Exempla

Ode to a Small Yellow House (replay)

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0000

When I was a kid, there was a place that was, hands down, my favorite place on earth. It was a little yellow house in the mountains of western Massachusetts. But now, when I go back to that magical place, the joy is mixed with sorrow and it makes me long instead for another, better place.

Pictures/transcript

Peanut Butter on Trial (replay)

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0000

It's easy to make peanut butter. Just grind up a bunch of peanuts and... Voila! But if you try to market and sell your peanut butter in the United States, you'll discover surprisingly strict regulations. In this episode, I'll tell you the surprising story behind some of those rules and the woman who helped make them a reality.

Sources/transcript

A Dark Pit in the Jungle (replay)

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In 1828, veteran missionary Adoniram Judson left everyone and everything to move into a small hut deep in the jungle. But even when paralyzing grief drove Judson to the brink of despair, his life and ministry were not over. His story holds a lesson for us about the challenges of grief and how we can gently point others to the hope that is always available in God.

Pictures/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/09/27/a-dark-pit-in-the-jungle-replay/

Arthur Conan Doyle's Fairies (replay)

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Did you know that the author of Sherlock Holmes believed in fairies? He even wrote a book about it, detailing the supposed photographing of fairies by a couple of girls in a small English town. But how could such a smart man be so gullible? This “fairy tale” holds a lesson for all of us about why we believe what we believe and how to guard against falling for lies.

exemplapodcast.com/2025/09/13/arthur-conan-doyles-fairies-replay/

The Pineapple Craze (replay)

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0000

How much would you pay for a pineapple? For aristocrats in 17th and 18th century England and France, money was no object when it came to having and displaying pineapples. I want to tell you how that happened and share a lesson about how we view God’s good gifts.

Sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/08/30/the-pineapple-craze-replay/

A Hard Story to Hear (replay)

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0000

I told a group of kids the story of young boy being saved from a fire. I was not prepared for how deeply my son would be affected by that story. It made me feel like a bad father, but over the next few days, I learned a valuable lesson about telling others things they don’t want to hear.

Pictures/Transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/08/09/a-hard-story-to-hear-replay/

The Man Who Hated LEGOs (replay)

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Godtfred Kirk Christiansen is responsible for turning LEGOs into a global phenomenon. But when Godtfred’s father first told him about his idea for a plastic building block, Godtfred thought it was a terrible idea. In this replay from season 2, there’s a lesson for us about humility and letting go of our obsession with fault-finding and blame.

Pictures/source/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/07/19/the-man-who-hated-legos-replay/

Is It Still Well With My Soul? (replay)

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0000

It’s hard to fathom the suffering and sorrow faced by Horatio and Anna Spafford. Even after facing one of the greatest tragedies of his life, Horatio penned the words to the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”. But Horatio's life took a strange turn that casts a shadow on his legacy. Still, the Spaffords’ sorrow holds some valuable lessons for us today.

Pictures/sources/transcript

Episode 5 of the Counseling Talk podcast

The Birth of Exempla

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Why in the world do I have a podcast? Good question. In this fiftieth episode of Exempla, I want to tell you about the series of events that led to me starting this podcast back in 2021. It encourages me to reflect on how God led, and I hope it will encourage you too.

Scott Pauley's podcast "Enjoying the Journey"

Paul Hastings's podcast "Compelled"

Proclaim Podcast Network

Episode transcript

Accidental First Date (replay)

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0000

When I first met my wife, I was attracted to her—but I thought she was way out of my league. And I was right. But that didn’t keep us from accidentally ending up on a date… that led to a relationship… that led to marriage. In this replay of an episode from season 2, I tell the story of that first date and how maybe it wasn’t as much of an accident as I originally thought.

Transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/06/07/accidental-first-date-replay/

Gladys Aylward, Wanted Fugitive

Sat, 24 May 2025 08:00:00 -0000

When war upends Gladys Aylward’s life, she finds herself responsible for the care of two hundred children. When she discovers there’s a bounty on her head, she leads ninety-four of those children on a daring escape across China. In this final chapter of her story, we ask: What is her legacy—and what can we learn from her life of faith and sacrifice?

Listen to Gladys tell her own story

Listen to my interview on No Higher Calling or watch on YouTube

Episode transcript/pictures/sources

Gladys Aylward, Foot Inspector

Sat, 10 May 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Gladys is finally in Yangcheng, China, where she can begin her missions work. But during her years in Yangcheng, Gladys’s life is going to take some unexpected turns. Through it all, she will learn that God sometimes uses the unexpected and the unconventional to further His work of spreading the gospel.

Transcript/sources: exemplapodcast.com/2025/05/10/gladys-aylward-foot-inspector/

Gladys Aylward, Rejected Missionary

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Gladys Aylward was a small, unassuming woman from England—but her determination was unmatched. When a missions agency told her they couldn’t send her to China, she simply decided to find another way. In this episode—part one of Gladys’s story—you’ll hear about her incredible journey to China and be challenged by her powerful example of perseverance and faith.

Transcript/sources: exemplapodcast.com/2025/04/26/gladys-aylward-rejected-missionary/

Running to Daddy

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0000

My son broke his arm, and I didn’t know what to do. In the moment, I felt lost, but through all the fear and uncertainty, I learned something about God. This episode is about that day, what it taught me, and the quiet ways God shows us that He is a perfect Father.

Transcript/photos: exemplapodcast.com/2025/04/05/running-to-daddy/

Eric Liddell Passes the Baton

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000

What happens to the soul of an Olympic athlete when he in interned at a prison camp during a war in which he has no part? Most would grow bitter or discouraged… but not Eric Liddell. You may know about Eric’s Olympic career from the movie “Chariots of Fire”, but you probably don’t know the story of the moving last chapter of Eric’s life.

Pictures/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/03/22/eric-liddell-passes-the-baton/

Way Too Many Doughnuts

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How many doughnuts is too many doughnuts? In Robert McCloskey’s Homer Price, a doughnut machine malfunctions, resulting in a hilariously enormous surplus of doughnuts. In this episode, I share this lighthearted tale and explore how its chaos mirrors the real-life mistakes we make when we stop thinking, stop praying, and simply let circumstances take over.

Transcript/pictures: exemplapodcast.com/2025/03/08/way-too-many-doughnuts/

Podcast artwork illustration by Robert McCloskey

Fall of the Donut King

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0000

In the 1980s, Ted Ngoy’s American Dream turned into a nightmare. He unexpectedly started to lose all the things he held most dear… and it was no one’s fault but his own. In this second part of Ted’s story, I explain what happened and share a warning about the power of sin.

Pictures/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/02/22/fall-of-the-donut-king/

Podcast artwork photo by Giulio Di Sturco

Rise of the Donut King

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 11:01:00 -0000

Ted Ngoy had to flee his home in Cambodia and start fresh in the United States. But even though he arrived as a destitute refugee, Ted managed to leave his mark on the entire LA area. In this first part of Ted's story, I'll tell you why so many doughnut shops in southern California are owned by Cambodians and why Ted Ngoy is known affectionately as the "Donut King".

Pictures/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/02/08/rise-of-the-donut-king/

Just Another Faithful Preacher

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0000

How much impact does one preacher really have? Walt Coles served as a pastor for decades. He was my pastor during my junior high and high school years. But I don't think I could give you the title of a single sermon he preached. Still, I'm just beginning to come to terms with the profound influence he had on my life. Let me tell you about it.

Pictures/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2025/01/25/just-another-faithful-preacher/

Something Appropriate (replay)

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0000

On Christmas Eve, 1968, families all over the world gathered to watch a historic TV broadcast from the moon. The crew of Apollo 8 was asked to say “something appropriate” to mark the occasion. In this episode, I tell you about the message they shared with the world and the lessons it teaches us about creation, perspective, and the God who is over all.

