Know Why Podcast

A weekly podcast for young adults seeking to go deeper on life’s biggest questions

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Episodes

21 hours ago

Are we at risk of live streaming our lives away?
In a world where large amounts of young people spend more time "connecting" online than in physical life, where we are constantly plagued by FOMO and the urge to share every moment on social media, we risk losing the very life we are trying to preserve in digital memory.
While convenient and sometimes helpful tools, social media and smart technology can present a counterfeit to our needs for identity, connection, and purpose if we're not careful.
Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts below!
More Resources:
If I Don't Post About My Vacation, Did It Even Happen? 
Teens Are Spending Nearly 5 Hours Daily on Social Media 

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025

What makes people happy in life? In this episode, Liberty highlights research from the Global Flourishing Study, a 5-year research project that measures human flourishing using a broad range of questions.
Led by social scientists from Harvard and Baylor University, and in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science, the Global Flourishing Study has produced findings indicating that our idea of what makes someone “happy” could be all wrong.
Listen to find out what it really takes to flourish, and how this new evidence underscores what the Know Why Podcast has previously highlighted: namely, the importance of relationships, meaningful connection, and religious belonging.
 
More Resources:
Global Flourishing Study
The Happiest Country in the World Isn’t What You Think (NYT)
Why are the Wealthy So Unhappy? (World)
 

Wednesday Jul 16, 2025

Young men are in crisis. A recent article argues that married fatherhood is the key to solving the masculinity crisis, because married fatherhood gives men the meaning in life they inherently desire. It's true that humans need human relationships to be fulfilled, and that marriage incentivizes fathers to invest in their children. But is there more to it that that?
What if our need for other people is more than an evolutionary accident, and actually a sacred design? What if marriage is more than a cultural construct that incentivizes paternal involvement, and actually a demonstration of the highest form of love? What if all of us—not just men—need to know that we are needed, and find our greatest fulfillment in sacrificial love over selfish pursuits?
Listen to know why, and don't forget to check out past series at KnowWhyPodcast.com.
More Resources:
Married Fatherhood Is the Key To Solving The Masculinity Crisis 
Is looking for a "best friend" getting in the way of building a village? 

Wednesday Jul 09, 2025

How politically diverse is your friend group? If your answer is "not very," you're not alone. Nearly half of U.S. voters view their political opponents as "downright evil," according to a 2024 poll. Fewer and fewer people live in politically diverse areas, and digital media exacerbates our ideological bubbles.
But Americans miss out on a lot of good things when we avoid people who think differently than we do. In this episode, Liberty discusses why political polarization has worsened, why it's a problem, and how we can fix it.
More Resources:
You Don't Need the Same Politics to Surf Together
How Can I Keep Faith Above Partisanship? Interview With Chris Butler 
Them: Why We Hate Each Other—And How to Heal by Ben Sasse 

Wednesday Jul 02, 2025

Are your opinions based more on hot takes or real ideas? Liberty spends the first half of this episode discussing why young adults are more likely to build their worldview on a foundation of "takes" rather than carefully considered ideas. This results from things like social media algorithms to the way modern classrooms teach English and literature.
Then, she switches gears to commemorate that this is Know Why Podcast's 100th episode! You'll hear short clips from Know Why's top five most popular episodes, which showcase the range of topics and perspectives featured on the podcast.
We don't want you to have takes, but ideas you can hold with confidence, which is why the Know Why Podcast started in the first place. Help us celebrate episode 100 by liking, commenting, subscribing, and sharing Know Why with a friend!
More Resources:
The Elite College Students Who Can't Read Books (The Atlantic)
KnowWhyPodcast.com
Why is Anger Unhealthy? Know About Jesus: Interview with Brant Hansen (Part 2) 
Is Social Media Robbing Me of a Richer Life? Know About Healthy Tech Habits: Interview With Dr. Brad East
Does Christmas Have Pagan Origins? Interview with Joshua Barnes 
Did Jesus Prescribe Gender Roles? Know About Jesus: Interview with Dr. Sandra Glahn (Part 2)
Are All Pro-Lifers Religious? Know About Pro-Lifers: Interview With Monica Snyder (Part 1) 

