Do you share a love for Jesus Christ? Do you love studying the word of God? Most of us open our Bible with a pre-planned book/chapter/verse in mind, but we’re setting out to express the beauty and perfection of the written word by quite literal ”random acts of study.” Our two-part format includes a reading of the Bible from various translations, a discussion about what it means to us as your hosts, and a follow up episode two weeks later after we’ve studied the texts and their deeper meaning ...
…
continue reading
What does it really mean to do good works? Are they just random acts of kindness, or is there something deeper—something God designed us for? Join hosts Josh Hudson and Mark Ogles each week as they dive into what the Bible says about good works, drawing from Scripture and insights from their book, Made4Good: A Good Works Study. With engaging conversation, practical takeaways, and a touch of humor, Josh and Mark explore how we are created, redeemed, and equipped to serve for God’s glory. From ...
…
continue reading
A case study of the hysteria spurred up in a small town in southern Oregon after a mysterious murder case.
…
continue reading
Each week, physician, economist, and author of "Random Acts of Medicine" Dr. Bapu Jena will dig into a fascinating study at the intersection of economics and healthcare. He takes on questions like: Why do kids with summer birthdays get the flu more often? Can surviving a hurricane help you live longer? What do heart surgery and grocery-store pricing have in common?
…
continue reading
BrainPod is the podcast from the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, produced in association with Nature Publishing Group. Join us as we delve into the latest basic and clinical research that advance our understanding of the brain and behavior, featuring highlighted content from a top journal in fields of neuroscience, psychiatry, and pharmacology. For complete access to the original papers and reviews featured in this podcast, subscribe to Neuropsychopharmacology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co ...
…
continue reading

1
What is Woke? A Christian Perspective
1:01:49
1:01:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:49The word “woke” has historical roots in black culture but its meaning is often misunderstood by American society of all cultures. Join Alexander and Aaron as we discuss and unravel the meaning of the word from a Christian perspective that’s applicable to all.By Random Acts of Study
…
continue reading

1
Endocannabinoid contributions to the perception of socially relevant, affective touch in humans
9:13
9:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:13New drugs that target the endocannabinoid system are being proposed for disorders that are usually characterized by the dysregulation of social processing, like social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Researchers have been trying to understand the mechanisms for how these drugs work. Leah Mayo is assistant professor at the University …
…
continue reading
Time—it’s the one thing we can’t earn more of, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. So how do we make sure we’re using it well? In this episode of Made4Good, we’re talking about what it means to redeem our time and live with purpose. Josh and Mark break down the biggest time-wasters we face today (looking at you, endless scrolling) and how the Bi…
…
continue reading
If every action you took today reflected Jesus, how different would your life look? In this episode, we’re exploring what it really means to follow His example—not just in the big moments, but in the everyday ones too. Josh and Mark discuss how Jesus modeled selflessness, compassion, and love, and why His example still matters in today’s world. Liv…
…
continue reading
Join hosts Josh and Mark in the inaugural episode of 'Made4Good' as they delve into the essential question surrounding good works in Christianity. Discover the biblical insight that distinguishes good works not as a path to salvation, but as a mission stemming from already having God's favor. This engaging discussion tackles common misconceptions a…
…
continue reading

1
John's Last Testimony - John 3:22-36
1:15:24
1:15:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:24In this episode, we dive into the theological narrative of John 3:22-36. John the Baptist reaffirms his mission as a forerunner to Jesus to his disciples, emphasizing the necessity of Jesus' increase therefore he must decrease. This passage explores themes of spiritual hierarchy, divine testimony, and eternal life. We discuss the significance of Jo…
…
continue reading
Good works—are they just nice things we do, or is there something bigger going on? Welcome to Made4Good, where hosts Josh Hudson and Mark Ogles dive into what the Bible really says about good works. Spoiler alert: it’s not about earning anything—it’s about living out the faith we’ve been given. With scripture, real talk, and a little humor, we’ll u…
…
continue reading
In this week’s podcast episode, we’re diving into Jeremiah 50 and the prophecy of Babylon’s judgment. What can we learn from God’s dealings with nations and His call to His people? How does this passage speak to us about repentance, justice, and hope? Join me as we unpack this chapter and explore how it applies to our lives today…
…
continue reading

