Podcast
GEORGE FOX TALKS
Hosted by George Fox University · EN
Accessible and academically driven discussion on the topics of theology, wellness, culture, and travel. This podcast is presented by faculty and friends of George Fox University in Newberg, OR.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The 6 Principles of a Legendary CEO ft. Jim Donald
2w ago00:30:09Tap to summarizeWhat makes a meeting worth the time? How involved should leaders be in the work of their employees? What does it take to turn a failing company around? Businessman and former Starbucks CEO Jim Donald chats with Brian about the hands-on, revitalizing framework that earned him the moniker “The Turnaround King.” Punctuated with memorable action points and vivid stories, Jim’s advice offers something worthwhile for leaders of all kinds. (Spoiler alert: He takes his coffee black.)Jim Donald is a world-class executive widely known for his unique ability to revive financially ailing organizations and lead through uncertainty.Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →Christianity Today’s CEO on Leadership: Don’t Chase Perfection
4w ago00:32:00Tap to summarizeModern leadership models tend to revolve around attaining power, loyalty, and even perfection. In today’s episode, author and Christianity Today CEO Nicole Massie Martin invites us to flip these values upside down. Drawing on Jesus’ ministry to provide a countercultural model for effective leadership, Nicole talks with Brian about the inevitability of pain in the leader’s journey, resisting the pressure to achieve perfection, and the nuances of navigating competition and partnership across the gender divide.Nicole Massie Martin is a leader, author, speaker, teacher, and CEO of Christianity Today. Check out her book, Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender: https://www.nicolemassiemartin.com/Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →Political Opposites, Genuine Friends: A Conversation with Cornel West & Robert George
Apr 2801:22:48Tap to summarizeIn this exciting episode, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George model and expound upon the antidote to the polarization plaguing our times: a blend of intellectual humility, a hunger for truth, and a Gospel-shaped love for humankind. Dr. Joseph Clair—Associate Provost and Professor of Theology and Culture at George Fox—hosts this rousing conversation with two of America’s most influential public intellectuals.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →The Cost of American Hustle Culture
Apr 1400:30:58Tap to summarizeFrom our work habits to the competitive way we rest, Americans are notorious for our “hustle and grind” culture. But what is this approach to life costing us, and is there a better way? In today’s episode, Brian and social worker Steffanie Altenbern consider alternatives from other countries, the origins of the American work ethic, and the value of putting aside optimization in favor of what truly matters. New York Times article, “The Europeans Have Some Notes About American Sauna Culture”: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/well/european-american-sauna.htmlSteffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →Evangelizing in Exile ft. Kevin Palau
Mar 3100:41:16Tap to summarizeIs Gen Z on the brink of an old-school revival? How are social media and AI shaping how Christians share their faith? Is exile the perfect metaphor for Christians in Portland, Oregon, today? George Fox Talks pays a visit to Palau, the global evangelistic ministry founded by Luis Palau, for a conversation with current president and CEO, Kevin Palau.Check out Kevin’s book, Unlikely: Setting Aside Our Differences to Live Out the Gospel: https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Setting-Aside-Differences-Gospel/dp/1476797269Kevin Palau is president and CEO of Palau, a global evangelistic organization based near Portland, OR: https://www.palau.org/kevinDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →Reliving the Bible's Darkest Story Through Art ft. Scott Erickson
Mar 1700:39:19Tap to summarizeDeath, destruction, and dismemberment in…Christian art? Artist, author, and performance speaker Scott Erickson joins Brian for a deep dive on the strange and complex season of Lent. Fueled by personal experiences of grief and loss, Scott’s “Stations in the Street” project demonstrates that facing the Bible’s darkest story (in all its gory detail) deepens our connection to Jesus Christ as “God with Us.” Check out Stations in the Street in its entirety: https://www.scottericksonart.com/arts/stations-in-the-streetScott Erickson creates art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences: https://www.scottericksonart.com/Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →Work, Theology, & Spiritual Growth in the Age of AI (Q&A Episode)
Mar 300:34:29Tap to summarizeBrian and George Fox University CIO James Gurganus respond to YOUR questions about AI and faith! How is AI shaping career prospects for new graduates? How might AI that provides 'frictionless' companionship and instant emotional validation impact our spiritual growth? If a machine can think, work, and love, what’s left that makes humans special to God? Don’t miss a rousing discussion on these and other questions from two of the university’s top AI integration experts.Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlJames Gurganus is the Chief Information Officer for George Fox University: https://nwacc.org/person/james-gurganus/The DELTA Framework from the University of Notre Dame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_tQ-5njGhV0If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →How to Navigate the Healthcare Maze in 2026
Feb 1700:30:39Tap to summarizeProfessor and social worker Steffanie Altenbern joins Brian on an expedition through the “maze” of healthcare in the United States, a system they argue has become too complicated for the average person to navigate without help. Join us as we explore the reasons why, the impact on patients and providers, and some practical steps we can take to get the care we need. Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlStand up comedy bit on American healthcare: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIclMKPyTuS “Uncompensated care crisis”: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/oct/expiring-premium-tax-credits-lead-340000-jobs-lost-2026https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-what-to-watch-in-2026/“Healthcare anxiety”:https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-health-care-costs-expiring-aca-tax-credits-and-the-2026-midterms/“Rural Care Deserts”:https://www.aha.org/environmentalscan“Alorithm Bias”:https://naacp.org/resources/building-healthier-future-designing-ai-health-equityhttps://dhinsights.org/news/naacp-releases-blueprint-to-tackle-bias-in-healthcare-aiIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →Can AI Imitate the Soul? Where Christians Need to Draw the Line
Feb 300:37:54Tap to summarizeCan physics explain the soul? Is AI building a silicon god? Should Christians be open to merging their brains with the cloud or using AI to “resurrect” a loved one? Brian and philosophy professor Isaac Choi explore these and other questions at the intersection of faith, science, and futurism.Check out The Singularity is Near by Ray Kurzweil: https://www.singularity.com/Dr. Isaac Choi directs the George Fox University Honors Program: https://www.georgefox.edu/honors-program/faculty-pages/isaac-choi.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Transcribe →When Christian Leaders Fail: Grief & Accountability
Jan 2000:33:37Tap to summarizeNews of beloved author Philip Yancey’s years-long affair with a married woman sparks a tough but worthwhile conversation between Brian and theologian Lindsey Hankins. From initial grief and accountability to the ultimate legacy of their work, join us as we explore what to do when a Christian public figure we trust and respect experiences a fall from grace.Christianity Today article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/author-philip-yancey-confesses-affair-withdraws-from-ministry/The Dunning-Kruger Effect: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/dunning-kruger-effectDr. Lindsey Hankins is the Director of the School of Humanities and Assistant Professor of Theology at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/hankins.htmlDr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.htmlIf you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
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