Between Sundays with The Chandlers
Between Sundays with the Chandlers is a candid podcast hosted by Matt and Lauren Chandler that invites listeners into the everyday conversations that happen between church services and busy weeks. Between Sundays offers thoughtful reflections rooted in Scripture and lived experience. Matt and Lauren share openly about the challenges and blessings of walking with Jesus in the middle of work, family life, and personal growth, creating space for listeners to feel seen, encouraged, and grounded.
Episodes
How to Follow Jesus in a Culture That Doesn’t with Jon Thompson
Jon Thompson joins Matt and Lauren to talk about what faithful Christian witness looks like in a complicated cultural moment.They get into revival, why Christians are tempted to retreat from people who think differently, the importance of actually loving our neighbors, and Jon’s framework of love, word, and power.Jon’s new book, Presence: Resilient Witness in Times of Retreat and Revival, is avail
When Your Child Walks Away From Jesus
What do you do when your child walks away from Jesus?Matt and Lauren talk honestly about the years their daughter Audrey was far from the Lord, the things they tried to control, the disappointment they carried, and what it looked like to keep praying when nothing seemed to be changing.For anyone still praying for someone they love: don’t lose heart.ORDER MY LATEST BOOKBecoming Like Jesus is a boo
Finding Your Voice: Creativity, Calling & Using the Gifts God Gave You
Because we’re made in the image of a creative God, creativity isn’t reserved for artists, musicians, writers, or preachers. It can show up in a sermon, a song, a beautiful room, a meal, or even a really good spreadsheet. We all reflect something of God’s order, beauty, and goodness in the things we make and the ways we serve.In this episode, we talk about our own creative processes. Matt shares ho
Chadd Wright: What Fatherhood Is Teaching a Navy SEAL About Surrender
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Chad Wright—former Navy SEAL, ultrarunner, founder of 3 of 7 Project, husband to Brooke, and brand-new dad—to talk less about the accomplishments people know him for and more about what following Jesus looks like in the ordinary places of life.Chad shares what the SEAL teams taught him about patience, endurance, and staying in the fight when things get hard
A Dream, a Neighbor & a Jar of Salsa
In this episode, we’re telling the story of Storied Provisions—an idea that sat in Lauren’s heart for years before the Lord brought the right people, place, and timing together.What started as a desire to create something beautiful, hospitable, and rooted in community eventually became Storied Provisions, a coffee shop, bakery, mercantile, and gathering space. But the story is really about more th
The Friendship We Were Made For
Brooke Ledbetter joins us to talk about a journey that many people quietly walk through—depression, anxiety, loneliness, and the surprising gift of friendship. Brooke shares how a painful college breakup opened the door to a season of depression, how anxiety and social fear followed, and how God met her through His Word, wise counseling, medication, and, perhaps most powerfully, the faithful prese
Caring for the Body as Worship
We sat down with our friend Mike McCalley, whose story both challenged and encouraged us. Mike shares how a simple conversation with his son exposed a deeper spiritual and physical drift that had quietly settled into his life. What began as an inability to run a quarter mile became a journey of repentance, renewed stewardship, and ultimately completing the Leadville 100—a grueling 100-mile mountai
Answering Your Questions on Parenting
In this episode, we answer listener-submitted parenting questions covering everything from discipline and consequences to neurodivergence, school choices, overprotection, family devotions, and having ongoing conversations with our kids about sex and growing up. The questions are thoughtful, tender, and honest — which honestly reflects how parenting feels most days.More than anything, we wanted thi
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
In this special bonus episode, we share a full chapter from Matt’s upcoming book, Becoming Like Jesus — the chapter readers asked for most: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”In it, Matt talks about what it means to grieve honestly before God in a world that constantly pushes us toward distraction, comfort, and numbness. This chapter explores how mourning shapes us into peop
Why the Christian Life Isn’t “Up and to the Right”
In this episode, we’re diving into Matt’s new book Becoming Like Jesus: The Everyday Journey to Living a Life of Holiness. We talk about what it actually looks like to follow Jesus over the long haul—not the polished, “up and to the right” version, but the real story of highs, lows, doubt, growth, and grace.We unpack how sanctification isn’t a moment or a light switch—it’s a lifelong process. We s
How to Walk Through Seasons of Suffering
In this episode, we talk about suffering—not just as a hard part of life, but as a real part of life in a fallen world. We share some of our earliest memories of suffering, the seasons that disoriented us, and the ways God has met us in both sudden storms and long stretches of pain. From grief and betrayal to illness, relational heartache, and unanswered prayers, we try to talk honestly about what
What God Is Doing In Our Day
In this episode, we’re talking about what we’re seeing and sensing right now—both in the Church and out in the world. It really does feel like something is happening. From college campuses to local churches, there’s a growing hunger for God that we haven’t seen in a long time.We’re watching people—especially Gen Z—wake up to the reality that what the world promised isn’t enough. There’s a search f
The Perfectionism Trap
In this episode, we talk honestly about perfectionism—what it looks like when your identity is built on performance, and how exhausting that kind of striving can become. Lauren shares how, from childhood, she felt driven to succeed: getting the best grades, being first chair in band, doing everything “right,” and eventually trying to be the perfect Christian, worship leader, and mom.But underneath
What We’re Learning About the Holy Spirit
