Questions I'm askling is a series that brings people together for conversations on the topics that matter most. Host Greg Bolt talks with a wide range of guests—from business owners and theologians to community organizers and TikTokkers—who are navigating the complexities of modern life. If you're tired of extremes and looking for understanding, this is the show for you.
What Does It Mean to Be a "Bureaucrat for Christ?" - A conversation with Michael Talbert
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Greg Bolt sits down with Michael Talbert, a man whose life reads like an adventure novel—spanning from surviving a devastating helicopter crash in Vietnam to calmly reading the newspaper while rockets fell in Iraq. Michael shares his unique journey of navigating global government bureaucracy while maintaining a profound respect for diverse faiths and proudly wearing the title: "A Bureaucrat for Christ". Listen in as they discuss the difference between viewing people as "snapshots" versus "movies" , the vital importance of finding humor in our deepest struggles , and why sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is fill out the right paperwork . Join us for a masterclass on grace, resilience, and writing your own story—even when the script goes completely off the rails.
26 Apr 2026
Are We Afraid to Admit How Much Luck Influences the Economy? with Guest Economist Kathryn Edwards
Host Greg Bolt sits down with labor economist and TikTok sensation Dr. Kathryn Edwards (known online as @Keds_Economist) to demystify the often-confusing world of economic policy. From her unique journey as an unemployment insurance expert catapulted into the spotlight during the pandemic to her philosophy of "meeting people where they are," Kathryn explains why the economy often feels like it's driven by "animal spirits" and collective sentiment rather than just hard numbers.
8 Mar 2026
Can We Find Radical Belonging in a Divided Human Story? - With Guest Ben McBride
Host Greg Bolt welcomes author, activist, and Empower Initiative co-founder Ben McBride for a deep-dive into why true belonging feels so fragile in our modern world. Ben shares personal reflections on belonging as a space where we can exist "without negotiation or apology" and explores how our biological need for safety often drives us toward exclusion and "contempt prior to investigation". From the lessons of Cabrini-Green to a surprising take on how the AI revolution might force us to rediscover our humanity, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, practice curiosity, and build a "wide circle" that includes everyone in the beloved community.
22 Feb 2026
Following vs. Worshipping: Reclaiming the Way of Jesus
Host Greg Bolt welcomes spiritual guide and content creator Paige Hook (@ascending.phoenix (https://www.tiktok.com/@ascending.phoenix) on TikTok) for a deep dive into the provocative question: What is the difference between following Jesus and worshipping him?
Paige shares her journey from growing up in the traditional Christian church to finding a middle-ground space where she helps others heal from church trauma and reconnect with the Divine. Together, they explore the "hard work" of active discipleship, the beauty of finding spiritual truths across different traditions, and why Jesus might be more interested in who we hang out with on Monday morning than the songs we sing on Sunday.
1 Feb 2026
Service, Self-Expression, and the Future of Salem
Host Greg Bolt sits down with Salem City Councilor and mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke to discuss her vision for a more inclusive and affordable Salem. From her early days painting faces at the Salem Art Fair to her work as a public servant and advocate for foster youth, Vanessa shares how a deep-rooted commitment to service and "jumping in headfirst" guides her leadership. The conversation explores critical local issues, including the expansion of mobile crisis teams, the importance of green spaces like Minto-Brown Park, and the moral choices reflected in the city’s budget.
30 Nov 2025
Is Unity Possible, or Do Preferences Get in the Way? - With guest Shawn Daniel
We're taking a slight deviation this week and putting Pastor Greg in the hot seat. In this episode of "Questions I'm Asking," Greg Bolt is interviewed by Shawn Daniel, a Catholic seminarian, for a comparative study in ecumenism. They dive into the foundational beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (USA), exploring topics like the central role of Scripture, the concept of "God alone is Lord of the conscience," and the polity that shaped American governance. The conversation is a candid back-and-forth on the biggest barriers to Christian unity—including issues like women in ministry and LGBTQIA+ inclusion—while focusing on shared work, like organizing around poverty, that unites all Christians.
23 Nov 2025
Is Questioning Your Faith Part of Finding It? - with author Cara Meredith
Pastor Greg talks with author and fellow Salem native Cara Meredith about her book, Church Camp, and her spiritual journey following nearly a decade with YoungLife. Cara shares how questioning who was and wasn't welcome led to a faith deconstruction process , ultimately finding a new home in the Episcopal tradition. They explore the beauty of embracing mystery over certainty , the deep human need for belonging, and how simple acts of service can define a church community
16 Nov 2025
Is Our Current Economy Anti-Biblical, and Can We Organize a Better One? With Guests Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharris and Bob Rossi
What is the true cost of poverty and inequality in America? Pastor Greg Bolt and Bob Rossi (union organizer) are joined by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharris, co-moderator of the Poor People's Campaign and founder of the Kairos Center. They explore her Armenian-Greek heritage and the role of organizing in challenging oppression, discussing why, despite biblical mandates for justice, poverty remains worse than ever. This episode tackles the difference between human rights and group rights, and whether building a just economy is possible in a society defined by individualism and scarcity.
9 Nov 2025
How Do We Journey Through Doubt to Discovery? with Guest Ray White
Pastor Greg Bolt sits down with guest Ray White for a deeply personal conversation about faith, doubt, and the winding path toward understanding God. Ray shares his candid journey from a challenging childhood and early struggles with a judgmental image of God, to finding a more profound and loving connection through personal discovery and the embrace of community. Join us as they explore what it means to truly connect with the divine, even when the answers aren't clear.
15 Sept 2025
Where is the Line Between Honesty and Love? - w/ Guest Ashley Taylor
Join host Greg Bolt, a pastor, dad, community member, and sports nut, as he kicks off conversations that bridge divides. In this episode, Greg and his first guest, Ashley Taylor, discuss the importance of community, navigating generational differences, and the complexities of love and support in an increasingly polarized world. They delve into challenging topics like the "binary or spectrum" mentality, the nuances of honesty, and distinguishing between loving people and supporting all their behaviors. Tune in for an authentic and insightful discussion on finding common ground and fostering connection.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Host of Questions I'm Asking?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
