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Does church structure really matter? And who holds church leadership accountable?

In Episode 18, Part 1 of The Conviction Exchange, Chandler Guion and Shawn Blades welcome special guest Pastor Dan Cole, who brings nearly five decades of ministry experience to a candid conversation about denominations, church leadership, and spiritual authority.

Drawing from his years as a pastor and district superintendent, Pastor Dan shares firsthand experiences that reveal both the importance of accountability and the challenges of leading within the church. Together, they explore the differences between denominational and non-denominational churches, the dangers of unchecked authority, and what happens when leadership loses sight of the people it's called to serve.

From difficult conversations behind closed doors to the biblical principles of conflict resolution, this episode challenges both pastors and congregations to consider what healthy, Christ-centered leadership should actually look like.

Because spiritual authority should never come without accountability.

Join us for Part 1 of this thought-provoking conversation on The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 17 - What if Noah’s Ark isn’t just a story about something that happened thousands of years ago—but a picture of how we’re supposed to live today?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we go deep on Noah, obedience, the possibility of physical evidence for the Ark, and what it means when the world seems to be drowning in pride, confusion, sin, and self-interest.

But the conversation goes much further.

We talk about what it really means to love God and love your neighbor, whether we’re actually willing to step into someone else’s world and help them, and how easy it is to give ourselves an excuse instead of following our convictions.

We also take a hard look at modern Christianity—church hurt, spiritual immaturity, relying on pastors to do our studying for us, competition between churches, and the danger of living a surface-level faith instead of actually knowing God for ourselves.

And maybe the biggest question of the episode is this:

If the world around us is flooding with confusion, is your life built in a way that can actually help someone else survive it?

Noah was given very specific instructions to build the Ark. What if God is asking us to be just as intentional about building our lives?

Love God. Love people. Get in the Word. Stop living on the surface. And when the world is looking for somewhere safe to go, make sure your life points them back to Jesus.

Because everybody has an opinion—but not everybody has a conviction.

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Episode 16 - AI is changing the way we work, communicate, learn—and even how we deal with our mental health. But what happens when we start turning to AI for things that require wisdom, discernment, accountability, and genuine relationship?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the growing world of AI therapy and ask some uncomfortable questions. Can a chatbot really understand what we're going through? What happens when we're constantly affirmed instead of challenged? And could something designed to help us eventually become a substitute for real relationships, wise counsel, or even God Himself?

We talk about the importance of being willing to hear correction, the danger of allowing a diagnosis or struggle to become our identity, and why God designed us to grow through relationships with imperfect people. We also explore the healthy ways AI can be used while making it clear that AI should be a tool—not our foundation or final authority.

Most importantly, we come back to the truth that our ultimate source of wisdom, identity, healing, and hope isn't a chatbot. It's Jesus.

If you're struggling and wondering where to turn, don't assume AI is your only option. We talk about several real resources at the end of the episode, including:

• Psychology Today — Find counselors and filter by specialties, Christian counselors, online/in-person options, and more.
• Your insurance provider — Check your mental-health benefits and telehealth options.
• Your workplace/EAP — Many employers offer free counseling sessions.
• Local churches — Ask about pastoral counseling or referrals.
• Local therapists — Ask about sliding-scale or pro bono options.
• Phyllis Robertson Thomas' book, I Never Knew — A resource discussed in the episode for understanding trauma, mental health, healing, and moving forward.

You don't have to walk through what you're facing alone. And you don't have to let what you've been through become who you are.

Love God. Love people. Seek truth. Stay connected. And whatever you do—don't trade real relationship for artificial affirmation.

This is The Conviction Exchange—where everybody has an opinion, but not everybody has a conviction.

What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 15 - How much of our lives are being controlled by the glowing rectangle in our hands?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the growing battle for our attention—from screen time and social media to parenting, relationships, mental toughness, and our ability to simply be still. We talk about how our phones can shape the way we listen, how we love, how we parent, and even how we see ourselves.

But underneath it all is a deeper question: Are we so distracted by the world that we've stopped listening for the voice of God?

Rooted in Scripture and filled with real-life stories, we talk about learning to listen instead of always responding, finding our identity in Christ instead of the world, setting boundaries with technology, and intentionally creating space to hear what the Lord is calling us to do.

