155. Two Things at Once | Surface Tension

Surface Tension

#Religion #Christianity #by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber #Alex Graeber #Craig Morris

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

about a year ago 39:37

MP3•Episode home

What if two seemingly opposite emotions (like fear and joy, or vulnerability and safety) could exist together, rather than cancel each other out?

In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the surprising spiritual maturity found in holding tension: between shame and love, pain and hope, disappointment and delight.

Drawing from personal stories, relationships, and even cultural observations, they invite listeners to consider how pairing emotional opposites can lead to deeper healing, connection, and transformation. Because maybe the gospel doesn’t ask us to choose between feelings, but to integrate them with grace.

160 episodes

155. Two Things at Once | Surface Tension

Surface Tension

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

What if two seemingly opposite emotions (like fear and joy, or vulnerability and safety) could exist together, rather than cancel each other out?

In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the surprising spiritual maturity found in holding tension: between shame and love, pain and hope, disappointment and delight.

160 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #by Craig Morris and Alex Graeber #Alex Graeber #Craig Morris

All episodes

Surface Tension

1
159. Instrumental or Intrinsic? 41:42

6 weeks ago41:42

41:42

In this episode, Alex and Craig revisit the story of the prodigal son, but with a twist. What happens when the son returns home and tries to earn his way back into the Father's favor? This leads to a vulnerable and timely conversation about how we see value, in ourselves, in others, and even in God. Are we caught in an exhausting cycle of performance, or can we begin to live as people loved simply for who we are? This one will challenge your metrics and reshape how you approach love, worth, and relationship.…

Surface Tension

1
158. The Carnival | Surface Tension 38:20

8 weeks ago38:20

38:20

What if life is like a carnival, and we’re running from booth to booth, chasing prizes that never satisfy? In this episode, Alex and Craig dive into a vivid dream about a carnival, revealing how we often find ourselves hustling for worth, approval, and success in all the wrong places.

Surface Tension

1
157. Refusing Affirmations | Surface Tension 35:42

12 weeks ago35:42

35:42

Why is it so easy to believe the worst about ourselves, and so hard to receive what’s good and true? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore why affirmations often bounce off our hearts while criticism cuts deep. They reflect on the emotional walls we build, the spiritual consequences of rejecting love, and the importance of choosing to trust the voice of God over the noise of fear and self-doubt. Through vulnerability and story, they offer a hopeful vision for receiving truth not just in theory, but deep in the soul.…

Surface Tension

1
156. Judgement Day | Surface Tension 38:19

13 weeks ago38:19

38:19

When you hear the words “Judgment Day,” do you feel fear… or anticipation? In this episode, Alex and Craig challenge the fire-and-brimstone narrative by asking a bold question: Should we actually be excited for it? Through the stories of Babel, Jesus' mercy, and personal reflections, they explore what it means to truly believe that Christ has already paid the price on our behalf. This is an invitation to trade shame and striving for trust and rest, and to consider that God’s final word might just be love.…

Surface Tension

1
155. Two Things at Once | Surface Tension 39:37

14 weeks ago39:37

39:37

What if two seemingly opposite emotions (like fear and joy, or vulnerability and safety) could exist together, rather than cancel each other out? In this episode, Alex and Craig explore the surprising spiritual maturity found in holding tension: between shame and love, pain and hope, disappointment and delight. Drawing from personal stories, relationships, and even cultural observations, they invite listeners to consider how pairing emotional opposites can lead to deeper healing, connection, and transformation. Because maybe the gospel doesn’t ask us to choose between feelings, but to integrate them with grace.…

Surface Tension

1
154. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jim Moss 54:37

15 weeks ago54:37

54:37

What does it look like to serve God on the frontlines (literally)? In this gripping episode, former SWAT team member and Air Rescue 5 veteran Jim Moss shares how decades in high-stakes law enforcement shaped his faith, refined his prayer life, and revealed God’s purpose in both chaos and stillness. From spiritual awakenings during tactical raids to the quiet miracle of fatherhood, Jim's story is one of grit, grace, and divine redirection. Join Alex and Craig as they explore how God shows up in unexpected ways—and what it means to “play for the win” in both life and faith.…

