Podcast Summary: Unashamed with the Robertson Family

Episode 1167 | Jase Goes Toe-to-Toe with a Pro Chef & Trusting Jesus When the World Hates You
Date: September 17, 2025

Overview

In this episode, the Robertson family shares stories from recent travels and events, reflecting on faith in the face of tragedy and adversity. The episode extensively discusses grief after the loss of prominent Christian leader Charlie Kirk, trusting Jesus when confronted by the world's hatred, and the work of the Holy Spirit as counselor and advocate. Through engaging anecdotes, discussions around Scripture (especially John 14-16), and real-world encounters, the Robertsons model how to live unashamed for Christ in trying times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Processing Grief and Loss in the Christian Community

(01:06 – 04:24)

• Al recounts traveling and encountering the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination—comparing it to the impact of 9/11.

  "This was 9/11, which was 24 years ago...with this idea of hate and the two worlds colliding." — Al (03:32)

• Stories of boldness from others after the tragedy, highlighting how loss can strengthen faith and testimony.

2. Unexpected Encounters and God’s Providence

(04:24 – 13:20)

• Jase tells the story of staying at a historic inn run by Johannes, a Dutch chef whose life was saved on 9/11 because he was house hunting instead of working at the Twin Towers.
• Jase goes "toe-to-toe" with Johannes, who served an unforgettable breakfast (soufflé eggs), and reflects on how such moments serve as reminders of God’s provision.

  "I mean, this house saved my life. ...now I'm saving its life." — Johannes (07:11)

• The episode intersperses lightheartedness and depth, echoing the unpredictable nature of life and faith.

3. Meeting 'Almost Andy Reid' & Finding Joy in Community

(13:46 – 18:11)

• Al describes meeting Matt Black ("Almost Andy Reid" from State Farm commercials), showing how humor and recognition can build unexpected community and joy, even in times of grief.

4. Unexpected Ministry Moments—The Airplane Encounter

(18:11 – 24:09)

• Jase shares a moving story of an in-flight encounter with a flight attendant who, despite his appearance, turns out to be a believer and podcast fan deeply touched by Jase’s ministry and the loss of Charlie Kirk.

  "When he sat down, he just burst into tears...We had a really good Jesus conversation for five minutes." — Jase (22:57)

• This highlights how God uses openness and humility to connect believers, often in unexpected places.

5. Living as 'Light' in a Frustrated World

(25:26 – 27:00)

• Al and Jase discuss the challenges and opportunities of being kind and Christlike in environments prone to frustration—like airports and airplanes.

  “I always try to make it my ambition every time I go to an airport to be a light because I’m in a place that’s naturally not going to go that direction.” — Al (26:34)

6. Faith During Grief—Strength, Testimony, and the Example of Charlie Kirk’s Wife

(27:35 – 29:16)

• Reflections on the courage and faith displayed by Charlie Kirk’s widow in the public eye.

  “Even when my dad died and he just died and he was old and no one took his life...the first couple of days, I just couldn't really put two sentences together...Here's a woman getting up where the worst thing imaginable could happen. And her to speak...that’s what it looks like.” — Jase (28:48)

7. The Work of the Holy Spirit and the "Courtroom" of Salvation

(30:28 – 42:31)

• Scripture focus: John 14:26, John 16:1–16.
• Al describes Jesus' explanation of the Holy Spirit as Advocate/Counselor, likening the work to a courtroom—where truth either convicts or transforms, based on one's reception.

  “This idea of truth brings condemnation if you don’t believe...if you do, brings transformation.” — Al (35:49)

• Zach explores the Trinitarian nature of salvation: Father, Son, and Spirit all participate in judgment, advocacy, and redemption.

  “We're actually leaning into the very nature of who God is. So Christ is going to be the one who judges us, but he's also the one who covers us...the Spirit is going to actually be our counselor.” — Zach (39:11)

• Discussion of how the Holy Spirit leads, teaches, and reminds disciples.

8. Judgment Now & Not Yet—The Light/Darkness Dynamic

(47:30 – 56:11)

• Jase connects the present reality of judgment and the future final judgment, referencing John 3:19.

  “When you’re doing Jesus things...that light is revealing your heart and bad things happen and good things happen.” — Jase (48:24)

• The discussion underscores that believers are both recipients and bearers of God’s light, which disrupts darkness and exposes hearts.

9. Participating in the Divine Nature

(53:58 – 56:11)

• Zach articulates the ontological depth of God’s triune love and how, as believers, we partake in that “divine nature” (cf. 2 Peter 1:4).

  "It's ontologically impossible...for the Father to abuse or manipulate the Son...the very essence of their being is sacrificial love. And that's actually the life we're called into." — Zach (54:14)

10. The Hope and Mission of Living Unashamed

(56:11 – 57:00)

• Jase and Al climb back up to the “big picture”—that God uses flawed people, cleanses and indwells them, and enables them to be light in a dark world, despite opposition.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "This was 9/11, which was 24 years ago...with this idea of hate and the two worlds colliding." — Al (03:32)
• "I mean, this house saved my life. ...now I'm saving its life." — Johannes (07:11)
• "You will like it." — Johannes, Dutch chef, insisting Jase try his breakfast (08:54)
• "He was Andy Reid's stand-in on all those State Farm commercials. Like, you kidding me? I'm not kidding you." — Al (15:25)
• "When he sat down, he just burst into tears...We had a really good Jesus conversation for five minutes." — Jase (22:57)
• "I always try to make it my ambition every time I go to an airport to be a light..." — Al (26:34)
• "Here's a woman getting up where the worst thing imaginable could happen. And her to speak...that’s what it looks like." — Jase on Charlie Kirk’s widow (28:48)
• "This idea of truth brings condemnation if you don’t believe...if you do, brings transformation." — Al (35:49)
• "We're actually leaning into the very nature of who God is...the Spirit is our counselor." — Zach (39:11)
• "When you’re doing Jesus things...that light is revealing your heart and bad things happen and good things happen." — Jase (48:24)
• "It's ontologically impossible...for the Father to abuse or manipulate the Son...the very essence of their being is sacrificial love." — Zach (54:14)
• "God uses us despite our past and our failures to not only clean us up, but move inside of us and use us...despite extreme opposition." — Jase (56:11)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Reflections on 9/11 and Charlie Kirk – 01:06–04:24
• Jase’s Historic Inn and Chef Story – 04:24–13:20
• ‘Almost Andy Reid’ Encounter – 13:46–18:11
• Airplane Ministry Story – 18:11–24:09
• Kindness in Frustrating Spaces – 25:26–27:00
• Processing Grief and Faith of Charlie Kirk’s Wife – 27:35–29:16
• Bible Study on the Holy Spirit (John 14–16) – 30:28–42:31
• Judgment, Light, and Darkness Today – 47:30–56:11
• Closing Hopes & Next Ep Preview – 56:11–57:00

Final Thoughts

This episode weaves together poignant reflections on faith, loss, and community with cheerful and humorous storytelling, offering practical and doctrinal insights for Christians facing hostility or grief. Through exploratory Bible study, real-life hospitality, and courage in witness, the Robertsons model what it means to be unashamed of the Gospel, living as light-bearers in a troubled world.