The Halftime Podcast with Shai Linne

Ever had that moment when you realized you needed glasses for the first time or found yourself relying on coffee just to get through the day? This episode is an honest exploration of the Hip Hop genre’s 50-year milestone and the aging of its trailblazers. We contrast the often negative views of aging in American society with biblical teachings that celebrate growing older as part of the path to wisdom and spiritual growth.

Our disc...

In this episode, we reflect on the continual learning and relearning essential for a vibrant spiritual life. From the importance of Bible reading and prayer to the vital role of church involvement, we discuss how life's trials and busyness can cause these practices to gradually wane. Maintaining them is crucial for spiritual health. We share practical insights on integrating the spiritual and secular aspects of life, prioritizi...

In the early 2000’s, the unlikely alliance between predominantly White Reformed evangelicals and the African American Christian hip-hop community shattered conventional church norms. Together, they embarked on a bold experiment to model unity in Christ across ethnic lines. Yet these partnerships faced multifaceted challenges. The optimism of the early 2000s gradually dissolved into frustration, significant fragmentation and disillu...

In this episode, we navigate the emotional journey of fatherhood, from the initial excitement of expecting a child to the overwhelming sense of responsibility that comes with it. I share my personal story of preparing for the birth of my first child, reflecting on my own upbringing without a father figure and the anxiety that ensued. My friends Ben and Duce also share their own experiences — both the good and the difficult.

Reflect...

Can a godly marriage truly break generational patterns and create a legacy of faith? In our latest episode, I talk about growing up without marital role models and how the idea of leaving a legacy shaped my pursuit of my wife. Ben and Duce also weigh in with their rich experiences from 18 and 27 years of marriage, respectively, sharing invaluable insights on building a multi-generational legacy steeped in faith.

From navigating the...

What happens when you reach the midpoint of your life and look around to realize you didn’t know who your true friends were anymore? In this episode, I share my personal journey of navigating the complexities of male friendships post-40, exploring why it’s so challenging to establish new bonds at this stage in life. Through reflections on life events, social media influences, and political differences, Ben, Duce and I discuss the r...

On this episode, I introduce the concept of the "Christo Urbanite," a term that perfectly encapsulates individuals who are immersed in urban hip-hop culture but are transformed by a profound Christian faith. We discuss how iconic albums like Illmatic and hip-hop pioneers like Run DMC coupled with a faith in Jesus Christ led to a synthesis that became the catalyst for the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) movement of the early 2000’...

A particularly challenging season of trials produced a personal crucible that birthed a shift in my perspective on life. The difficulties of that season demanded I consider what I truly valued as I entered the “midpoint” of my life — my halftime.

On The Halftime Podcast I’ll be joined by my good friends Ben Otero and William “Duce” Branch — old friends with a wealth of wisdom. We will explore what it means to be 'Christo-Urbani...

The Halftime Podcast with Shai Linne tackles important life and cultural issues from the perspective of three "OGs" who are well-versed in culture and theology. Shai Linne, William “Duce” Branch, and Ben Otero are three middle-aged men of color who are products of the Christian hip-hop movement of the late '90s and early 2000s, and have decades of friendship between them.

Episode 1 drops Sunday, May 26th. Don't mi...