Surface Tension

1
153. Big G, little g | Surface Tension 32:52

16 weeks ago32:52

32:52

In this episode of Surface Tension , Alex and Craig explore the concept of choosing which "god" to serve in life, discussing the difference between the "Big G God" (the one true God) and the many "little g gods" that often distract us, such as societal approval, money, and comfort. They reflect on how these "little g gods" can subtly take control of our lives and prevent us from truly pursuing a relationship with the Big G God.…

Surface Tension

1
152. Two for Two? | Surface Tension 37:55

18 weeks ago37:55

37:55

Are you okay? Are things going to be okay? In this episode, Alex and Craig go beneath the surface to explore these two deceptively simple questions. They reflect on how childhood, emotional wounds, and our pursuit of validation shape our sense of security and identity. Through personal stories and spiritual insight, they invite listeners to consider where they're looking for okayness—and whether it’s grounded in truth or illusion.…

Surface Tension

1
151. The Three Big Assumptions | Surface Tension 51:19

20 weeks ago51:19

51:19

In this episode, Alex and Craig unpack three foundational questions: Who is God really? Do we want to live in reality? How important is love? The way we answer these shapes everything—from our faith to our relationships. Join the conversation as we examine the illusions we cling to, confront the truth God invites us into, and discover how shifting our core beliefs can transform our lives.…

Surface Tension

1
150. Surface Tension Spotlight: Melissa Whiteman 43:07

21 weeks ago43:07

43:07

Craig and Alex sit down to hear Melissa Whiteman's God Story. From an early age, Melissa faced hardships many wouldn’t be able to bear. From extreme violence to drug use and trafficking, she found herself desperate for God, and by His divine grace and intervention, she was saved in more ways than one. She has devoted her life to helping children in similar situations move toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual safety.…

Surface Tension

1
149. Seeing The Soul | Surface Tension 42:27

22 weeks ago42:27

42:27

Craig and Alex explore what it means to love someone for their soul, rather than merely for their thoughts, emotions, or decisions: an approach that surpasses the typical focus of most personal relationships.

Surface Tension

1
148. AI and God | Surface Tension 46:47

23 weeks ago46:47

46:47

Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual implications of the impending AI revolution, and examine what underlying assumptions and promises have been motivating people to do and become more.

Surface Tension

1
147. A Misaligned Magician | Surface Tension 41:07

24 weeks ago41:07

41:07

Craig and Alex explore Acts 8:9-25, the story of Simon the Magician, and reflect on what it means to surrender our version of "good" for His ultimate "Good."

Surface Tension

1
146. The Perfect Coach | Surface Tension 36:32

26 weeks ago36:32

36:32

Craig and Alex discuss reclaiming how we move through the world and how we all need coaches, one coach in particular.

Surface Tension

1
145. Navigating Suffering | Surface Tension 41:31

29 weeks ago41:31

41:31

Craig and Alex explore what it means to navigate challenging times—whether you're the one in the hot seat or supporting someone who is.

Surface Tension

1
144. Surface Tension Spotlight: Doc Jacobs 48:37

30 weeks ago48:37

48:37

Craig sits down with Pastor Doc Jacobs to discuss "everywhere ministry," true courage, and how even pastors must constantly reset on prioritizing Jesus, family, and community.

Surface Tension

1
143. Christmas Questions for Jesus | Surface Tension 43:21

32 weeks ago43:21

43:21

Craig opens with the seemingly counter-intuitive question of "What are the wrong questions to ask around Christmas time?"

Surface Tension

1
142. Levels of Prayer | Surface Tension 36:22

33 weeks ago36:22

36:22

Craig and Alex address the somewhat daunting question of "how's your prayer life?"