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025

If you're on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, you've seen the videos—reels using satire, sarcasm, and dark humor to react to recent events in the Middle East. Cynical, offbeat humor is typical of a generation accustomed to "unprecedented times," but is often used to mask a deeper sense of fear and anxiety about what's going on.
In this episode, Liberty draws on principles found in the Bible and often repeated by mental health experts for truly coping with anxiety about global events. It is possible to find inner peace with Jesus in a dangerous, unstable world.
More Resources:
Gen Z, Iran, and the Mass Panic Happening on TikTok - USA Today
How Can I Feel Safe in an Unstable World? Interview With Dr. Tanita Maddox 
What Did Jesus Say About Overcoming Anxiety? Interview With Lauren McAfee 
Is it Possible to Thrive With Anxiety and Depression? Interview With Ben Bennett 

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025

For decades, religious affiliation has dropped off with each new generation. But with Gen Z, that trend appears to be stalling. Why are young adults returning to religion, especially traditionally conservative expressions of religion like Catholicism?
Liberty suggests that in today's chaotic world, young people want more than vague spirituality and moral relativism, and they're finding it in the pews their parents abandoned.
More Resources:
Why is Gen Z More Religious Than Previous Generations? (Northeastern Global News)
How Catholicism Got Cool (The Free Press) 
"Know About Creating," Know Why Podcast Series
"Know About Jesus," Know Why Podcast Series
"Know Why God is Good," Know Why Podcast Series 

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025

Deloitte's 2025 Global survey of Gen Zs and millennials reveals that at work, young adults prioritize mentorship, meaning, and financial security. But survey answers reveal deeper themes at play, including strong needs for a secure identity and a sense of purpose. What do these deeper themes reveal about who we are as humans? That's what Liberty tackles in this 20-minute episode, drawing on experts featured in Know Why's past series, "Know About Thriving at Work."
More Resources:
Deloitte 2025 Global Survey on Gen Z and Millennials
Know About Thriving At Work: A Know Why Podcast Series
The Religion of Workism is Making Americans Miserable
The Secret to Happiness at Work 

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025

Liberty recaps this season's two series, Know Why God is Good and Know About AI. Then, she previews what viewers can expect from the Know Why Podcast over the summer and in the months ahead.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share!
More Resources:
Know Why God is Good series
Know About AI series
Contact Liberty

Wednesday May 28, 2025

President Donald Trump has pledged to “solidify our position as the global leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans.”
“It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security,” an Executive Order from January 2025 states.
But how will enhanced “global AI dominance” affect the American family? Drastically and negatively, if we’re not careful. That’s what Michael Toscano and Jared Hayden of the Institute for Family Studies argue. But there is hope if government officials are willing to incorporate family-focused safeguards in their AI policies and investments.
Michael and Jared join this episode of the Know Why Podcast to discuss their public comment submitted to the Trump administration, which details “5 Recommendations for the White House’s AI Action Plan.”
 
More Resources:
Report Brief: Protecting the Family in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Institute for Family Studies
A Future For the Family
 

Why Know Why?

Maybe you were raised in church and want to know if there is a reason behind the things you were taught to believe. Maybe you aren’t religious at all, but you’re interested in different perspectives on morality.

No matter where you’re coming from, it’s not enough to know what people say about life’s most important questions. You also want to know why.

Each week, Know Why tackles tough questions on topics ranging from spirituality to current events, with special attention to the issues facing millennials and members of Gen Z.

While we approach these issues from a Christian perspective, we discuss diverse opinions and ultimately dive into what the research says.

The conversations on Know Why are frank and friendly, featuring brief but thorough interviews with a variety of subject-matter experts and interesting people. We hope you find these conversations enjoyable, informative, and relevant to your life.

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