Best Aaron Salvato Podcasts (2025)

1
The Pain of Rejection 9:18

15d ago9:18

9:18

In this episode of The Wilderness Devotional, we walk straight into the ache of being unseen. We explore what it means that Jesus—the radiant, eternal, glorious Son of God—came into the world… and the world did not recognize Him. Even His own people, the ones He formed in their mother’s wombs, the ones He had come to rescue, turned their backs. “He…

1
Reflect The Light Of Christ (John 1:6-7) 10:24

22d ago10:24

10:24

In this episode of The Wilderness Devotional, we meet a wild, bug-eating, camel-hair-wearing prophet from the desert—John the Baptist.A man so outside the lines of what society called normal, you’d probably scroll past him on Instagram thinking he was some kind of conspiracy guy with dirt under his nails. And yet… Jesus said this: “Among those born…

1
Relentless Love 5:54

1M ago5:54

5:54

In this episode of The Wilderness Devotional, we reflect on one of the most beautiful truths at the center of the universe: Jesus isn’t done with us. He didn’t just finish His work on the cross and call it a day. He’s still working. Still pursuing. Still healing. Still saving. “Jesus is eternally and tirelessly bringing everything and everyone toge…

1
Hearts Rebuilt From Hope 8:35

1M ago8:35

8:35

How many of us look in the mirror and struggle to like what we see? Not just physically—but spiritually. Emotionally. Internally. In this episode of The Wilderness Devotional, we sit in the uncomfortable reality that many of us spend our lives chasing a version of ourselves that doesn’t even exist. The false self. The idealized projection. The cura…

1
Jesus Holds The Universe Together 9:22

2M ago9:22

9:22

What do you do when your world starts to fall apart? Not the small kind of unraveling—like a flat tire or a bad day at work.I’m talking about when things really fall apart.When the future you counted on slips through your fingers.When the people you love let you down.When your faith feels like it’s cracking at the edges and you’re not sure what’s g…

1
God's Right To Change The Plan (Classic Episode - 2020) 1:19:39

2M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

People generally want to feel in control. We work, think, and plan to map out where our lives are going. But sometimes, it feels like God comes along and totally changes the plan. This can leave us confused, wondering how our lives got turned upside down, and worst of all, wondering if we ever really heard God in the first place. In this episode, A…

1
Jesus Is What God Has To Say 9:10

8M ago9:10

9:10

What is the meaning of life? Big question, I know. But it’s one we’ve all asked in some form. What’s the point of all this? Why am I here? What does it all mean? And maybe deeper still—what does God think about me? In this episode of The Wilderness Devotional, we sit with the opening line of John’s Gospel, a passage that shaped how the early church…

1
Overcoming Perfectionism as a Christian 18:34

9M ago18:34

18:34

Today, we're diving deep into something I know a lot of us deal with: perfectionism. That constant, nagging feeling that no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. You pour your heart and soul into everything, trying to live up to these impossible standards—whether it's the ones you set for yourself or the ones you feel from the world around y…

1
Lessons From Fatherhood: God's Desire To Be With His Children 29:22

9M ago29:22

29:22

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I've put out new episodes on this show! Life, as it does, has gotten in the way. The busyness of work, family, all the unexpected curveballs that come with being a husband and a dad, and running both an itinerant ministry and a small business. But today, something shifted. I felt this nudge, like God was saying…

1
Jesus: The Unseen Savior (John 1:14-18) 10:00

9M ago10:00

10:00

What if no one ever really saw you? Not just physically—but fully. Not just your face, but your heart. Not just your name, but your soul. What if your whole life, you felt like a shadow in the background? A blur in the crowd? What if you were never known—never truly known—by anyone? In this episode of The Wilderness Devotional, we reflect on one of…

1
Does Our Sin Really Separate Us From God? - GoodLion Theology 20:34

1y ago20:34

20:34

Welcome to a Q&A episode of the Good Lion Podcast. Today, we're tackling heartfelt inquiries from our listeners about the spiritual implications of sin and separation from God. Does sin really separate us from God, or is it our perception? Join us as we explore these questions through Scripture and personal reflections.🔍 **In This Episode:** **Sin …

