What is the most useless gift you’ve ever received… and did you actually use it?
Join the Church of 434 staff in the Upper Room as we kick off our “Chatting Around the Christmas Tree” countdown! In this episode, Jeff puts the team on the spot to confess their weirdest presents—from salt guns and novelty socks to a flock of screaming plastic goats.
But amidst the laughter and the re-gifting confessions, there is a deeper truth to uncover: A gift never fulfills its purpose until it is actually used. Are you maximizing the greatest gift given to you this season?
#ChristmasCountdown #BadGifts #ChristmasHumor #TheGreatestGift #ScreamingGoat #HolidayCheer

We all know the name Gillette—it’s synonymous with shaving. But did you know King Camp Gillette was actually a utopian dreamer who wanted to build a futuristic city near Niagara Falls?
In this episode of Seriously, Jeff Dixon explores the fascinating history of the man who invented “disposable culture.” Discover how a simple piece of advice from a bottle cap inventor led to the creation of the disposable razor blade, changed the global economy, and revolutionized how we live today.
Plus, stick around for the challenge: Why followers of Jesus need to stop playing it safe and start being on the “cutting edge” of innovation.
#HistoryLesson #Gillette #Innovation #DidYouKnow #SeriouslySeries #CuttingEdge #ThrowawayCulture

Maltby Babcock was the “Superman” of the early 1900s—a star athlete, a brilliant musician, and a beloved pastor who seemed to have it all. But beneath his winning personality lay a soul deeply connected to nature and the struggle of the ministry.
In this episode of “Hit in the Head with the Hymn Book”, we explore the fascinating life of the man behind “This Is My Father’s World.” From his scenic runs in upstate New York to his tragic, untimely death in Italy at age 42, discover how a private poem found in a desk drawer became a global anthem of praise—a song the author himself never got the chance to sing on earth.
#ThisIsMyFathersWorld #HymnHistory #StoryBehindTheSong #ChristianHistory #MaltbyBabcock

“Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”
We live in a culture obsessed with reading the “signs of the times,” yet we often end up confused, anxious, and spiritually lost. But what if the answer isn’t in deciphering the culture, but in following a person? Join us in The Carpenter Shop as we move past the confusing signals of the world and focus on the simplicity of Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
#FaithOverFear #BiblicalTruth #SpiritualGrowth #TheWayTheTruthTheLife #Jesus #ChristianLiving

In this episode of The Clash, Jeff Dixon and Chris Whaley challenge the traditional view of Thanksgiving. They unpack the concept of “Thanks Living”—the intentional choice to live with gratitude every single day, not just when the turkey is on the table.
Jeff and Chris dive deep into the science and spirituality of thankfulness. They discuss how gratitude rewires your brain to reduce stress and boost immunity, but they also tackle the hard questions:
How do you find gratitude when life falls apart?
What is the “Gratitude Gap” and how do you cross it?
Is there a “ceiling” on how thankful you can be without a relationship with Jesus?
From hilarious stories about “Bless God” testimonies to poignant reflections on leading through COVID and health scares, this episode is packed with humor, heart, and practical steps. Plus, get the details on the 30-Day Thanks Living Challenge that could change your outlook on life.
#ThanksLiving #TheClash #ChristianWorldview #GratitudePractice #Thanksgiving #Inspiration #Motivation #Faith #Jesus

Welcome back to Oh Heavens! Today we are digging deep into eschatology to answer a foundational question: Where does the term “Millennium” appear in the Bible?
Before we can discuss what the End Times look like, we have to define our terms. In this episode, we break down the definition of the word and point you directly to the text in Revelation where the “Millennial Reign” is established. Grab your Bibles and let’s study.
#BibleStudy #Christianity #Eschatology #Millennium #Scripture

Think you know Abraham Lincoln? We all know the stovepipe hat, but did you know he used it to carry important papers? That’s just the beginning. In this episode of “Seriously,” we uncover the astonishing true story of the only U.S. President to ever hold a patent.
Join us as we explore Lincoln’s forgotten invention—a device born from a frustrating experience on a riverboat—and reveal the mind-blowing, hidden connection between his “failed” idea and the creation of the modern submarine. Seriously. This is the piece of history they never taught you in school, and it holds a powerful lesson about how even our impractical ideas can change the world.
#AbrahamLincoln #History #Seriously #Invention #DidYouKnow #USHistory #Submarine #MindBlown #HistoryFacts #AmericanHistory

It’s that magical time of year when everything seems to speed up, then slow down a little….we do our best to get ready to celebrate, but no matter what – Christmas happens! So we are going to do some shop looking this Christmas season. The first stop in our series is The Coffee Shoppe. Much like sharing a cup of coffee with someone special, the Christmas story invites us to connect. Christmas is just around the corner, so today let’s stop at the corner Coffee Shoppe.