Surface Tension

1
141. Surface Tension Spotlight: Vincent Dioguardi 49:09

36 weeks ago49:09

49:09

Craig and Alex sit down with Vincent Dioguardi to hear his "God Story." From near death experiences, to overcoming addiction and homelessness, Vincent attributes his miraculous life to the one who loved him when nobody else would.

Surface Tension

1
140. Do We Want What We "Want"? | Surface Tension 41:58

37 weeks ago41:58

41:58

Craig poses the question: What if the reward or payoff of something is scary, or isn't something we actually want? Surface Tension is brought to you by https://www.goministryinternational.org

Surface Tension

1
139. Spending Time with the Coach | Surface Tension 40:12

38 weeks ago40:12

40:12

Craig and Alex, upon returning from a weekend men's retreat, discuss seeing God, themselves, and others through a new lens. The challenge for us is not only recognizing God's reality, but how to consistently walk in it. Finding our true purpose and living it out is contingent on having an accurate view of God, knowing how he sees us, and knowing how he sees others.…

Surface Tension

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138. Hidden Idols of the Heart | Surface Tension 41:28

39 weeks ago41:28

41:28

Craig and Alex discuss the 20 "hidden idols of the heart" as outlined by Tim Keller. The 20 idols are as follows: “Life only has meaning/I only have worth if… 1. I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry) 2. I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry) 3. I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life.” (Comfort idolatry) 4. I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____.” (Control idolatry) 5. people are dependent on me and need me.” (Helping Idolatry) 6. someone is there to protect me and keep me safe.” (Dependence idolatry) 7. I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone.” (Independence idolatry) 8. I am highly productive and getting a lot done.” (Work idolatry) 9. I am being recognized for my accomplishments, and I am excelling in my work.” (Achievement idolatry) 10. I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions.” (Materialism idolatry) 11. I am adhering to my religion’s moral codes and accomplished in its activities.” (Religion idolatry) 12. This one person is in my life and happy to be there, and/or happy with me.” (Individual person idolatry) 13. I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and am living by a self-made morality.” (Irreligion idolatry) 14. My race and culture is ascendant and recognized as superior.” (Racial/cultural idolatry) 15. A particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in.” (Inner ring idolatry) 16. My children and/or my parents are happy and happy with me.” (Family idolatry) 17. Mr. or Ms. “Right” is in love with me.” (Relationship Idolatry) 18. I am hurting, in a problem; only then do I feel worthy of love or able to deal with guilt.” (Suffering idolatry) 19. my political or social cause is making progress and ascending in influence or power.” (Ideology idolatry) 20. I have a particular kind of look or body image.” (Image idolatry)…

Surface Tension

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137. Surface Tension Spotlight: Jenna Nelson 49:20

41 weeks ago49:20

49:20

Craig and Alex sit down with Jenna Nelson to hear about what it looks like to create emotional safety with God. In a world that doesn’t feel particularly easy to navigate as a young person, Jenna shares her God story, giving both hope and insight for followers of Jesus, young and old, alike.

Surface Tension

1
136. Surface Tension Spotlight: Dan Roberts 57:00

42 weeks ago57:00

57:00

Craig and Alex sit down with Dan Roberts, a faith giant, to discuss his God story. Dan, a proud father of four and great nephew of Oral Roberts, has worked in both ministry and industry. In addition to owning technology, background screening, and insurance companies, he founded a staffing agency, Premier Staffing, which was later re-branded as “HireCall,” with the intentional play on words of answering God's “higher call.” Dan recounts multiple near death experiences, reminding us that God is alive and working.…

Surface Tension

1
135. Where's the Fruit? | Surface Tension 36:11

43 weeks ago36:11

36:11

Craig and Alex discuss the directionality of spiritual fruit.

Surface Tension

1
134. A Restored Tow-truck? | Surface Tension 37:56

44 weeks ago37:56

37:56

Craig and Alex discuss Peter's denial and restoration.