1
How Do Hell Debates Effect Our Spirituality? - GoodLion Theology 21:47

1y ago21:47

21:47

🔥 Exploring Hell: The Big Debate In this Q&A episode of the Good Lion Podcast, we take on one of the most challenging theological topics: hell. With a listener's heartfelt question as our starting point, we delve into how the intense debates around literal vs. metaphorical interpretations affect our faith journey. 🤔 Reconciling God's Love & Justice…

1
How Do Selfish Actions Unleash Hell On Earth? - GoodLion Theology 21:04

1y ago21:04

21:04

In a recent episode, Aaron dove into the concept of "hell on earth"—where the destructive forces of sin, death, and selfishness play out in daily life. This episode is a Q&A that answers a listener's profound question: "How can our actions contribute to or alleviate these hellish conditions?" 🔍 Unpacking the Question Our daily choices can either bu…

1
Q&A: Divine Justine & The Fear of Hell? 15:11

1y ago15:11

15:11

In this episode of the GoodLion Podcast, we navigate the delicate intersection between the terrifying specter of hell and the radiant hope found in Christ. In this special "Ask Good Lion" segment, host Pastor Aaron Salvato explores the questions surrounding the fear of hell and how it interacts with divine justice. We first delve into how Christian…

1
Hell In The Heart - Unmasking the Roots of Sin and Suffering 19:41

1y ago19:41

19:41

As we continue this series of talks on sin and Hell, originally delivered by Aaron Salvato at the Good Lion School of Discipleship, we will explore the daunting idea that hell can, in a way, manifest here and now, through our actions and inactions. 😨 How do personal sins contribute not only to our individual downfalls but also to societal injustice…

1
Beyond HellFire: The True Terror of Separation from God 27:34

1y ago27:34

27:34

Today, on the Good Lion Podcast, we explore the mysteries of sin, wrath, and the enigmatic concept of hell, a topic that stirs the soul and challenges the heart. How do we reconcile a God of infinite love with the doctrine of eternal punishment? What is hell? Is it merely a place, or could it be a present reality, as tangible as the air we breathe?…

1
Debate: Without the Serpent, Would Adam and Eve Still have Sinned? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato 38:22

1y ago38:22

38:22

In this episode (Part 2 in our series on the nature of Sin and Hell), Brian and I do something we rarely do – we disagree. We dive into the question: If the serpent hadn't shown up in Eden, would Adam and Eve have still sinned? It's a thought-provoking debate that not only questions the inevitability of sin but also challenges us to consider the dy…

1
Theology: What is the Nature of Sin? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato 37:42

1y ago37:42

37:42

In this episode, Brian Higgins and I dive into a topic that's foundational yet often elusive – the nature of sin. This isn't just another rundown of wrongdoings; it's a profound theological exploration that invites you to rethink what you know about sin. We attempt at peeling back the layers to reveal sin not as a mere catalogue of missteps, but as…

1
Famous Last Words: Evanglism is for Everyone 1:14:57

1y ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Aaron: In the summer of 2016, I shared a heartfelt sermon at camp that explored the deep meaning in Jesus' final words and the unending invitation to evangelism. This episode revisits that summer camp sermon, focusing intently on the thematic core of evangelism and the personal transformation it calls each of us towards. 🌟 In the latter half of the…

1
Progressive Dispensationalism, Eschatology Reimagined - With Dr. Darrell Bock 1:37:38

1+ y ago1:37:38

1:37:38

Welcome, theology nerds and seekers! On this season 9 finale, we're diving deep into the world of dispensationalism. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a fresh-faced learner, we've got something for you! Our guests are Mike Dente, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Paris, France, and Professor Darrell Bock from Dallas Theological Seminary. We dis…

1
Answering Questions From Pastors About Doubt & Deconstruction - (with Johnny Zacchio) 38:28

1+ y ago38:28

38:28

In today's episode, we delve into a profound conversation with my friend, Pastor Johnny Zacchio. 😊 Johnny brings some pertinent pastoral questions about the subject of doubt and deconstruction, which is a significant issue for many within the church today. 👀 His questions focus on how pastors can understand a simple meaning of deconstruction, and h…