1
Sex differences in sensitivity to dopamine receptor manipulations of risk-based decision making in rats
9:46
9:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:46The scientific literature has shown that females demonstrate more aversion to risk-taking than males. Studies have also demonstrated that the basal lateral amygdala, or BLA, is a critical hub for processing risk and reward information. And yet further research has shown that activity in the amygdala differs between males and females, and that the e…
…
continue reading

1
Passing the Torch - Deuteronomy 31:1-13
1:24:38
1:24:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:38Moses speaks to Israel and bolsters their new leader, Joshua, before they cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land. How can this apply to our lives today? How was Israel feeling about losing their leader? And WHO exactly is King Og and what is a Rephaim? Find out this and more in our study today!…
…
continue reading

1
Jesus Has a Message for Ephesus - Revelation 2:1-7
1:14:20
1:14:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:20The message to the church in Ephesus is both a commendation and a warning. Jesus praises the church for their perseverance, discernment, and faithfulness in the face of adversity. Yet, He rebukes them for losing something - a newlywed love for Him. Jesus calls for their repentance and a return to their original zeal or a punishment would come. What…
…
continue reading

1
What is the Meaning of the Priestly Garments? Exodus 39:1-30
1:21:35
1:21:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:35At first glance, it might seem like just an explanation of how the priestly garments were crafted. But there's so much more here. Hidden deeper within this text, the Holy Spirit is weaving a beautiful typology of Jesus and our relationship with Him. Together we'll study the details of these garments, but even more importantly, we'll uncover the inc…
…
continue reading

1
How do You Know You're Saved? 1st John 5:1-12
1:23:06
1:23:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:06A great follow up to episode 23 where we cover Justification by Faith in Romans, John's epistle teaches us that when we are saved there is a change outwardly and inwardly, and that change comes through faith in Jesus as the Christ. God's love has enveloped and overtaken the person as a free gift from Him for those that are justified through faith i…
…
continue reading

1
The Shekinah Glory - 2nd Chronicles 7:1-3
1:01:12
1:01:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:12Solomon's temple is completed, the Ark has been installed and he's just finished praying that God doesn't turn His face from him, and to remember His servant David. What is the Shekinah Glory 2nd Chronicles talks about? What was it like during this time when it happened? And how does this speak to us in our time?…
…
continue reading

1
Are We Really Justified by Faith Alone? Romans 3:21-31
1:15:51
1:15:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:51In this episode, we explore the teaching of justification by faith as presented in Romans 3:21-31. This text written by Paul lays out a truth that challenges both religious rituals and human pride: justification is not earned through works or the Law, but is a free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Join us as we explore the core of…
…
continue reading

1
Special Episode - The Christmas Story According to Luke's Recordings
1:43:45
1:43:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:43:45Join us for a fascinating journey into the depths of the most familiar yet often misinterpreted story in the Bible: the birth of Jesus. In this episode, we're setting aside the traditional nativity scene we've grown up with and diving straight into what Dr. Luke actually records for us about this miraculous event. We think you'll be as astonished a…
…
continue reading

1
God's Got it and We Need Patience: Isaiah 18
1:04:42
1:04:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:42Includes a bonus insight into Josh's missionary trip into Kenya at the beginning! Isaiah 18 is a prophecy filled with vivid imagery and symbolic language. The heart of the prophecy lies in the promise of God's judgment and subsequent restoration. The Lord will act with swift and decisive judgment, pruning and cutting down as He sees fit. This judgm…
…
continue reading

1
The Cure for Anxiety: Matthew 6:25-34
1:10:34
1:10:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:34The Cure for Anxiety In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the masses with advice for life and eternity. What does He have to say about being anxious? How can we apply what He says in this passage to our lives today? Find out with us in this next study!By Random Acts of Study
…
continue reading