Pictures/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2024/12/21/something-appropriate-replay/

The Year They Cancelled Christmas

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In 1647, Christmas was outlawed in England. Why would Parliament cancel the observance of such a beloved holiday and how did the people respond? It wasn't pretty. I'll tell you the story in this episode and share a lesson about how we choose our battles.

Sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2024/12/14/the-plum-pudding-christmas-riots/

Ben Franklin's Family Feud

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Benjamin Franklin had a son. We don’t hear much about William Franklin, possibly because of a decision he made in 1775 that forever changed the relationship between father and son. Let me tell you the story of how Ben and William found themselves on opposite sides of history—and how their story echoes the personal cost of standing by your convictions.

Pictures/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2024/11/23/ben-franklins-family-feud/

A Chance to Kill the King

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Some leaders are not worthy of our respect. King Saul was a highly dysfunctional king and he was trying to kill David, but when David had the chance to kill his worst enemy, his response surprised his loyal side-kick Abishai. Let me share the valuable lesson David has to teach us about how and when to honor authority.

Transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2024/11/09/a-chance-to-kill-the-king/

Leonardo da Vinci's Giant Horse

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Leonardo da Vinci was a genius. But one of his artistic endeavors got the better of him. I want to tell you about Leonardo’s horse, a giant sculpture that did not end up like Leonardo intended. It was a project that some people say haunted him until the day he died.

Pictures/Sources/Transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2024/10/26/leonardo-da-vincis-giant-horse/

The Worst Birthday Ever

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0000

My seventh birthday was a disaster. It came during a move for my family, a move that did not go as smoothly as we hoped. But it’s funny how we can have good memories of unpleasant experiences. Reflecting on that miserable birthday makes me profoundly thankful and helps me think about what really matters in a child’s life.

Order your copy of The Christian Storyteller: https://a.co/d/iBN9WoD

Transcript/photos: exemplapodcast.com/2024/10/12/the-worst-birthday-ever/

Look at Your Fish!

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000

What can you learn from a dead fish? You might be surprised. Samuel Scudder was certainly surprised by his fish encounter when he started studying under the renowned scientist Louis Agassiz. Let me tell you Scudder’s story and challenge you to ponder the valuable spiritual lesson Agassiz's fish can help us consider.

Get your copy of The Christian Storyteller: https://a.co/d/izDtlgF

Episode photos/sources/transcript: exemplapodcast.com/2024/09/21/look-at-your-fish/

There's No Medal for Fourth Place

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Olympic middle-distance runners can run a mile in under four minutes. They are phenomenal athletes, but in many ways, they are just like the rest of us. Let me tell you the story of a race at this summer’s Olympics, the rivalry that fueled it, and the lesson we can learn from the result.

Video/pictures/sources: exemplapodcast.com/2024/09/07/theres-no-medal-for-fourth-place/

BONUS: The Christian Storyteller

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Do you want to become an effective storyteller who points others to the truth of God’s Word? I want to help. Listen to the introduction to my new book The Christian Storyteller. Learn more at christianstorytellerbook.com.

Necessary Members (replay)

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Sometimes, church is hard. There can be members you don’t like very much or people who just don’t seem to fit. What do we do when it feels like the church would be better off without some of its members? This is a story about a woman who thinks one man in her church might be more trouble than he’s worth. Is she right?

Learn more about The Christian Storyteller: christianstorytellerbook.com

Learn more about the Proclaim Podcast Network: proclaim.fm

Transcript and source for this episode: exemplapodcast.com/2024/08/24/necessary-members-replay/

Master Plan (replay)

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000

It doesn’t surprise us that a volcanic eruption could shape history, but what about a postage stamp? Sometimes small things make a big splash. Listen to this story about the origin of the Panama Canal and learn a lesson about the influences that decide the course of history.