1
Doubt & Deconstruction: Ministering to the Next Generation with Compassion and Grace (Nick Cady & Aaron Salvato) 1:23:23

1+ y ago1:23:23

1:23:23

Hey folks, I am super excited to share with you the full audio of a workshop that Nick Cady and I put together for CGN. In this workshop, we dive deep into the topic of doubt and deconstruction. The goal of this workshop is to help Christians and ministry leaders understand this issue from an informed, compassionate, and measured perspective. The r…

1
Serve Like Jesus 1:00:59

1+ y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

🎙️ Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where our host, Aaron Salvato, digs deep into the heart of servanthood, inspired by the incredible actions of Jesus himself. As a powerful sermon Aaron shared at the Good Lion School of Discipleship, this episode guides us through the transformative power of humility and service. This is not about gr…

1
Exploring The Major Views On Eschatology - Nick Cady 1:22:46

1+ y ago1:22:46

1:22:46

Aaron is joined by his long-time friend Nick Cady, to dive deep into the fascinating theological topic of eschatology. 😊 Eschatology is a topic that often leaves many Christians feeling confused and overwhelmed. With its complexities and differing perspectives, it's no wonder why this subject can sometimes seem daunting to navigate. 😬 Nick aims to …

1
Returning To The King - Do you see Him merely as Savior... or as Lord? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato 44:13

1+ y ago44:13

44:13

As followers of Jesus, we often begin our journey with a fairly simplistic view of who He is - a divine savior who absolves us of our sins and provides a comforting presence in our lives. But as our faith deepens, we start to realize that there's so much more to Him. In this episode Aaron and Brian dive into the transformational journey of understa…

1
Re-Centering on Jesus: Purpose, Hope, and Regaining Childlike Wonder | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato 59:26

1+ y ago59:26

59:26

In this episode, Brian and Aaron reunite after a long time off from recording together. The two friends help each other rekindle their fervor for Jesus and share their journey with the listeners. Amidst the bustle of their lives, which includes navigating changes in their careers, evolving responsibilities in parenthood, and returning to local mini…

1
Why Does Yahweh Seem So Angry in the Old Testament? - (GoodLion Classic Episode) 1:24:36

2y ago1:24:36

1:24:36

This week we're thrilled to revisit an important conversation with one of our longest-running and most cherished guests, Dr. Gerry Breshears. Gerry, a beloved Seminary Professor and mentor to many, joins us again to wrestle with the difficult but essential topic of God's judgment and wrath. Our listeners know this is a subject close to Aaron and Br…

1
Jesus' Death: Failure or Victory? - (Classic GoodLion Episode) 27:35

2y ago27:35

27:35

For this special classic episode, Aaron delves deeply into a provocative claim made on NPR's This American Life. In a conversation with host Ira Glass, Princeton historian Elaine Pagels argues that Jesus's death on the cross was an "utter failure." This piques Aaron's curiosity. He decides to explore the topic further, questioning leading scholars …

1
Getting Honest About Depression and the Christian Church - With Wesley Towne (Classic GoodLion Episode) 1:20:26

2y ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Join Aaron and Brian as they tackle one of the hardest topics facing Christians and the church today: depression. In this honest and illuminating episode, they sit down with pastor Wesley Towne who has spent years ministering to those struggling with mental illness. This episode was recorded shortly after the tragic loss of Pastor Jared Wilson, bri…

1
A Raw Conversation On Sex Scenes, Christians, and Media - (GoodLion Classic Episode) 1:46:43

2y ago1:46:43

1:46:43

Welcome to a classic two-part episode of The GoodLion Podcast! It's a marathon not a sprint as Brian and Aaron dive into the complex issue of violence, sex and nudity in media. The popular show Game of Thrones sparked many conversations about how Christians should consume media with sex scenes. These episodes, recorded in 2019, tackle that debate h…

1
Shame, Sin, & What Tim Mackie Taught Us About Righteousness - (Classic GoodLion Episode) 1:10:26

2y ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Aaron and Brian welcome you to revisit two early episodes from Season 1 that set out to deeply explore the meaning and importance of righteousness. These episodes were part of their initial ‘Righteousness’ mini-series where they sought to understand what righteousness truly means and how it should impact the lives of Jesus followers. In Part 1, Aar…

