In this thought-provoking episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions Podcast, Kevin Hohe and Tony Giampietro pick up their ongoing conversation about faith, free will and the mysteries at the heart of Christianity. Together they unpack the tension between an all-loving God and the reality of hell, the meaning of the Garden of Eden story, and why the serpent was there in the first place.

They debate whether an all-knowing Creator could have set things up any other way and explore how free will, suffering and divine love weave together. Tony shares his perspective on how the Church views creation, evolution and what happened before Jesus arrived. Kevin challenges ideas about why God would keep himself partly hidden, and they both wrestle with how much sense the grand narrative really makes.

Through questions about sin, salvation and the human condition, they keep circling back to the same theme: maybe faith was never meant to be easy or certain. Maybe it’s meant to be wrestled with.

Takeaways:

• Can a loving God condemn people to hell?
• The Garden of Eden story and the serpent’s purpose
• The nature of free will and the price of true choice
• Creation vs. evolution: what the Church really says
• The idea of heaven on earth through spiritual alignment
• Is suffering necessary to know what’s good?
• How revelation was revealed step by step
• The tension between knowing God fully and having free will
• Different views of hell and what separation from God means
• Why wrestling with doubt might be the point

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Ahmed for a layered conversation about conflict, faith and how cultural values shape our ideas of peace, family and gender roles.

Together they explore how religion influences perspectives on war, self-defense and the historical roots of violence and power struggles. The dialogue also takes a deeper look at Islam, covering the Five Pillars, the purpose behind fasting during Ramadan, and how prayer and community traditions shape daily life.

Kevin and Ahmed unpack how cultural views on marriage, sex and gender differ between the Western world and Arabic societies, from the complexities of monogamy to the sometimes misunderstood practice of arranged marriage. They reflect on the role men play in protecting and respecting women, why family values matter, and what it takes to find common ground when beliefs and traditions don’t always align.

Takeaways:

• There is never a time for killing, but self-defense is justified when attacked
• Historical conflicts often stem from power struggles and economic interests
• Both faith traditions ultimately seek peace and understanding
• Fasting during Ramadan teaches gratitude and appreciation for life
• Prayer is a significant part of daily life in Islam
• Multiple marriages in Islam historically supported widows
• Understanding different religions is crucial for building bridges
• Cultural perceptions of marriage vary widely across societies

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Extreme Fringe Enthusiasts, host Kevin Hohe flips the script and sits down with Juliette Nicholls, award-winning podcast producer and founder of Pineapple Audio Production, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a podcast that connects.

Kevin and Juliette dive into the essentials of authentic audio storytelling, why radical honesty matters in a crowded market, and how podcasting can amplify voices and stories that often go unheard. They share hard-won lessons on planning, production and promotion, while exploring the human side of this growing medium, from messy first drafts to polished episodes that make an impact.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about what goes on behind the mic, whether you’re starting a show, growing one, or just want to understand how the best podcasts keep audiences coming back for more.

Takeaways:

• Why podcasting still stands out in a noisy digital world
• How to find and refine your show’s true purpose
• The importance of radical authenticity and real conversations
• Why planning matters — but so does staying flexible
• How to build trust with your audience and your guests
• The power of clear storytelling and good editing
• Common mistakes that new podcasters make — and how to avoid them
• How podcasting can elevate industries like construction by sharing untold stories
• Why teamwork behind the scenes makes or breaks a show
• Juliette’s perspective on where the podcast industry is heading next

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, Kevin Hohe and Tony Giampietro explore some of the deepest questions surrounding faith, spirituality, and the teachings of Jesus.

What does it mean to balance boundaries with openness in faith? How do rules, rituals, and church traditions guide or hinder spiritual growth? And how do we wrestle with big concepts like purgatory, resurrection, and the human search for freedom and truth?

From a deer trail analogy about human behavior to the role of the church in serving others, Kevin and Tony dig into the heart of Christianity, the significance of the sacraments, and the ongoing need for moral grounding in a complex world. They reflect on Jesus’ message of love and sacrifice and how that still calls people to live with purpose, serve others, and find heaven on earth today.

