed by the Spirit rather than ego. From Turning Point USA to Philippians 4:5, this episode wrestles with the tension between boldness and humili...
Charlie Kirk: Masculinity, Femininity, and the Kirk Effect
In this episode, we dive into one of the most volatile cultural conversations of the year—the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Rather than rushing to react, we stepped back to ask the deeper questions: What made him such a polarizing yet influential voice? How does bold speech intersect with biblical conviction? And when does “masculine strength” cross into moral compromise?
We explore the tension between conviction and compassion, leadership and gentleness, and what it really means to represent Christ in the public square. This isn’t an easy episode—but it’s an honest one. (Part 1)
Listen...
Men's Health
In this candid and timely episode, the guys pause their usual cultural commentary to tackle an overlooked and deeply personal topic—men’s health. With striking stats and real-life admissions (including a confession about not seeing a doctor in over four years), they unpack why so many men—especially ages 18–44—avoid preventative care.
The episode doesn’t just diagnose the problem; it explores the roots—pride, finances, trust issues, cultural messaging, and spiritual stewardship—and offers practical and biblical perspectives on how to change the narrative.
From awkward doctor visits to reflec...
Workin’ 9-to-5
The nine-to-five workday doesn’t just shape our jobs—it’s reshaping our churches, communities, and even our view of discipleship. In this episode, we wrap up our Labor Day series by asking:
How has the nine-to-five mindset influenced the way churches operate?Has consumerism and corporate structure replaced community and discipleship?What does the Bible say about work as worship, and how does Sabbath fit into our rhythms?From sunrise photography to corporate professionalism, from Sabbath trust to consumerist tendencies, we wrestle with how Christians can live faithfully in a culture dominated by the grind. Join us as...
9-to-5: A Numbers Game
In this follow-up to our Labor Day conversation, we dive deeper into the meaning of work, labor, and the “nine-to-five” mindset. Are work and labor the same—or is there a biblical and cultural distinction? Has the nine-to-five schedule helped us thrive or quietly reshaped our families, communities, and faith? We wrestle with the tension between efficiency and purpose, predictability and freedom, labor and calling. This thought-provoking episode will challenge you to reflect on how you view your job, your time, and your stewardship before God.
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Labor Day
Labor Day is often seen as the unofficial end of summer, a day for cookouts and one last long weekend before school begins. But is that really all it is? In this episode, we pause to reflect on the meaning of Labor Day, its history, and what it says about our culture’s view of work.
Aaron, Anton, and Adrian take the conversation from lighthearted dream jobs to serious reflections on layoffs, unions, and how technology has changed our relationship with work. Along the way, they wrestle with big questions:
• Has the original spirit of Labo...
Impact Sports
Sports are everywhere in our culture—from Friday night lights to the Super Bowl, from youth leagues to Olympic glory. They inspire, entertain, and even unite communities. But they also come with pitfalls: idolatry, misplaced identity, and unhealthy priorities.
In this episode, we dig into:
The positives of sports: discipline, teamwork, fitness, and communityThe darker side: idolatry, misplaced identity, and overemphasis in family lifeHow to engage with sports as followers of Christ—keeping them in their proper place as a gift from GodPractical wisdom for parents raising kids in competitive sportsWhy balance, stewardship, and perspective matter more...Viral Villains
In this episode of A Burden for the Times, we take a deep dive into the rise of “viral villains” — those caught in a moment and broadcast to millions. From a CEO’s public downfall at a Coldplay concert to the culture of internet outrage, we ask:
Why are we so quick to shame?When does justice become entertainment?Can we separate news from noise?We explore the culture of instant judgment, the role of social media in amplifying shame, and how believers can respond with wisdom and grace. This episode challenges us to think deeper about sin, jus...
The Patriotic Problem (Part 3)
Patriotism, the Pulpit, and the Pendulum: Where Do We Stand?
In this conclusion to our series on patriotism and the church, we tackle the big questions: Does patriotism belong in the church? What does healthy patriotism look like? And must you be patriotic to be a good Christian?
From personal stories to biblical reflections—including a powerful look at Jeremiah 29—we explore how gratitude, love for country, and allegiance to Christ can coexist. The conversation isn’t always comfortable, but it’s honest, thoughtful, and rooted in a gospel-centered worldview.
Whether you’ve been noddi...
The Patriotic Problem (Part 2)
As fireworks crackle and grills fire up, we take a moment to reflect on what it really means to celebrate July 4th and Juneteenth as Americans—especially as Christians. Can you hold both holidays in high regard without diminishing either? Can patriotism exist without nationalism? And what does it mean to celebrate freedom when that freedom wasn’t always available to everyone?