1
GoodLion Update: School of Discipleship Ministry Reports, Great Things in Store for the Podcast, & an Update on Aaron's Seminary Journey 19:49

2y ago19:49

19:49

In the season finale of Season 9 of the GoodLion podcast, we take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey we've been on, and share with you some awesome news. As we dive behind the scenes, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our steadfast listeners, both old and new, for accompanying us on this spiritual path. A Ministry Update: First, a mi…

1
Learning From Jesus: The Wisdom Warrior (Michael Bowles) 1:10:43

2y ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Michael Bowles returns with fresh insight on the ancient motif of the wisdom warrior. As Aaron and Michael discuss, Michael traces the wisdom warrior path embodied by exilic prophets like Jeremiah and Daniel who navigated Babylonian captivity through wisdom above violence. Michael reveals how Jesus, the ultimate Wisdom Warrior, defeated Satan throu…

1
Battling Intrusive Thoughts (Aaron & Brian) - Strategies for the Christian to resist and overcome thoughts of doubt, discouragement, & fear and re-center on Christ. 41:15

2y ago41:15

41:15

Struggling with Intrusive Thoughts and Doubts? You're not alone. Most Christians experience doubt from time to time, but for some the struggle with intrusive thoughts that breed uncertainty can become all-consuming. In this episode, Aaron Salvato answers a question from listener who struggles with random sudden thoughts that cause them to question …

1
Responding To Tough Pushback Around Christian Sexual Ethics | Pieter Valk - Pt 2: "Is Gay Sin Worse Than Straight Sin?" and More Challenging Questions From Pastors. 56:38

2y ago56:38

56:38

This episode is the second part of an interview with Pieter Valk. In part one of the interview, Pieter laid out his heart and his vision for helping gay people follow Jesus and find love, support, and belonging within the church while adhering to the theological orthodoxy and commitment to the historic Christian sexual ethic of God's design for mar…

1
Compassionate Sexual Orthodoxy - Pieter Valk Pt 1: Navigating Brokenness, Shame, and Helping LGBT People Turn To Jesus 52:18

2y ago52:18

52:18

Pieter Valk joins Aaron Salvato for a very intriguing conversation on sexuality. Pieter is a same-sex attracted Christian and ministry leader who is also committed to the historic Christian sexual ethic. This is a challenging path to walk, as it requires faithfulness and obedience to the teachings of Jesus around sexuality, often leading to a life …

1
The Dangers of Theology Gone Wrong - (Dr. Gerry Breshears) - Disunity, Division, & Deconstruction 42:49

2y ago42:49

42:49

In part 2 of our short series on theology, Dr. Gerry Breshears (Western Seminary) helps us understand the dangers of theology gone wrong. Gerry is an amazing theological mind and a fan favorite of the show. In part one, we defined theology and talked about why it's essential for discipleship. In this episode, we'll discuss how theology can at times…

1
WHY does theology matter for discipleship? (Dr. Gerry Breshears) - Defining Theology, Learning How it Helps us as Disciples, and Exploring How We Can Work Together... Even When We Disagree 47:15

2y ago47:15

47:15

In today's episode of The GoodLion Podcast, we're chatting about something super close to our hearts: what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how theology shapes that journey. With the launch of our humble little ministry, the GoodLion School of Discipleship in Yukon, Oklahoma, we're passionate about fusing hands-on discipleship with some deep,…

1
The Creativity Of The Minister - Riley Taylor | Exploring the God-given call to harness creativity for good. 1:16:36

2y ago1:16:36

1:16:36

In this episode Aaron sits down with his friend pastor Riley Taylor to discuss the importance of creativity in ministry. Aaron and Riley share a background in filmmaking and youth ministry, and have always believed in using their creative skills to enhance their ministry work. Riley explains that creativity in preaching can lead people to truth. By…

1
The Theology of Heavenly Treasures | Materialism, Heart Locations, & Answering the Question "What did Jesus Mean by Store Up Treasures in Heaven?" 26:28

