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Matt Perman is an author, speaker, and consultant eager to help you do work that matters, and do it better. More than that, he wants to help you do your work and influence the culture in a gospel-centered way. Matt is the author of the best-selling book What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done and is a popular speaker on leadership, productivity, and theology from a God-centered perspective. His work has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and Desiring God. Ryan and Matt talk about his latest book: How to Get Unstuck. You can find Matt, his books, and other services here: https://www.whatsbestnext.com/shop/.

Everyone is drunk on something. Writer, speaker, and former lawyer Seth Haines knows the ravishing effects of alcohol abuse. But he also found something deeper, it’s was never about drinking, it’s was about the pain underneath. In this episode, Ryan and Seth talk about his road to sobriety, how it was never about the drinking, why everyone is drunk on something, how the church can be more honest about finding inner sobriety, why healing is not always a helpful word, and so much more. Find Seth on Twitter, Instagram, and his website for latest offerings and words and things: sethhaines.com. And for our listeners, if you email Seth, he will send you a 30 Day Journal for finding inner sobriety. Stay updated on latest episodes and other Hints of Hope related resources at: ryanjpelton.com.

In this episode, Ryan explores writing as a spiritual practice. Too many people think writing is only for publishing books, articles, and reserved for an elite group of artists. Ryan argues, everyone can, and should write. He wants us to see writing can be essential for untangling emotions, thoughts, and expressing our devotion to God. This episode will examine why anyone can write, how writing can be an important spiritual practice, how writing can serve others, how writing can heal, and much, much, more. Find Ryan and stay updated at: https://ryanjpelton.com Resources mentioned: “Writing to Save the Day” by Henri Nouwen (article) “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” by Ryan J. Pelton (article) [...]

Ryan continues comedy week and explores the question of gospel-shaped humor. What does this mean? How do we get it? Why did Jesus use irony, sarcasm, and wit in the Bible? Can understanding sin and grace make us laugh more, or less? If we never laugh what might this reveal? These questions and much, much, more. You can find more Hints of Hope content and subscribe to the weekly newsletter at: https://ryanjpelton.com.  Resources mentioned in show: The Humor of Christ by Elton Trueblood “The Gospel and Humor” (article) by Timothy Keller

In this episode, Ryan discusses the new documentary The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling. Shandling was a successful comedian in the 80’s and 90’s who died suddenly in 2016. He was known for his stand up, The Garry Shandling Show, and Larry Sanders Show. The film documents the life of Shandling through his diary entries. While Garry would be considered a success to some, he was a tortured soul, never quite finding show business delivering on its promises. Ryan discusses what we can learn from Shandling’s up and down life in regards to calling, vocation, success, and true happiness. Follow along at: ryanjpelton.com. Resources: The film. Bio on Garry Shandling.

In this episode, Ryan explores the spiritual practice of preaching the gospel to your soul. How often is life riddled with guilt, shame, anxiety, worry, depression, and lies of the Enemy? This spiritual practice is a God-send for the soul that’s in turmoil. Learn how to preach the gospel to your soul, why it’s important, when to use it, and much, much, more. Find more Hints of Hope resources at: https://ryanjpelton.com. Resources mentioned: Spiritual Depression by D. Martyyn Lloyd Jones A Gospel P [...]

In this episode, Ryan discusses his Lenten fast from social media. What did he learn? Will he walk away from social media altogether? In a day when digital media is akin to breathing, can it be doing more harm than good? And, are analog things like records, film, boardgames, notebooks, pens, paper, and paper books making a comeback? Is this a novelty, or something deeper going on in culture? Find more resources and updates at: https://ryanjpelton.com.  Resources: Book:Deep Work by Cal Newport Article: On Analog Social Media by Cal Newport Book:

Join Ryan J. Pelton- pastor, author, and cultivator of curiosity- as he explores questions and conversations about faith, life, art, and culture. In this first episode, Ryan explains the genesis of the podcast, the signficance of Hints of Hope, novelist Walker Percy, the Christian story of hope, favorite hymn and story behind it, and where it’s al headed. You can find Ryan and latest episodes at: https://ryanjpelton.com