1
Choosing Life: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1:09:59
1:09:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:59Choosing Life Moses addresses the countless Israelites just prior to the hopeful end of their journey to the promised land - but what words of wisdom does God's earthly representative have to say, and what can they mean to us so many millennia later?By Random Acts of Study
…
continue reading

1
Blessings of God Through Jesus: Romans 5
1:18:35
1:18:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:35Blessings of God Through Christ Jesus Being in Christ isn't just about heaven, though that's amazing. It's also about incredible blessings right now. In Romans 5, Paul outlines 7 blessings and 7 basis for a believer’s justification. Join us as we discuss these 14 truths in the newest episode of Random Acts of Study!…
…
continue reading

1
Biomarker development for menstrual Cycle affective change: the need for greater temporal, mechanistic, and phenotypic specificity.
9:39
9:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:39The menstrual cycle is known to affect things like mood and changes in pain. But there can also be symptoms that have a serious impact on a person’s function, ability to work, ability to maintain friendships and romantic relationships. This is a rare condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. But it’s not the only psychiatric condition tha…
…
continue reading

1
The Goal of Life: Philippians 3:1-11
1:12:05
1:12:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:05How can knowing Jesus change your life completely? What is the true goal of life? In this episode, we delve into Philippians 3:1-11, where Paul gives his prior life credentials (which are impressive to say the least) but then immediately follows up by saying that he considers all of this as “rubbish” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesu…
…
continue reading

1
The Prophecy Against Elam: Jeremiah 49:34-39
1:01:10
1:01:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:10In this episode, we’re diving into Jeremiah 49:34-39, where God promises to bring serious trouble to Elam. But, it’s not all doom and gloom—God also promises that He’ll eventually restore Elam’s fortunes. We’ll chat about what this prophecy means, the historical backdrop, and how it shows God’s justice and mercy. Plus, we’ll look at how this messag…
…
continue reading

1
The Mystery of the Resurrection: 1st Corinthians 15:50-58
1:12:39
1:12:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:39In this episode, we delve into the hopeful message of 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. The Apostle Paul reveals the mystery of the resurrection, emphasizing that our mortal bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. He speaks of a transformative moment, “in the twinkling of an eye,” when the dead will be raised imperishable and the living will be changed. Bu…
…
continue reading

1
Genome-wide association studies of coffee intake in UK/US participants of European ancestry uncover cohort-specific genetic associations
9:39
9:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:39Researchers are interested in understanding the biology of why some people are more likely to overconsume substances. Some substances are difficult to study—people might not admit to illegal substance abuse or to how much alcohol they drink. But Americans are more likely to accurately recall and share how much coffee they drink—which is related to …
…
continue reading

1
C-reactive protein moderates associations between racial discrimination and ventromedial prefrontal cortex activation during attention to threat in Black American women
9:56
9:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:56Scientists have been amassing an increasing amount of evidence about the impact of racial discrimination and racial trauma, including how it can have an impact on brain regions involved with threat vigilance and emotional regulation. At the same time, there’s evidence that increased engagement in those areas has been linked to increased risk of men…
…
continue reading

1
Live (sorta) from Kenya! An Update from Josh
26:24
26:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:24Josh is in Kenya with his wife and oldest daughter spreading the Gospel! Learn more about the mission of the Martin 5 and what they're doing in Kenya to teach church leaders how to preach the Gospel of Christ. Want to be a part of this amazing journey? Donate at this link here to help support the mission!…
…
continue reading

