Welcome to The Friday Update Commentary, where Ben Dockery talks with the author of TFU, Mike Woodruff, and the editor of TFU, Glenn Wishnew, about aspects of The Friday Update that don’t fit into a concise weekly newsletter. Mike and Glenn will expand on cultural themes, statistics, biblical wisdom, and more.
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Small Habits, Big Faith: How Daily Practices Shape Your Life
What do habits, anxiety, and culture wars have in common? More than you think. Glenn, Mike, and guest Dustin Hacker discuss why the future belongs to those who rise above the noise—and how simple, daily practices like prayer and Scripture reading can quietly transform your life. This episode blends cultural insight with practical wisdom for building a resilient, faith-filled life.
27 Jan 2026
Solitude, Tigers, and the Mental Health Crisis
What do we need to be paying attention to? Better yet, what do we need to be ignoring? Mike, Harold and Glenn all share their answers. From there, the conversation moves through the disciplines of solitude (how to actually do it), the art of critical ignoring (what should we be blocking out?), and why there are more tigers in private U.S. facilities than in the wild. Also: Why Mike now thinks some problems aren't meant to be solved, just managed. Harold's record studio in Memphis ...
23 Dec 2025
November Commentary
Glenn, Mike and Harold are back—and this time, they're tackling the questions that actually matter: Why aren't more people coming to faith? What's holding them back? And what happens when Harvard gives 60% A's? After a month of Harold leading Lakelight as interim president (yes, there's a jet—sort of), the team digs into objections to Christianity, the ethics of fighting back, and whether grades even matter anymore. Also: Why Jonathan Rauch—a "gay, Jewish atheist"—now thinks Christianity's co...
26 Nov 2025
October Commentary
Mike and Glenn welcome Harold Smith to the Friday Update Commentary for his debut episode—and he doesn't hold back. Harold, Glenn and Mike have a wide-ranging conversation about courage, culture, and what happens when society loses its meaning. What You'll Hear: Harold's Take on the Friday Update - What he likes and what he doesn't about Mike's newsletter.The Rusty Reno debrief - Why bold conversations are harder than they look, and more necessary now than ever. Talent Vs Hard Work- Glen...
27 Oct 2025
September Commentary
Have you changed your mind on an important topic in the last 5 years? If so, how? That is the opening question for today's episode. Mike, Ben and Glenn, per usual, take the conversation in different directions. Beyond that, we'll also discuss: How people come back to church: What Alpha is getting right—relational invites, a compelling launch night, and real scarcity that signals value.Reading for depth: Why long books form deeper thinkers (with picks from Adler, Alan Jacobs, Dostoevsky, Tom H...
22 Sept 2025
August Commentary
One year ago, Mike predicted public education would lose market share – and the numbers are in. We discuss what's changed and why. But first, Glenn poses a question to the team: "What everyday thing will most people be nostalgic for in 20 years?" The answers might surprise you as we explore the velocity of cultural change. Also in this episode: Glenn's mortifying confession about misspelling Mike's wife's name in the newsletter (sorry, Sheri!).Why Jesus chose hope over cynicism – and what tha...
25 Aug 2025
July Commentary
Ben, Mike and Glenn are back! This time, we're talking about how ChatGPT roasted Mike, how revival might be stirring in the United States, and how cultural issues are oftentimes spiritual in nature. On top of that, we share our recommendations for the upcoming fall. This podcast is a Lakelight Institute Production. Thoughts? Guest Suggestions? email us at info@lakelightinstitute.com.
3 Jul 2025
June Commentary
Glenn Wishnew and Mike Woodruff interview Syler Thomas about American patriotism and faith in a changing world, exploring the challenges and complexities of these topics.
2 Jun 2025
May Commentary
The hosts recap past editions of The Friday Update, spotlighting key themes and standout stories for their supporters.
9 May 2025
April Commentary
In this episode, we look back at all the editions of The Friday Update from the past month—highlighting key themes, standout stories, and takeaways exclusively for our supporters.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 2 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
5
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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