4.9.26 BeardedTheologians on Post Resurrection Slump
Easter is over — but the season isn't. Matt and Zach dive into one of the church calendar's most underestimated stretches: Eastertide, the fifty days between resurrection Sunday and Pentecost. It's the season when attendance tends to drift and energy can quietly fade — and it's exactly when intentional leadership matters most. In this episode, they get real about what it actually takes to sustain momentum after the…
4.2.26 BeardedTheologians Hope For Easter
In this episode, Zach and Matt reflect on their approaches to Easter and the deep meaning within the resurrection story. Zach explores the theme of grief and hope. He invites us to sit in the discomfort of the story rather than rushing ahead. It's in that tension that the power of the empty tomb truly comes alive. Matt highlights the unlikeliness of the resurrection, drawing attention to the surprising and often overlooked…
3.26.26 Bearded Theologians reflect on Palm Sunday
On this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold take a thoughtful and honest look at Palm Sunday and the journey into Holy Week. Together, they explore different approaches to worship during this sacred time, including the tension between combining everything into a single Palm/Passion Sunday or allowing each service—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter—to stand on its…
2.19.26 Bearded Theologians on Our Lent
In this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their approaches to Lent this year. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
2.12.26 BeardedTheologians with Rev. Nathan Webb
This week, Matt and Zach chat with Rev. Nathan Webb about his book, God and the Machine. Join us for a deep dive into navigating faith and technology in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Get the book: Available now on Amazon and Cokesbury! Check out the Church at Find Nathan's website:
2.5.26 Bearded Theologians with Master Brewer Austin McIlroy
The Bearded Theologians sit down with Austin McIlroy, the Master Brewer and co-founder of Cabin Boys Brewery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We dive into Austin’s personal journey—from his beginnings in homebrewing to opening a staple of the Oklahoma craft beer scene. Austin also gives us the "origin story" of the brewery's brew: The Bearded Theologian. Beyond the recipes, we explore the heartbeat of Cabin Boys.
1.29.26 Beardcast on Why Scripture?
Zach and Matt are getting real about the Bible. Join them as they wrestle with a big question: Why is Scripture actually important? Beyond the theory, they share their personal reflections and engage in a spiritual check-in, looking back at their week to answer: "Where have we seen God at work?" If you're looking for a grounded, spiritual perspective on faith in practice, this one is for you.
1.22.26 Bearded Theologians on Growing Pains: Navigating the Evolution of Faith
Zach and Matt explored the concept of discipleship growth, discussing how individuals can evolve in their faith while acknowledging past beliefs and practices that may no longer align with their current understanding. They reflected on personal and communal growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in their lives. Both speakers shared experiences of…
1.15.16 Bearded Theologians with Rev. Rachel Billups
Happy 10th Anniversary to The Bearded Theologians! 🥳 We are excited to kick off a decade of podcasting. Our first guest of the new decade is Rachel Billups. Rachel leads the New Albany United Methodist Church. She is also the author of the transformative new book, Unlikely Lent. 📖 Buy "Unlikely Advent": Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!
