The Ryley Heppner Podcast

In this episode I sit down with skateboarding legend, Ray Barbee, to explore the heart behind his creativity and faith. We talk about the early days of his skateboarding journey and how music, photography, and especially his relationship with Jesus have shaped the way he approaches art and life.

Ray Barbee is a legendary skateboarder, musician, and photographer known for his smooth style, creative spirit, and joyful presence. Turni...

In this episode, Brett McCracken joins me to talk about his new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death and the spiritual toll of living in a world of endless scrolling, constant noise, and digital distraction. Brett offers insight into Neil Postman’s prophetic warnings, the dangers of dopamine-driven media, and how the church can resist the tide with a vision of embodied, thoughtful discipleship in the digital age.

Brett McCracken is a ...

What do ancient manuscripts found in desert caves have to do with the Bible in your hands today? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Perrin—author of Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds—joins us to unpack the strange, surprising, and deeply relevant world of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We talk lost texts, wild apocalyptic imagination, messianic hopes before Jesus, and why these 2,000-year-old documents still matter for Christian faith, biblical inte...

Are the Gospels historically reliable? In this episode, I sit down with renowned New Testament scholar Craig Keener to discuss his book Christobiography: Memory, History, and the Reliability of the Gospels. We explore how the Gospels fit within the genre of ancient biography (bios), what that means for their historical accuracy, and how eyewitness testimony shaped the accounts of Jesus' life. Keener also addresses common objections...

What is the heart of Paul’s message in Galatians, and why does it still matter today? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner to explore the powerful themes of his book, Christ Crucified: A Theology of Galatians. We discuss justification by faith, the role of the law, Christian freedom, and the centrality of the cross in one of Paul’s most urgent and passionate letters.

Dr. Tom Schreiner is an Associate Dean for th...

Joshua Porter has lived a life of raw creativity and radical faith. From fronting a beautifully chaotic band to becoming an author, filmmaker, and pastor, his journey has been anything but conventional. In this episode, we dive into his unexpected path—exploring music, storytelling, and the intersection of art and faith.

Joshua S. Porter is pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington. He is al...

In this episode, I talk with wakeboarding legend Shaun Murray about the role of faith in his life and career. We discuss what it means to trust God through the ups and downs of professional sports, how his faith has shaped his perspective on success and identity, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Shaun shares how he stays grounded, what keeps him passionate about coaching and mentoring others, and why his relationship wit...

Matthew’s Gospel is more than just a historical account—it’s a masterpiece of theology, fulfillment, and discipleship. In this episode, I sit down with New Testament professor Charles Quarles to explore the depth, structure, and significance of The Gospel According to Matthew, and to talk about his new Matthew commentary in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series.

Charles Quarles is an experienced pastor, missionary, an...

In this episode, I sit down with renowned biblical scholar Beverly Gaventa to discuss her latest work, a groundbreaking commentary on Paul's letter to the Romans. We explore the rich theology of Romans, focusing on its central themes of grace, righteousness, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Beverly shares her insights on how this letter speaks to the church today, the challenges of interpreting Paul’s complex arguments, ...

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Holmes, author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ. We discuss the challenges kids face in today’s culture, from performance-driven identities to issues of gender and peer pressure.

Jonathan shares practical insights for parents, youth leaders, and mentors on fostering gospel-centered conversations and guiding children toward a secure, Christ-centered identity.

In this episode I dive into a conversation about faith, skateboarding, and Nitro Circus with professional skateboarder Beaver Fleming. From his journey into action sports to joining the legendary Nitro Circus team, Beaver shares the highs and challenges of his career, the wildest stuff he's attempted, and the lessons he's learned along the way. We explore how his faith in Christ has shaped his life and career, keeping him grounded ...

In this episode, I sit down with film critic and author Abby Olcese to discuss her new book, "Films for All Seasons." Abby highlights how the changing seasons influence our emotional connection to movies, how certain films reflect the rhythms of life in profound and unexpected ways and how Christians can engage thoughtfully with film.

Abby Olcese is a writer on film, popular culture, and faith. Her work has appeared at Think Christ...

I had the immense privilege today of getting to chat with renowned biblical scholar G.K. Beale to explore the profound depths of the Book of Revelation. Known for his expertise in biblical theology and his groundbreaking works on Revelation, Dr. Beale unpacks the book’s rich symbolism, its connections to the Old Testament, and its enduring message for the Church today. 

Dr. Gregory K. Beale is Professor of New Testament at RTS Dall...

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin S. Chen, author of "Wonders From Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology." Kevin shares insights into the "nexus passages"—key texts that bridge themes, stories, and promises across Scripture—and why they matter for understanding the Bible as a whole. 

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just beginning to dive into Scripture, I hope t...

In this episode, I sit down for a second time with James McGrath to discuss his fascinating new book, "John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer." We dive into the life and legacy of John the Baptist, exploring his historical significance, his relationship with Jesus, and how his ministry shaped the Gospel story. James shares insights from his research, including the role of non-canonical texts like t...

In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Lundgren to explore his new book, The Pursuit of Safety: A Theology of Danger, Risk, and Security. Jeremy challenges assumptions about safety in modern life, asking how a biblical worldview reshapes our understanding of risk, fear, and trust in God. Together, we discuss what it means to follow Christ in a world obsessed with security, how Scripture invites us to embrace faithful risk-taking, a...

In this episode, I sit down with Bonhoeffer scholar, Matthew D. Kirkpatrick to discuss his new book, "Bonhoeffer for the Church: An Introduction." Kirkpatrick offers a fresh and accessible look at the life, theology, and enduring legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most influential Christian voices of the 20th century. In our conversation we explore how Bonhoeffer’s insights on discipleship, community, and faithfulness in tim...