The Radical Middle

Join hosts Tommy Nixon, Vanessa, and Joseph Adam Cruz on  The Radical Middle podcast as they delve into the complex interplay between faith and engagement with secular music and media. In this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the tension of maintaining one's beliefs and truths while navigating the landscape of inclusion and tolerance.

Through candid conversation and insightful reflections, the hosts explore the nuances be...

In this episode of  The Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy and Vanessa invite special guest Joseph Adam Cruz to explore the evolution of evangelism, discussing the changing tides of gospel outreach, acknowledging the fading effectiveness of traditional methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine connections over outdated tactics.

Joseph Adam Cruz brings a unique perspective to t...

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Vanessa Cruz dive into the fascinating realm of truth as perceived by today's young leaders. They highlight an intriguing shift that's been happening since around 2016—a move towards a more nuanced understanding of truth, one that's less black and white and more about shades of gray. This shift emphasizes flexibility and acknowledges the...

Welcome to The Radical Middle - In this episode, we tackle the crucial issue of toxicity within church organizations. Join us as Len, a seasoned leadership development expert, joins forces with Tommy - together sharing invaluable insights gleaned from their diverse experiences. We will be discussing the following:

How do you discern the toxicity levels in your church environment? How do you identify red flags, such as unhealthy powe...

In urban settings, we often find ourselves caught between two worlds: the raw authenticity of our surroundings and the call to live lives that reflect God's holiness. It's a tension we can't ignore.

We're faced with the challenge of staying relevant to our community while also striving to live lives that honor God. How do we reconcile the ratchetness, that is often tied to certain elements of urban culture, with ...

Let's talk about something that can cause a lot of division in Christian circles – the whole idea of using violence to make things right. Take a look at what's happening in Israel and Palestine – it's a hot topic, right? One side fiercely believes Israel has the right to do whatever they need to to “handle” Palestine… Others vehemently defend the people of Palestine and their right to not only exist, but thrive! It i...

How far should one go when it comes to showing honor to leaders? When does it cross the line into cringe-worthy territory, or worse, into a sinful or outright wrong practice? And who bears responsibility in this dynamic—the leaders who manipulate and demand honor, or the individuals who freely offer it, sometimes at their own expense?

In this discussion, we confront the tension that arises in this complex issue. It's evident th...

Unless you've experienced working or volunteering in an understaffed, under-resourced, or poorly-led organization, you may not fully grasp the challenges it entails. It can be a daunting prospect, and sometimes, downright frustrating!

In this episode, we step back to examine the competitive landscape of Christmas productions across various ministries and organizations. These entities often impose higher demands for bigger, bett...

The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can elicit various reactions, from enthusiasm to resistance, based on individual ideologies.

In this episode, we explore a nuanced perspective on DEI, emphasizing that it is not the ultimate goal but rather the vehicle that can lead us to fulfill the will of God. We delve into the tensions that exist within both sides of the DEI debate and introduce the concept of the Radical Mi...

Have you ever pondered why organizations with questionable leadership or unethical practices manage to maintain their grip on power? It can be baffling to witness influential organizations thrive while others struggle to access even basic resources.

In this discussion, we delve into the critical role of power dynamics in various aspects of our lives. We examine the tactics employed by organizations to preserve themselves and their i...

The question of how to cast our votes is increasingly on the minds of young leaders today. Voting is often portrayed as our civic duty, a way to have our voices heard by those in power. However, in a world where politics has become intertwined with individual identity, it's challenging to strike a balance between participating in the electoral process and remaining true to our values.

We find ourselves grappling with the fact t...

January 6th has gained infamy, being likened to other dark days in U.S. history. Among the distressing scenes witnessed on that day, one that stands out is a leader of the insurrection holding up a Bible and leading a prayer. This raises questions about how individuals can exploit Holy Scriptures to sow chaos and believe they are fulfilling a divine purpose.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding the use of fait...

Nepotism, a concerning issue within church organizations, has become increasingly evident. It is disheartening to witness leaders favoring their relatives without considering merit or suitability for positions. In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore why churches often refrain from scrutinizing leadership transfers involving family members.

We'll begin by shedding light on the issue, exposi...

Why does it seem like there's an ongoing rivalry between black and brown communities? Is it an innate instinct, a cultural phenomenon, or something driven by fear? Could there be a larger agenda at play behind this division?

In this episode of The Radical Middle, Fredy and Tommy address the pressing issue of disunity among black and brown brothers and sisters, while also highlighting the potential for growth in this area among ...

Join Tommy and Fredy in this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast as they delve into the intriguing and contentious topic of whether it is possible for some individuals to prioritize worshiping The Bible over God Himself. They unravel the various perspectives within the Christian community regarding this matter and examine how certain viewpoints may inadvertently lead to harm.

The discussion also sheds light on conflicting behavior...

Have you ever observed someone transitioning from their native language to a more widely accepted form of communication? This occurrence is quite common, and you might not even realize it.

This phenomenon is what we refer to as "code-switching." In this episode, Tommy and Fredy delve into the concept of code-switching, exploring the reasons behind its prevalence, its necessity, and whether it should be considered problemat...

The concept of the "woke agenda" faces scrutiny, with a notable portion of the challenge originating not solely from traditional conservatives or religious individuals.

Within progressive circles, there is an internal struggle to outdo one another in virtue signaling. This intensification of cancel culture is noteworthy.

Influential figures once celebrated by liberals as champions of the movement now face criticism for not ...

What exactly is "whiteness," and who does it encompass? These are the questions at the heart of today's episode featuring Tommy and Fredy.

Often, we casually use the term "whiteness" to refer to individuals who are not minorities, without recognizing the rich diversity within the white community. Surprisingly, some white people share cultural and life experiences more closely with minorities than we might as...

Have you ever felt like we're constantly replicating the same type of churches? Well, you're not alone in thinking that way!

We've observed that even exceptional church planters and planting movements can succumb to the allure of superficial metrics to measure success. In this conversation, Tommy and Fredy delve into the reasons behind this pattern. They also question whether this tendency is unique to American cultur...