Takeaways:

• The conversation opens with technical glitches that set a relaxed tone
• Kevin uses a deer trail analogy to explain spiritual journeys
• Boundaries and openness in faith are explored in depth
• Tony emphasizes Jesus as the shepherd guiding believers
• Rules and rituals are debated for their role in spiritual life
• Purgatory is discussed as a rich and complex concept
• The idea of revelation and no new teachings after Jesus is unpacked

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Extreme Fringe Enthusiasts, Jack Sarama shares his journey with Kevin - from passionate snowmobiler to co-founder of Boondock Nation, a leading snowmobiling media company.

He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of community, and how content creation has evolved in the digital age.

Jack opens up about family support, the collaborative spirit of the snowmobiling world, and how his business partner Dylan’s upcoming fatherhood may shift the dynamic of their brand. The conversation explores authenticity, accessibility, and a deep commitment to growing the sport from the fringe to the forefront.

Takeaways:

• Jack Sarama transitioned from a passion for snowmobiling to building a business
• The importance of community and networking in the snowmobiling industry
• Dylan's upcoming fatherhood will change the dynamics of Boondock Nation
• The digital age has transformed how snowmobiling content is created and consumed
• Jack emphasizes the need for authenticity in content creation
• The journey of Boondock Nation has been a gradual build, brick by brick
• Jack's parents were supportive of his entrepreneurial journey despite initial concerns
• The snowmobiling community is characterized by collaboration and support
• Jack believes in the potential for snowmobiling to grow through digital content
• The future of snowmobiling lies in making the sport more accessible to newcomers

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions Podcast, Kevin and Alan Jordan are back exploring the themes of elevated spirituality, the journey beyond traditional beliefs, and the importance of curiosity and discomfort in faith.

They discuss how different wisdom traditions intersect and the role of love and alignment in navigating life. The dialogue emphasizes that the journey of faith is personal and can evolve over time, encouraging listeners to embrace curiosity and seek deeper understanding beyond dogma.

Takeways:

• Exploring elevated spirituality involves a sensitivity to the universe's energy
• The journey of faith can lead to discomfort but also to curiosity
• Objective reality may not be as important as subjective experience
• Jesus' teachings can be interpreted in various ways beyond traditional dogma
• Curiosity can lead to deeper understanding and connection with others
• The institutional church may not always provide the answers people seek
• Love and alignment are central to navigating life and faith
• Different wisdom traditions can offer similar insights about life and love
• Discomfort can be a threshold to curiosity and growth
• The journey of faith is personal and can evolve over time

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions Podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Tony Giampietro to explore the intersection of faith, discipline, and culture.

From his Catholic upbringing in Milwaukee to his service as a naval officer, Tony reflects on how his spiritual foundation has shaped his identity and relationships.

Together, they delve into the challenges of maintaining religious convictions in an increasingly secular society, especially for young men navigating culture, morality, and modern relationships. Tony shares candidly about high school experiences, the role of prayer in relationships, and the influence of pornography on personal and spiritual growth. The conversation also touches on church history, denominational differences, and the profound impact of shared spiritual practice.

This episode is an honest and insightful look at what it means to hold on to faith with courage and clarity in today’s world.

Conversation highlights:

• Maintaining faith in a secular world is both difficult and deeply rewarding.
• Courage is key to living out one’s values and beliefs.
• Statistics show that couples who pray together tend to have stronger, longer-lasting relationships.
• Christian denominations may differ, but all can contribute to spreading the message of Jesus.
• A deeper understanding of church history enriches one’s faith.
• Tony’s girlfriend converted to Catholicism after sincerely exploring the tradition.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this open and heartfelt episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Timmy Conrad to discuss what it really means to live out your faith.

From a tough childhood to discovering Jesus through Young Life, Timmy shares how community, authenticity, and showing up changed the course of his life.

Together, they explore the struggles of ministry work, the financial challenges of nonprofits, and the disconnect between traditional church models and today’s culture.

Timmy makes a passionate case for radical love, outreach, and curiosity as central pillars of faith, and why he believes revival begins not in buildings, but in everyday relationships.

Themes and Insights

• Radical authenticity is essential in podcasting
• Timmy's upbringing shaped his faith journey
• Young Life played a pivotal role in his spiritual development
• Fundraising is a persistent challenge in nonprofit ministry
• The mission of Young Life is to reach kids outside the church
• Influence and friendship can change lives

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.