Learn more about The Christian Storyteller: ⁠christianstorytellerbook.com⁠

Pictures, sources, and transcript for this episode: ⁠exemplapodcast.com/2024/08/10/master-plan-replay/

Brighter Lights (replay)

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000

It’s funny what matters to a little kid. When my son was two years old he loved nothing more than a fire truck, or tow truck, or police cruiser with flashing lights. But take those lights away? In this replay of an episode from season 1, I share a story from when my son was two and his tears taught me something about God’s perspective on my life.

Transcript: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/07/27/brighter-lights-replay/

Faithful Henry (replay)

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Think you know the story of the Frog Prince? Think again. The story was actually originally called “Iron Henry”. In this replay of an episode from season 1, I’ll introduce you to Henry. Henry’s is an odd tale with a surprisingly challenging lesson to teach us.

Transcript/source: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/07/13/faithful-henry-replay/

Not Convenient (replay)

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Wheeler Lipes didn’t join the navy so he could perform emergency surgery while onboard a submarine, but sometimes life brings us challenges we don't expect. Lipes wasn’t qualified to save the day, but the situation left him no choice. Listen to the Lipes’s story and learn the lesson he teaches us about doing what needs to be done even when you’re not the right man for the job.

Pictures, sources, and transcript: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/06/29/not-convenient-replay/

My Exempla (replay)

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000

What does Exempla mean? And what does an ancient Jewish feast have to do with the importance of storytelling? This replay of the very first episode of Exempla explains why I started this podcast and where its unusual name came from.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/06/15/my-exempla-replay/

Caesar and the Pirates

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000

When he was just twenty-five years old, Julius Caesar got captured by pirates. But it was the pirates, not Caesar, who got more than they bargained for. Listen to the unbelievable story and learn a valuable lesson about the power of words.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/06/01/caesar-and-the-pirates/

Ode to a Small Yellow House

Sat, 18 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000

When I was a kid, there was a place that was, hands down, my favorite place on earth. It was a little yellow house in the mountains of western Massachusetts. Recently, I went back to that magical place. I want to tell you about that visit and what it taught me.

Transcript and pictures: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/05/18/ode-to-a-small-yellow-house/

A Spy’s Warning for Pearl Harbor

Sat, 04 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In the fall of 1941, a spy came to the United States to warn us about the attack on Pearl Harbor, but records suggest that his warning was largely ignored. Learn why as I tell his story in this episode. We’ll also consider what we can learn from this apparent missed opportunity.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/05/04/a-spys-warning-for-pearl-harbor/

Why Bats Live in Caves

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000

When the animals and birds went to war, the bats had a choice to make. Would they side with their fellow furry animals or with their winged companions the birds? Find out in this adaptation of one of Aesop’s fables that teaches us a valuable lesson about loyalty and convictions.

Transcript and source: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/04/20/why-bats-live-in-caves/

Peanut Butter on Trial

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0000

It's easy to make peanut butter. Just grind up a bunch of peanuts and... Voila! But if you try to market and sell your peanut butter in the United States, you'll discover surprisingly strict regulations. In this episode, I'll tell you the story behind some of those rules and the woman who helped make them a reality.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/04/06/peanut-butter-on-trial/

A Fine Time to Buy a House

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In the fall of 2020, my wife and I found ourselves needing to buy a house. The housing market was crazy and it felt like an impossible task, but through our process of house-hunting, I learned a valuable lesson about how we tell the stories of our lives.

Transcript and picture: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/03/16/fine-time-to-buy-a-house/

A Dark Pit in the Jungle

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In 1828, veteran missionary Adoniram Judson moved into a makeshift bamboo hut in the jungle and separated himself from the society of others. What drove a faithful servant of God into the depths of despair? Listen to the heart-breaking story and learn a lesson about the challenges of overcoming the paralyzing power of grief.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/03/02/a-dark-pit-in-the-jungle/

Dirty Hands, Clean Heart

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Does God care about how we worship Him? Which is more important to God: doing things the right way or doing things for the right reason? In 2 Chronicles 30, King Hezekiah faced a dilemma when he hosted the Passover feast in Jerusalem. Listen to his story and learn an important lesson about our worship.

