Sometimes current events call for a pause mid-series to address the topic of the moment. Below, find Know Why episodes addressing major news, important research, holidays, and more.
How Can I Talk About Controversial Politics With Family This Thanksgiving?
We interrupt our series on science and faith to discuss something many Americans are thinking about as they enter the holiday season…how to interact with those family members and friends who hold vastly different opinions. While some advise avoiding family who hold different political opinions, communications expert Peyton Luke encourages listeners to have fruitful conversations, following a few specific tips. Read more…
Why is this (2024) Presidential Election so Unprecedented?
It’s the “age of the unprecedented!” That’s historian Richard Lim’s take. Back for Part 2, the host of “This American President” explains what factors truly make this presidential election so unique. He also offers insight on the importance of knowing our nation’s history, and why it’s so rare to find political leaders who are willing to do the right thing anymore. But Richard still has hope that America can produce leaders of integrity—if some things change. Find out what those things are in this quick, topical episode. Read more…
Why Should I Care About George Washington?
Returning guest Richard Lim shares why, as a history nerd, “he fell in love with George Washington.” According to Richard, the host of “This American President,” Washington is more than the face on the dollar bill—he’s the embodiment of American exceptionalism, whose decision to give up power resonates with people across countries and centuries. In fact, Washington’s leadership exemplified one of the only values that nearly 90% of Americans agree on today. Read more…
How Can I Improve My Mental Health in 2024?
Want to tackle loneliness, anxiety, or depression in 2024? Improving mental health is a common New Year’s resolution. In this episode of the Know Why Podcast, returning guest Ben Bennett of the Resolution Movement shares practical tips from brain science that can help you go from feeling pressured to feeling empowered. Read more…
What Questions Are Teens Asking?
What are the most pressing issues facing teens and young adults today? What questions are they asking about life, purpose, and religion? Joe and Tiffany Williamson work in youth ministry at Thousand Hills Church in Hickory Creek, Texas. They joined the Know Why Podcast with firsthand insight into the questions young adults ask, what support they need, and why. Read more…
Why is Jesus’ Birth Significant?
Joshua Barnes of the popular YouTube channel The Bible Explained is back! He demonstrates why Jesus’ birth is unique compared to the origin stories of ancient mythical gods. Josh also highlights intriguing prophesies that predicted the details of Jesus’ birth hundreds of years before it happened. Read more…
Does Christmas Have Pagan Origins?
Have you ever heard that Christmas has pagan origins? Does the date we celebrate Christmas—December 25th—have anything to do with ancient holidays like Saturnalia, Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or even the Winter Solstice? Are traditions like caroling and decorating trees borrowed from other religions? Read more…
What Does the Bible Have to Do With the Israel-Hamas War?
What does an ancient story about a father, two sons, and a promise have to do with the Israel-Hamas war? In this episode, Know Why Podcast interrupts its series on Healthy Tech Habits to discuss a current and important world event—the war between Israel and Hamas that began with Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, this episode addresses the history of conflicts surrounding Israel, which stretch back thousands of years. Read more…
What’s the Right Way to Study Problematic Historical Figures?
Today’s generations aren’t oblivious to the problems of the past. In recent years, young people in America have participated in important cultural conversations about our nation’s history and how we look at it. Part of that has included questioning whether certain historical figures or other aspects of our history are worth studying, remembering, or honoring. On this episode of the Know Why Podcast, Richard Lim offers helpful perspective about human nature and the study of history. Read more…
Is Having Kids Bad for the Environment?
In 2019, Millennials and Gen Z agreed on the biggest problem facing their generations for the first time. The problem? Climate change.
So it’s not surprising that young adults are basing more and more of their life decisions on climate change — including whether or not to have kids. Read more…
Does it Matter if I Go to Church?
Gallup reported in 2021 that church membership in the United States dropped below 50 percent. This is new for Americans, who have traditionally reported high rates of church membership and attendance. Read more…