In this episode, the conversation gets honest and nuanced. Aaron, Anton, and Adrian wrestle with personal convictions, cultural history, and biblical principles. From Philly cheesesteaks to forgiveness, this dialogue navigates the tension between remembrance and rejo...
The Patriotic Problem
In this new summer series, the team dives headfirst into a topic that gets more complicated every year—patriotism. What does it actually mean to be patriotic? Has the definition changed? And how do we differentiate between patriotism and nationalism, especially in today’s climate?
In this episode, we explore:
How patriotism is defined—and redefined—over timeWhether deep devotion to one’s country is always a good thingWhy love for your country can look different for different peopleHow the word “patriot” has picked up political baggage in recent yearsThe difference between healthy pride and harmful superiority...
The Summer Reading List
This episode kicks off with some brotherly banter about the NBA playoffs—yep, even when our teams are out, the debates keep rolling. But we quickly pivot to the heart of today’s conversation: what’s on our summer reading list?
From apologetics to ministry leadership, from fiction to AI ethics, we’re laying out the titles that are shaping our thinking and stretching our souls. Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, sharpen your leadership, or just get lost in a great story, there’s something here for every kind of reader.
Some books challe...
Life Transition Episode: The Pastoral Transition with Adrian Burden
In this deeply personal episode, Adrian shares an honest and heartfelt update on his transition from itinerant ministry to serving as a local church pastor. With Aaron stepping in as the interviewer, the conversation covers:
What led Adrian to shift from traveling ministry to full-time pastoringHow God used closed doors and unexpected moments to guide that changeThe joys and challenges of life on the road, and what he doesn’t missWhat surprised him most about local church ministryLessons in discipleship, spiritual growth, and patience through uncertain seasonsReflections on preaching, church attendance, and learning to shepherd God’s people long...The Lost Art
After a deep dive into immigration this past season, we’re lightening the load — but not losing the depth — with a fresh conversation about art. Not just paintings and galleries, but the lost art of creativity itself.
What even counts as art anymore? Can AI generate it? Is beauty being replaced by efficiency? And where does the Church fit in all of this?
In this episode, we swap stories of favorite artworks, reflect on the value of process over product, and wrestle with how craftsmanship shapes culture — and faith. Whether you’re an artist, a parent of...
Immigration – Defining the Solution (Part 3)
In this final episode of our three-part immigration series, we wrap up the conversation by asking the big question: What can actually be done?
Over the last two episodes, we’ve tried to slow down and do the hard work of defining our terms. We began by asking, “What is immigration?” and then moved to, “How does the system work?” Now, we’re talking about possible solutions—from political reform to biblical responses.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
Is illegal immigration a crisis or a political talking point?The real meaning of...John Henry Episode collaboration with Tracy from the Toon My Heart Podcast
In this special episode, we momentarily step away from our immigration series to honor the life and legacy of our grandfather, James Chadwick. While our family attends his funeral this week, we are grateful to still connect with you through a powerful conversation recorded with Tracy from the Toon My Heart podcast.
Join us as we discuss the story of John Henry—his historical and legendary roots, what representation means to us as Black brothers in Christ, and the gospel themes that shine through even in secular stories. From childhood cartoons to cultural reflections, this conversation goes de...
Immigration Part 2 - Defining the System
Episode Title: Immigration – Defining the System (Part 2)
We’re back with Part 2 of our immigration series, and this time we’re taking a deeper dive—not into people, but into the system itself. In Part 1, we defined immigration. In this episode, we’re asking: what do we mean when we say “the immigration system is broken”?
Before we dive into the heavier topics, we start with a fun conversation: if we could live in any country outside the U.S., where would it be? From New Zealand to Singapore, our answers give a glimpse into h...
The Immigration Conversation - Part 1
Hey everyone! In this episode, we’re kicking off a multi-part series on immigration—a topic that’s constantly in the news and often misunderstood.
In this episode, we get into the heart of the conversation—what is immigration, really? We break down the difference between immigration, asylum, and work visas, and talk about how these terms often get mixed up in public debates. We also explore why defining immigration correctly matters and how media narratives have shaped the way people think about it.
This is just the beginning of the conversation. In the next episodes...
History Comes to Life
In this episode, we bring Black history to life through the power of film and storytelling. Movies and documentaries have a unique way of making history feel personal, introducing new audiences to pivotal moments and figures who shaped the world. But how well do they actually represent the truth?