Transcript: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/02/17/dirty-hands-clean-heart/

Rules for a Tea Party

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0000

What would it have been like to witness the Boston Tea Party? Was it a chaotic free-for-all with tea flying in all directions? Not quite. Instead, the rebellious Bostonians who tossed British tea into the harbor shocked onlookers with their calm self-control. Listen to the story and consider a lesson in how we conduct ourselves. (Picture credit: Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/02/03/rules-for-a-tea-party/

A Song for the Ski Slopes

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000

I went skiing for the first time as a ten-year-old kid. The experience taught me some lessons. For one, it taught me that I will never be an olympic skier, but it also taught me an important lesson about music and one role that good Christian songs can play in my life.

Transcript and picture: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/01/20/a-song-for-the-ski-slopes/

Arthur Conan Doyle's Fairies

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—the man who created Sherlock Holmes—wrote a book in 1922 in support of the claim that fairies had been seen and photographed in the British countryside. But how did two photographs taken by a couple of girls in their backyard become the subject of a nation-wide debate and how did Doyle get involved? As we explore this “fairy tale”, we’ll learn some important lessons about why we believe what we believe and how to guard against falling for lies.

Pictures, transcript, and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2024/01/06/arthur-conan-doyles-fairies/

The Grumpy Little Fir Tree

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0000

What can we learn from the life of a little fir tree? With a little imagination and some help from a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, quite a lot! Join me for this tale about impatience, regret, and the power of a contented heart.

Transcript and source: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/12/16/the-grumpy-little-fir-tree/

The Pineapple Craze

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

What is a pineapple worth to you? For aristocrats in 17th and 18th century England and France, money was no object when it came to having and displaying pineapples. Why did Europe lose its mind over this singular tropical fruit? Hear the story in this episode and consider a lesson about how we view God’s good gifts.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/11/25/the-pineapple-craze/

A Hard Story to Hear

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

None of us enjoy having hard conversations, but when I told my son a frightening story and witnessed his unexpected reaction, I learned a valuable lesson about telling others things they don’t want to hear. Sometimes a simple story can be far more than just a story.

Transcript and pictures: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/11/11/a-hard-story-to-hear/

Is It Still Well With My Soul?

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000

You might know the moving tale behind the writing of “It is Well With My Soul”, but have you heard what happened to the author, Horatio Spafford, after he wrote his beloved hymn? His is a tragic story, but one that can teach us some valuable lessons.

Transcript, pictures, and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/10/28/is-it-still-well-with-my-soul/

Did Jesus Miss Out?

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000

The fear of missing out can be paralyzing. But when Jesus was presented with an exciting opportunity, how did He respond? Listen to the story and learn a lesson about missed opportunities from Jesus' example.

Transcript: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/10/14/jesus-missed-out/

The Man Who Hated Legos

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0000

I grew up playing with LEGOs, my kids play with LEGOs, and when nobody's watching, I still like to play with them every now and then. But I was surprised to hear the story about how LEGOs came to be what they are today. This episode, I share some of that story with you along with a practical lesson it holds about fault-finding and blame.

Transcript, pictures, and source: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/09/30/the-man-who-hated-legos/

Accidental First Date

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Lots of people have first date stories, but have you ever ended up on a first date accidentally? I have, and the experience taught me a valuable lesson about the unsearchable ways of God.

Transcript: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/09/16/accidental-first-date/

Summer Religion

Sat, 27 May 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In 1738, John was living an exemplary religious life, maintaining a high standard of devotion and piety. But he knew the bitter truth. Listen to the story of how John Wesley came face-to-face with the reality about his own heart and join me in reflecting on an important truth about religion and grace.