2y ago26:28

26:28

In this episode, host Aaron Salvato dives deep into the theology of "Treasures in Heaven" as described by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. As Christians, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of life and forget the deeper meanings behind Jesus' teachings. Aaron dives deep into the idea of heavenly treasures, explaining what they are…

1
How can we serve when we are busy and overwhelmed? 15:19

2y ago15:19

15:19

In this episode, we answer a question from one of our students at the GoodLion school of discipleship on the topic of servanthood, which is an essential element of Christian discipleship. At the heart of servanthood is the concept of selflessness, which requires us to put the needs of others before our own. As followers of Christ, we are called to …

1
Love & Holiness - The Character of Yahweh (2nd Hand Seminary) | Jon Markey, Austin Palmer, & Johnny Golightly 1:23:40

2+ y ago1:23:40

1:23:40

In this episode, host Aaron Salvato and three of his classmates from Western seminary sit down to discuss theological concepts surrounding the love and holiness of God's character. Aaron frames this episode as an experience of"secondhand seminary", a gateway into learning and diving deeper into one's faith. Aaron explains that historically, this co…

1
The Anonymity Of Pastoral Work - Nate Holdridge 1:34:33

2+ y ago1:34:33

1:34:33

In this episode, Aaron is joined by guest Nate Holdridge to discuss the anonymity of pastoral work. While pastoral work may seem like a public job in this age of celebrity pastors, Nate argues that embracing the anonymous aspects of this work is a better path, and essential for the pastor's soul. Using Paul's image of the farmer and the field, Nate…

1
Devotions, or Devoted? - Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins | Classic Episode 47:36

2+ y ago47:36

47:36

In this classic episode from season 2 of the Goodlion podcast, we join hosts Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins on a deep dive into the Christian idea of "devotions." We explore the tension that many of us feel when it comes to devotions, often seeing them as just another chore. However, we discover that devotions are meant to be an opportunity to gro…

1
Healing From Covid Division - Terry Michaels 1:24:36

2+ y ago1:24:36

1:24:36

In this episode Aaron chats with pastor Terry Michaels, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Austin Texas, for a conversation about a wound that's been inflicted on the church in recent times - division. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about challenges that tested the unity of the church, with masks and vaccines becoming sources of division, causing harm …

1
True Repentance Requires A Broken Heart 24:58

2+ y ago24:58

24:58

As Christians, it is easy for us to come to God only when we want to escape the consequences of our sin, rather than coming to Him with a genuinely broken heart of repentance. Aaron reminds us that a true desire for repentance and change must come from a deep sense of sorrow for our sin and a recognition of the ways in which it has hurt God and oth…

1
Crying Out To The Father - A study of God's Fatherhood 47:54

2+ y ago47:54

47:54

The GoodLion Podcast is excited to bring you this special episode featuring a sermon from Aaron Salvato. Aaron recently preached at Calvary Chapel Vista on Psalm 86, a psalm that speaks to the fatherhood of God. In this sermon, Aaron delves into the tenderness and care with which God relates to us as his children. He shares his own experiences as a…

1
What Exactly IS the GoodLion Podcast? 32:20

2+ y ago32:20

32:20

The GoodLion Podcast is a show that explores the intersection of faith and culture. Hosts Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins have been doing the show for 8 seasons and have built a loyal audience of young adults and youth who are hungry for authentic conversations about spirituality and the world around them. In this episode, Aaron addresses a questio…

1
Wake Up To The Mission (Evan Wickham) - Resist Apathy pt 6 1:13:24

2+ y ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Evan Wickham and Aaron Salvato discuss the "Mission of God" and what it means for followers of The Way of Jesus. They discuss their shared background growing up as pastor's kids in evangelical culture, and how easy it is to become apathetic to the mission of the Church. Evan gives some great insights into how to break free from this apathy and find…

1
Wake Up To Your Need For Christ - Resisting Apathy pt.5 23:45

2+ y ago23:45

23:45

So often we turn to things like money, stuff, safety and security to give us what we need. In doing so, we often grow apathetic towards our true need: Christ. In this episode, Aaron gives a message pointing us to the reality of our need for a savior. We need to wake up to the reality that we need Jesus more than we need anyone or anything else. The…

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