1
Ghrelin decreases sensitivity to negative feedback and increases prediction-error related caudate activity in humans, a randomized controlled trial
9:06
9:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:06There’s a hormone called ghrelin that’s secreted in the stomach, and when someone is hungry it contributes to that feeling of hunger and the need to search for food. But neurological studies have suggested that ghrelin might also play a role in compulsivity and impulsivity, and it might be related to substance use disorders. Rebecca Boeme is an ass…
…
continue reading
Deep in the text of the Old Testament, we find a description of someone special... Isaiah 53 is a powerfully moving chapter in the Old Testament, widely recognized for its prophetic portrayal of the suffering Messiah. Often called the “Suffering Servant” chapter, it presents a detailed picture of a servant who suffers, is rejected by his people, ye…
…
continue reading
What can you learn from a materials list? Turns out there's a lot! This passage is a testament to the Israelites’ devotion, detailing the precise inventory of materials donated for the sacred dwelling place of God. Every ounce reflects the community’s commitment to their covenant with the Almighty, from the shimmering gold to the gleaming bronze. T…
…
continue reading

1
Not Just a Song for the Sabbath? - Psalm 92
1:01:08
1:01:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:08Are Psalms THAT Important? Short answer? YES! In this episode we delve into a multitude of ways we can speak to God and give Him praise. Each verse is a beautiful reflection of who God is. Join us as we explore each verse, uncovering practical insights that can transform your life. With gratitude and joy we find ourselves using this scripture to ai…
…
continue reading

1
The Vision at Patmos You Must Understand!: Revelation 1
1:38:31
1:38:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:31Jesus’ Message to the 7 Churches Revealed! Are you ready to explore the amazing prophecy of Revelation 1, where Jesus Christ reveals himself as the first and the last, the living one, and the ruler of the kings of the earth? Be ready to examine the recognition and admonition that he gave to the seven churches of Biblical Asia, which are symbolic of…
…
continue reading

1
Spotlighting SHAPERS: Sex hormones associated with psychological and endocrine roles
9:08
9:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:08Dr. Nicole Petersen is an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UCLA. Her commentary is a new paper in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, called “Spotlighting SHAPERS: sex hormones associated with psychological and endocrine roles.” Dr. Petersen starts the paper describing an unnamed signaling molecule tha…
…
continue reading
Unlocking Amos: Chapter 4 – Divine Warnings and Unrepentant Hearts Prepare to Meet Your God! In this exploration of Amos Chapter 4, we delve into the heart of ancient Israel’s struggles. The prophet Amos, a herdsman & businessman turned God-inspired messenger, confronts a society teetering on the edge of disaster. Here’s why you need to click and w…
…
continue reading

1
Headship & Head Coverings: 1st Corinthians 11
1:42:35
1:42:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42:35Hair-Raising Questions: Untangling 1 Corinthians 11 Is the Bible sexist? Did Paul hate women's hair? Buckle up for a thought-provoking dive into one of the most controversial passages in Scripture. Join us as we dissect 1 Corinthians 11, verse by fiery verse. We'll explore: Headscarves: Religious symbol or outdated ritual? Unravel the historical co…
…
continue reading

1
LOST EPISODE! - Blessed Are the Weird?: Untangling the Beatitudes - Luke 6:16-36
1:25:26
1:25:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:26Well it's clear nobody is perfect! This episode should have aired between Hebrews and 1st Chronicles, but it was missed by yours truly. Anyway, off to the episode! Why "weird" you ask? Because fallen society and even our hearts can tell us to behave and act a certain way that goes against the goodness of God. Are you tired of chasing happiness down…
…
continue reading

1
The Genealogy of David - 1st Chronicles Chapter 2
1:20:37
1:20:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:37What happens when you open the Bible and find yourself reading name after name after name? You dig deeper into the meaning behind the who/what/when/where and why! Join us as we analyze 1st Chronicles Chapter 2 and the Genealogy of David!By Random Acts of Study
…
continue reading

1
Comparable roles for serotonin in rats and humans for computations underlying flexible decision-making
9:33
9:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:33Serotonin is a critical chemical when it comes to a number of psychiatric conditions, such as OCD, where it seems to play a particular role in cognitive flexibility. That is, serotonin levels are related to the fact that someone is perseverating on intrusive thoughts or compulsions and isn’t able to be as flexible as otherwise would be necessary. T…
…
continue reading