Transcript and sources: https://exemplapodcast.com/2023/05/27/summer-religion/

For Starters

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:09:44 -0000

Many drivers don’t pay much attention to what’s under the hood until something goes wrong. This episode, I tell a story about my struggle with an inoperative vehicle and an unexpected lesson about something else that is often overlooked.

Necessary Members

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 01:47:32 -0000

Church relationships aren’t always easy. Sometimes, members find it hard to connect with others and certain people in the church can seem like they just don’t fit. We have a vital principle to consider in this story about a woman who thinks one man in her church might be more trouble than he’s worth.

Nobody’s Hero

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 02:16:01 -0000

We love a good underdog story. We love it when the little guy stands up to the big guy, even though the odds look impossible. But is audacious heroism always a good thing? Listen to the story of one man who tried to be a hero and what resulted from his defiance.

Something Appropriate

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 11:39:49 -0000

In 1968, three men went to the moon for Christmas. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders were the crew of Apollo 8, and on Christmas Eve 1968 they shared a momentous message with the world, a message that still holds the power to lend us some much-needed Christmas perspective.

Master Plan

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 02:38:37 -0000

Did a lowly postage stamp alter the course of history? Join me for the fascinating story of how the Panama Canal almost never became a reality (it involves volcanoes) and for an important reminder of the influences that shape the course of history.

Good Eyes

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:47:00 -0000

How many words do you hear every day? What does it take for those words to really stick? Listen to this personal story about a simple comment that had a profound and lasting impact.

Critical Error

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 03:31:41 -0000

Funny, isn’t it, how good we are at finding mistakes? There may only be one imperfection in an otherwise flawless pattern or project, but our eyes immediately fix on that one fault. Bowen learned the hard way how destructive that tendency can be. Join me as we hear his story and learn a valuable lesson about criticism.

Acting Badly

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 11:03:38 -0000

Where did we get the phrase “Read the Riot Act”? The Riot Act, put in effect by British Parliament in 1715, was designed to combat angry protestors. But did it work? Travel with me to August 16, 1819 to witness an attempt to silence a crowd of 60,000 people and learn a lesson about dealing with disagreement.

Unworthy Tribute

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:57:01 -0000

We have all been exasperated by the rules and regulations we are sometimes asked to follow. Does God have anything to say about that? Join me this episode for a story about a Jewish man, a coin, and a principle for how we ought to respond to inconvenient or unfair rules.

Brighter Lights

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:30:04 -0000

Have you ever laughed at what little kids think is important? This story about a two-year-old and some flashing lights shows us that it all has to do with perspective, and maybe we all need our point of view adjusted.

Faithful Henry

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 03:14:40 -0000

We know the fairy tale as “The Frog Prince“, but when they wrote it, the Grimm brothers also gave it an alternate title: “Iron Henry”. Join me this episode as we meet Henry, find out what he has in common with John the Baptist, and learn the lesson they both have to teach us.

Sweet Savor

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:24:11 -0000

Maybe you have never thought to ask… What did the Old Testament tabernacle smell like? Join me for a visit to the ancient Jewish camp as we answer that question and consider an important principle for our own lives.

Not Convenient

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:49:42 -0000

In September of 1942, Wheeler Lipes, a sailor aboard the USS Seadragon, faced one of the most unusual challenges of his life. Listen to this episode to hear about the seemingly impossible task he faced and the lesson we can learn from his difficult assignment.

My Exempla

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 20:32:00 -0000

Welcome to Exempla. My name is Nathaniel Brown. Listen as I explain my passion for good storytelling with an eternal purpose. We all love stories and they have a way of capturing our imagination and making us think. Listen to understand what an "exempla" is and why I think God wants us to use stories to bring each other face-to-face with the truth in thought-provoking and compelling ways.

This is Exempla

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Looking for well-told stories that illustrate God's truth? Listen to Exempla, a Christian storytelling podcast by Nathaniel Brown