Ever feel like you’re full of… stuff? The daily frustrations, the hurtful words, the family drama, the overwhelming pressures—they all pile up, creating shadows where your light is supposed to be. This powerful (and surprisingly simple) illustration with a glass, some ping pong balls, and water perfectly captures what happens when we let life’s clutter take over. More importantly, it reveals the profound, life-changing truth of what happens when we allow something greater to fill us instead. If you feel more “beat up” than “upbeat,” this is for you.
#LetYourLightShine #Faith #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #Hope #Jesus #Inspiration

This is a story of ambition, chaos, and a “God-sent” full-circle moment. Reena Friedman Watts joins The Clash to share her incredible journey from being a 21-year-old intern on The Jerry Springer Show to becoming the host of her own top 1% podcast, “Better Call Daddy.”
Hear how she navigated the world of “babysitting adults” on daytime TV, and what it was like to finally interview her former boss and hero, Jerry Springer, years later. This is a powerful conversation about using every experience—no matter how wild—as a stepping stone to finding your own voice and purpose.
#Inspiration #CareerJourney #FullCircle #JerrySpringer #BetterCallDaddy #FindingPurpose #TheClash #ReenaFriedmanWatts

Whether you’re team turkey, brisket, or that jiggly cranberry sauce you can throw like a frisbee, Happy Thanksgiving! After we’ve enjoyed the feast (and the sinfully good pie), let’s remember the real purpose of this day: to thank God for the blessing of our nation. Join us for a final message of gratitude for our freedoms, our provision, and for YOU, our wonderful viewers.
#HappyThanksgiving #ThanksgivingDinner #Thankful #Gratitude #GodsProvision #FaithAndFamily #GodLovesYou #ThankfulForYou

We use the word “friend” loosely, but what does it truly mean? A true friend refreshes your soul, keeps your confidences, and offers “loving loyalty.” They are the people God places in our lives to walk with us, support us, and enrich our journey. In this final countdown to Thanksgiving, we explore the sacred gift of friendship. If you have been blessed with even one such person, you have a priceless treasure to be thankful for.
#RealFriends #LovingLoyalty #BeThankful #Thanksgiving #Community #Faith #GodlyFriendship #GratitudeAttitude

You walk on it every day, but do you know the secrets it holds? From precious metals to vast reservoirs of water, God has packed our planet with incredible wonders that make life possible. This message takes you on a journey from the center of the Earth to the simple wisdom of an ant, revealing how every part of creation—even the parts we don’t like (spiders!)—points back to its Creator. This Thanksgiving, discover a whole new reason to be amazed.
#HiddenWonders #GodsDesign #CreationStory #Thanksgiving #BeAmazed #IntelligentDesign #MindBlown #GratitudeAttitude

In a world full of stress and seriousness, one of God’s greatest gifts is often forgotten: laughter. This message explores how a “cheerful heart” is like a continual feast and how humor—from silly jokes to life’s quirky questions (like why round pizzas come in square boxes)—is a divine blessing designed to lift our spirits, cut through darkness, and bring us joy. Discover the difference between a hollow laugh and the rich, real laughter that comes from a heart full of gladness in the Lord.
#LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #JoyOfTheLord #ChristianHumor #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #FindTheFunny #Encouragement #Faith #BeThankful

Every life has a soundtrack. Upbeat music for working, mellow music for relaxing, and sacred music for worship. This Thanksgiving, we’re exploring one of God’s most powerful and overlooked gifts: the gift of music. Discover how praise is a “rehearsal for heaven” and why your voice—yes, your voice—is a beautiful instrument for gratitude, no matter how it sounds. It’s time to thank God for the song in your heart.
#GiftOfMusic #SoundtrackOfYourLife #Worship #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #PraiseGod #Faith #Inspiration #SingToTheLord