Because whatever continually captures your attention will eventually capture your heart.

Be still and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10

This is The Conviction Exchange—where everybody has an opinion, but not everybody has a conviction. What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

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Episode 14 - What happens when our desire to protect our kids actually keeps them from becoming resilient?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the reality of raising kids in a culture where discomfort is often avoided, failure is softened, and parents can feel pressured to protect their children from every possible struggle. We talk about mental toughness, perseverance, parenting, sports, coaching, and the incredible influence that adults can have in a child’s life.

We also wrestle with the balance between correction and grace, learning from our own childhood experiences, and recognizing when our anxiety is shaping the way we parent. From family dynamics and holiday expectations to coaches who push kids beyond what they think they can handle, this conversation gets real about what it takes to develop character and resilience.

Most importantly, we bring it back to Scripture and the reminder that perseverance doesn't happen overnight. James 1 tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and perseverance produces maturity. Sometimes the valleys, challenges, failures, and uncomfortable moments we want to remove are the very things God uses to grow us.

So how do we give our kids room to struggle without abandoning them? How do we teach toughness without losing grace? And how do we become the kind of parents, coaches, and leaders who help the next generation become who God created them to be?

It's a conversation about parenting, perseverance, grace, mental toughness, and trusting God through the process.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 13 - What happens when empathy goes too far—and accountability disappears?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into the difficult conversation surrounding the Clancy trial, mental health, postpartum depression, psychiatric care, justice, and the growing confusion over truth and responsibility.

But this conversation goes much deeper than one trial.

We talk about the danger of “toxic empathy,” the importance of recognizing our wounds without allowing them to become excuses, and what it means to let God redeem the broken places in our lives. We also wrestle with the spiritual battle happening beneath the surface of our culture—and why Scripture reminds us that our fight is ultimately not against flesh and blood.

Can we have compassion without abandoning truth? Can we acknowledge mental illness while still believing in accountability? And what if the very things that broke us are the things God wants to use to help someone else?

This is a heavy conversation—but an important one.

Everyone has an opinion. Not everyone has a conviction.

What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

📖 I Never Knew: Find Healing and Renewal After Trauma by Phyllis Robertson Thomas releases October 6. Signed copies are available for pre-order at INeverKnewBook.com.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 12 - What happens when we admire someone so much that we begin to give them a place in our lives that belongs to God alone?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we talk about the recent passing of Dolly Parton and the incredible influence she had across generations. But the conversation quickly goes much deeper: Why are we so drawn to celebrities, influencers, pastors, athletes, and people of power? And when does admiration cross the line into idolatry?

We unpack celebrity culture, the psychology behind fame, the responsibility that comes with influence, and why even good people can unintentionally point others toward themselves instead of toward Christ.

We also talk about the importance of humility, accountability, correction, and surrounding yourself with people who are willing to tell you the truth—even when it's uncomfortable.

Because influence isn't the problem. What we do with our influence is.

Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

Whether you have a million followers or influence one person at your job, you have influence. The question is: Who are you pointing them toward?

And ultimately, we come back to this conviction:

We were created to worship the Creator—not the created.

Join us for Episode 12 of The Conviction Exchange as we wrestle with fame, influence, idolatry, humility, and what it means to keep Jesus at the center.

Everyone has an opinion. But not everyone has a conviction.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 11 — What happens when we become so comfortable with “common ground” that we lose sight of what we actually believe?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, Chandler, Shawn, and Phyllis dive into a challenging conversation about spiritual discernment, worship, and the danger of becoming spiritually “neutral.” From a controversial song being labeled as Christian worship to the influence of music, entertainment, and culture, the conversation asks an important question: Are we worshiping Jesus, or simply following what makes us feel good?

The conversation goes deeper into the difference between worship and entertainment, the importance of examining our heart posture, and what it means to stand firmly on biblical truth without becoming legalistic or condemning toward others. The group also explores how Christians can remain unwavering in their faith while still loving and engaging with people who don't share their beliefs.

Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that following Christ isn't about finding the broadest common ground—it's about seeking wisdom, practicing discernment, and choosing the narrow road even when it's difficult.

What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Pre-Order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" at www.ineverknewbook.com