How would your life change if you truly believed Jesus is gentle and welcoming toward you at your weakest, not just at your best?

In this conversation with Dane Ortlund, pastor and author of Gentle and Lowly, he and Dan Doriani explore the heart of Christ -- his gentleness toward the penitent, his costly, enduring love, and how this vision reshapes everyday Christian life, from how we see ourselves to how we love our families, coworkers, and even those who have hurt us.

How do we know when a war is not only necessary, but truly just?

In this episode, Dan Doriani sits down with former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, who served on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, to discuss 'just war theory' in today’s world. Together, they examine what counts as war in an age of cyberattacks and proxy conflicts, revisit the classic Christian criteria for a just war, and apply those principles to current events, from Russia–Ukraine to Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Iran-backed groups, as well as the ongoing, undeclared tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

What does it really mean to be a conservative, and how should Christians think about power, politics, and the common good? In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with writer and former White House advisor Pete Wehner about the moral roots of conservatism, the dangers of tribalism, the importance of character in leaders, and why a market economy can both lift people from poverty and cultivate virtue.

What does real connection look and feel like in our closest relationships? In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with counselor Jennifer Ware about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), how patterns of connection and disconnection shape marriages and families, and simple practices couples can use to deepen their bond. Jennifer also shares about STL Storytell, s St. Louis-based live storytelling event that helps people process and share their stories in community. Dan and Jenn discuss what it means to be a good listener and how storytelling can help us break out of loneliness.

What happens when the very economic systems that lift millions out of material poverty also contribute to rising anxiety and depression? In part 2 of this 2-part episode, Dan Doriani sits down with Dr. Brian Fikkert - economist and co-author of When Helping Hurts - to integrate theological insight with sociological research, pushing against the limits of economic theory to participate in the broader Christian call to promote human flourishing.

What does it really mean to help the poor in ways that lead to lasting change? In this episode, Dan Doriani sits down with Dr. Brian Fikkert - economist, author, and co-author of 'When Helping Hurts, - to rethink how we approach poverty alleviation.

Brian challenges the common assumption that poverty is primarily a material problem, arguing instead that it is rooted in broken relationships - psychological, social, and spiritual as much as economic. Together, Dan and Brian explore why well-intended material solutions often address symptoms rather than causes, and why effective help must begin with a deeper, holistic diagnosis.

What does faithful leadership look like when navigating organizational turbulence? In this episode, Dan sits down with pastor, author, and current president of The Gospel Coalition Mark Vroegop to explore the hard-won lessons that emerge from leading through difficulty.

Mark brings a rare combination of perspectives: from shepherding College Park Church in Indianapolis through seasons of growth and transition to now leading one of the most influential evangelical organizations in North America. Together, Dan and Mark reflect on what they've discovered about leadership when the path forward isn't clear.

Private equity is infamous for the often-destructive "Buy, Lever, Strip, Flip" strategy. In this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, entrepreneur and investor Brent Beshore joins Dan to discuss why Permanent Equity takes a different approach—avoiding debt, embracing long-term ownership, and prioritizing the well-being of employees, communities, and investors. Tune in to this episode to hear Brent share his personal faith journey and how Jesus helps him be the best version of himself in every area of his life.