We highlight some of the best movies and documentaries in our opinion about Black history, sharing why they matter and how they shape our understanding of the past. Along the way, we discuss the impact of dramatization versus reality, the role of entertainment in historical education, and the...
The Valentine's Day Episode - Black History Couples Edition
Episode Overview
In this special Valentine’s Day & Black History Month episode, we highlight the impact of powerful Black coupleswho shaped history. From civil rights activists to business leaders and even a presidential couple, these relationships weren’t just about love—they were about legacy, resilience, and partnership.
We explore how these couples supported each other through adversity, fought for justice, and left an enduring mark on history. This conversation is a reminder that no one changes the world alone, and the strength of a partnership can fu...
Game Time
In this episode, we take on what seems like a lighthearted topic—video games—but quickly uncover the deeper implications they have on society, personal habits, and even family life. With the gaming industry generating more revenue than the music and movie industries combined, it’s clear that video games are more than just entertainment—they shape culture and behavior.
We dive into the question: Are video games ultimately a positive, negative, or neutral influence? From personal gaming experiences to broader societal trends, we break down the pros and cons of gamin...
Worst Takes (Part 2)
In this episode, we reflect on moments from past conversations where we could have articulated our thoughts more clearly or where our perspectives have shifted. As a continuation of Part 1, we focus on humility, personal growth, and the importance of revisiting challenging topics with fresh eyes and open hearts.
Key moments include:
•Revisiting how we approached sensitive topics like patriarchy, representation, and systemic issues.
•Evaluating the balance between standing by convictions and engaging with compassion.
•Discussing the distinction between cultural influences and biblical principles in shaping perspectives.
Worst Takes
In this season opener, we take a vulnerable look back at our “worst takes” from over 100 episodes. With a mix of honesty and humor, we revisit key topics and  how our perspectives have changed over time. This episode is about growth, humility, and having the courage to admit when we’ve been wrong, all while fostering respectful and thought-provoking dialogue. Join us as we reflect on our journey, tackle tough questions, and set the stage for more honest conversations to come.
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Celebrating 100 Episodes: Lessons from 100 Conversations
 As we celebrate our 100th podcast episode, join Aaron, Anton, and me on this nostalgic journey through our favorite memories and hilarious moments that have defined our podcasting adventure. From off-mic antics to the mysterious "Mr. Tiger" debate... ???
As we wrap up Season #3 this year, we contemplate the personal growth and transformations podcasting has brought us over the past three years.Â
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Faith and Voting: Are Christians Obligated to Vote?
Is voting a biblical duty for Christians, or simply a civic right? This episode poses that very question as we explore the nuanced intersection of faith and politics, especially in light of the election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.Â
We then turn our attention to the scriptural arguments surrounding Christian participation in voting. Should Christians feel obligated to vote, or does scripture grant them the liberty to abstain? We dissect passages from Romans 13, First Timothy, and Matthew 5:13, exploring their implications on stewardship and submission to authority. The debate is anything but one-sided, as we entertain the n...
ADHD Uncovered: Navigating Misconceptions and Understanding with Andrea Dyksterhouse
Andrea Dyksterhouse is a fun personality with a background in psychology and family ministry joins us for an insightful conversation around ADHD.
We navigate through the skepticism that often surrounds ADHD, especially within Christian communities, and challenge some of the common misconceptions. The conversation delves into the complexities of diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults. Andrea shares personal stories that illustrate the positive impact of proper diagnosis and treatment, while we examine how a spiritual perspective might influence the ADHD experience.
Andrea's insights provide a powerful reminder that symptoms are explanations, not excuses, encouraging...
Young Voices: Teens recommending Books for Teens
 Join Jasmine, Shilyn, and Tavian (kids of a Aaron and Adrian) as they share their favorite reads and insightful discussions on the power of storytelling.Â
Discover a world of diverse narratives as the trio explores the magic of "Tristan Strong" by Kwame Mbalia and the adventure-packed "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun." Shylan brings depth with historical and biographical gems like "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and "The Hero Two Doors Down," while Tavian highlights the relatable "New Kid" series. These recommendations offer something for everyone, blending mythology, real-life themes, and the experiences of black children in va...
The Power of Movies in Shaping Culture
Books or movies—which medium offers a richer experience? Aaron and Anton dive into this age-old debate using "Unbroken" to illustrate their points. We challenge the notion that all reading is inherently good, emphasizing the quality of the content. We shift to the impact of historical films on public perception of Black history, exploring titles like "Roots," "Harriet," and "Remember the Titans."Â
Explore with us as we debate our favorite films across genres and eras, from animated classics to action-packed hits and timeless masterpieces.Â
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