1
Better than Angels is Jesus our Redeemer - Book of Hebrews
55:37
55:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:37In this episode, we will explore the main themes and arguments of Hebrews 1, which introduces us to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of God and the fulfillment of His promises. We will look at quotations from the Old Testament that the author of Hebrews uses to demonstrate the superiority and authority of Jesus over the …
…
continue reading

1
From a Moabite to Jesus Christ - The Importance of Ruth
1:12:28
1:12:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:28In this episode we explore the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who left her homeland and everything she knew for a God she didn't. We will discover how Ruth’s loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. We will also learn about the historical and cultural background of …
…
continue reading

1
Acts 16:16-40 Analysis and Application
1:05:25
1:05:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:25Have you ever wondered what it takes to be saved? What would you do if you were in charge of guarding two prisoners who miraculously escaped from an earthquake, but instead of fleeing, they stayed and preached to you? How would you react if you heard the Gospel for the first time and realized that you needed to change your life? These are some of t…
…
continue reading

1
First Episode! Intro and Initial Scripture Reading
25:35
25:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:35Welcome to Random Acts of Study, the podcast where we read and analyze a random passage from the Bible every episode. We are your hosts, Aaron and Josh, and we are excited to share with you our insights and reflections on God’s word. Our goal is to help you discover the richness and relevance of the Bible for your life, and to inspire you to dig de…
…
continue reading
Are you interested in learning more about the ancient prophecy of Hosea and its relevance for today? Do you want to discover the meaning and message of Hosea 8:1-7, a passage that warns of the consequences of breaking God’s covenant and rebelling against his law? Do you want to understand the historical, cultural, and theological context of this te…
…
continue reading

1
Integrating public health and translational basic science to address challenges of xylazine adulteration of fentanyl
9:58
9:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:58The drug naloxone, otherwise known as Narcan, is a critical tool in reversing fentanyl overdoses and reducing mortality. But now fentanyl is appearing on the streets adulterated with a drug called xylazine. Justin Strickland, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Cassandra Gipson-Reichardt, associate professor in t…
…
continue reading

1
The why, when, where, how, and so what of so-called rapidly acting antidepressants
8:29
8:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:29Sanjay Mathew is a professor and vice chair for research at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program. He’s one of the two authors of a recent review paper in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, “The why, when, where, how, and so what of so-called rapidly acting antidepressants.” With his colleague Alan Scha…
…
continue reading

1
The Economics of Everyday Things: Animal Urine
12:57
12:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:57In the newest show from the Freakonomics Radio Network, host Zachary Crockett explores the hidden side of the things around us. This week: One creature’s trash is another’s cash. (Or, how one man found profit in pee.)By Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
…
continue reading

1
Tom Brady, A.D.H.D., and a Really Bad Headache (Bonus)
37:40
37:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:40A sneak peek at Bapu's new book, Random Acts of Medicine, available now from Doubleday, and an announcement about the show.By Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
…
continue reading

1
AI-based analysis of social media language predicts addiction treatment dropout at 90 days
9:09
9:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:09In-person treatment for substance use disorders is an incredibly important tool, but there’s a high failure rate — more than 50 percent of people who enter drop out within the first month. There hasn’t been a highly accurate method of identifying who might leave and who might succeed, and knowing this could help centers allocate resources to give t…
…
continue reading

1
Oxytocin effects on amygdala reactivity to angry faces in males and females with ASPD
9:27
9:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:27Antisocial personality disorder, or ASPD, is a difficult disorder to study. There have been studies on psychopathic individuals, and on youth with psychopathic traits, but most studies on ASPD to date have been on incarcerated adults. A team of researchers at Heidelberg University wanted to study individuals who are not incarcerated and see what th…
…
continue reading
Couples get divorced for all kinds of reasons. Is having kids one of them? Bapu talks about research that investigates what happens to parents who unexpectedly have twins. Plus, an announcement about the future of the show.By Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
…
continue reading