Surface Tension

1
133. Timeout | Surface Tension 41:49

45 weeks ago41:49

41:49

Craig and Alex discuss the question: "What if the next play Jesus called for us was a timeout?"

Surface Tension

1
132. Cannon Fire | Surface Tension 34:25

46 weeks ago34:25

34:25

Craig and Alex discuss what it looks like when we aim our "cannons" at ourselves, at others, or even straight up in the air.

Surface Tension

1
131. Walking with the Baker | Surface Tension 43:08

47 weeks ago43:08

43:08

After a brief summer break, Craig and Alex reunite to discuss asking better questions and zooming out to find the "God Story" being authored that supersedes our personal realities.

Surface Tension

1
130. A Deep Dive with Jesus | Surface Tension 42:50

49 weeks ago42:50

42:50

Alex and guest-host Quin Weissenberger sit down to discuss what it looks like to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus, through the lens of scuba diving.

Surface Tension

1
129. Questions that Love Asks | Surface Tension 41:33

1 year ago41:33

41:33

Craig starts the episode with the profound question: "What are the questions that love asks?"

Surface Tension

1
128. Revealing Beliefs | Surface Tension 44:06

1 year ago44:06

44:06

Craig and Alex discuss how our thoughts and behavior can help reveal our innermost beliefs, and what to do if those beliefs don't feel entirely aligned with our stated purpose.

Surface Tension

1
127. Breaking Patterns | Surface Tension 44:09

1 year ago44:09

44:09

Craig and Alex discuss spiritual/mental/emotional patterns about how to identify and break them.

Surface Tension

1
126. Eternity | Surface Tension 44:39

1 year ago44:39

44:39

Craig and Alex discuss what happens when we turn our attention to eternity.

Surface Tension

1
125. Scary Close | Surface Tension 40:59

1 year ago40:59

40:59

Craig and Alex discuss what it means to be "scarily close" to God.

Surface Tension

1
124. Healing the Unhealable | Surface Tension 41:12

1 year ago41:12

41:12

Craig and Alex take a deep dive into Mark 9 to discuss healing a variety of ailments, be they physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, or relational.

Surface Tension

1
123. Surface Tension Spotlight: Quin Weissenberger 41:16

1 year ago41:16

41:16

Craig and Alex sit down with Quin Weisenberger, an up-and-coming spiritual leader, to hear his God story.

Surface Tension

1
122. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 4: Free Parking | Surface Tension 38:29

1 year ago38:29

38:29

Craig and Alex conclude their "Kingdom Monopoly" series by discussing the spiritual metaphors within the Free Parking square.

Surface Tension

1
121. Kingdom Monopoly Part 3: Jail | Surface Tension 38:41

1 year ago38:41

38:41

Craig and Alex continue their discussion about the spiritual metaphors embedded in the classic board game Monopoly. This week, the duo examine the significance of Jail.

Surface Tension

1
120. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 2: GO | Surface Tension 46:56

1 year ago46:56

46:56

Craig and Alex continue their series about the parallels between Monopoly and a faith journey. This week, the duo discuss the GO square and piece selection.

Surface Tension

1
119. Kingdom Monopoly, Part 1: Overview | Surface Tension 44:50

1 year ago44:50

44:50

Craig and Alex discuss parallels between the board game Monopoly and a life of faith.

Surface Tension

1
118. The Creator vs. The Creation 40:23

1 year ago40:23

40:23

Craig and Alex discuss the spiritual and relational implications of AI

Surface Tension

1
117. Blow It Up | Surface Tension 43:27

1 year ago43:27

43:27

Craig and Alex discuss the importance of knowing that oftentimes, our first thought/reaction isn't our best one.

Surface Tension

1
116. Eucatastrophe | Surface Tension 35:08

1 year ago35:08

35:08

Craig and Alex discuss what true fulfillment looks like, and whether the pursuit of "fulfillment" gets us where we need to be in the first place.

Surface Tension

1
115. Burnt Out? | Surface Tension 36:15

1 year ago36:15