In this episode, we talk about our journey with the Holy Spirit. We both grew up in church contexts where He wasn’t ignored—but He wasn’t really known either. Over time, through Scripture, ministry, and seasons of stretching, we’ve learned that the Spirit isn’t just a doctrine to understand or gifts to experience. He is God with us.We share what it looks like for us to walk with Him between Sunday
Building Rhythms That Keep You From Burning Out
In this episode, we walk through what it looks like to do a “drain audit.” What drains us emotionally? Physically? Spiritually? Relationally? We talk honestly about how tragedy, busyness, sickness, loud rooms, traffic, and even good ministry can leave us thin.We also talk about rhythms—daily, weekly, and seasonal—that help us build a replenishment cycle. Not as indulgence. Not as an escape. But as
How to Find (and Keep) Deep Friendships
In this episode of Between Sundays, Lauren and I talk about something that’s foundational to life in Christ but often overlooked: friendship. God made us for connection. You and I were not designed to walk this life alone, and yet so many of us are doing just that. We unpack the epidemic of loneliness, how real transformation happens in community, how to pursue meaningful friendships, and how to d
How to Build a Marriage That Lasts
Hey friends—Matt Chandler here. If you’ve followed The Overcomers, you know I’ve spent years telling stories of God’s grace amidst unimaginable pain. But we’re starting a new chapter doing something Lauren and I have desired to do for awhile now. We are pulling up two chairs and inviting you into the kinds of conversations we’ve had over two decades of marriage—some tender, some funny, all rooted
Introducing: Between Sundays with the Chandlers
Between Sundays with the Chandlers is a candid podcast hosted by Matt and Lauren Chandler that invites listeners into the everyday conversations that happen between church services and busy weeks. With warmth, honesty, and humor, the Chandlers talk about real life, marriage, parenting, faith, leadership, suffering, joy, and the ordinary moments that shape who we’re becoming.Rather than polished an
Trusting Christ in Trauma
I got to sit down with Olga Reed, a longtime member of The Village Church and someone I deeply admire. Olga walks us through her story—from battling depression and loneliness as a first-generation college student, to coming to faith in Christ, and then surviving one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history at Virginia Tech.Her testimony is a resounding declaration that the darkness did no
Freedom from Performance
In this episode, I sit down with my lovely wife Lauren to explore her story. She shares about growing up as a “good girl,” always chasing approval, achievement, and the A+. But beneath that pursuit was a deeper struggle: the fear of being weak, broken, or not enough. We talk about how that mindset shaped our marriage, her ministry, and her identity—and the powerful moment when she finally laid it
On Suffering and Sonship
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Josh Turner—pastor, leader, and now author of Into the Storm. Josh’s story is one of unexpected suffering and surprising strength. We talk about his daughter Riley, born with a rare condition, undiagnosed for 12 years, and now living life with courage and clarity most adults don’t have. Josh shares what it was like walking through that pain while pastorin
Embodied Faith and the Death of Platitudes
I sat down with artist, writer and friend Josh Nadeau to explore his path from theological precocity to personal crisis and ultimately, redemptive beauty. Josh shares how growing up steeped in Reformed theology didn’t insulate him from a slow descent into apathy, addiction, spiritual numbness, and walking through life “as a ghost”. It was beauty—raw, embodied, soul-stirring beauty—that woke him up
When One Drink Isn't Enough
In this episode, I sit down with JP and Ashley Graves—longtime friends and members of our church—with a story that’s both difficult and deeply hopeful. We talk about alcohol—not just as a drink, but as an idol that slowly took the throne in JP’s life and nearly destroyed their marriage. What started as casual drinking turned into dependence, deceit, and despair. Ashley shares what it was like to l
Purpose, Identity and Calling
I sat down with Luke Lezon and Will Chung to explore how Gen Z and Millennials are wrestling with identity, dignity, and discipleship in a rapidly shifting culture. These young pastors are preaching into cities like Orlando and LA—transient places that offer gospel-sending opportunities—and we unpacked the dangers of comfort culture and over-therapeutic narratives. We talked about how the call to
Faith in the Workplace
In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Marty Bryan—founder of Marty B’s Restaurant—and Eric Loper, a former tech executive turned faith-driven consultant. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to integrate your faith into your business—whether you’re the CEO or just starting out.Marty shares the story behind Marty B’s, a now nine-restaurant enterprise built on Ch
Caring Well for Others
This is a sobering yet hope-filled episode. I sit down with Summer Vinson Berger and Adam Paa to discuss the pain, complexity, and redemptive potential of shepherding care in the local church. From owning massive failures in 2015 to building a robust, gospel-centered care framework at The Village Church, we discuss stories, strategies, and heartfelt convictions about what real, redemptive care loo
A Word for Tired Church Planters
Today I unpack the gritty, grace-filled realities of planting churches with three faithful men—Ronnie, Travis, and Spencer—who are living it right now. We talk about the surprising slowness of fruit, the wounds of unmet expectations, and the refining power of suffering. We also celebrate the deep friendships, family sacrifices, and the sacred calling of building from scratch. Whether you’re dreami
Finishing Well with Ray Ortlund and Crawford Loritts
This episode is special to me. I sit down with two of my heroes in the faith—Ray Ortlund and Crawford Loritts. These men have been anchors for me in moments of doubt and discouragement, and I wanted to ask them the questions that most pastors eventually ask themselves: How do you stay faithful for the long haul? How do you finish well when so many don't? We talk about the rhythms that sustaine
Warrior Wounds and Gospel Hope
In this episode, I sat down with three close friends—Zack Brown, Kasey Brown, and PJ Kratohvil—all veterans who served overseas in the Army and Marines. We unpack what life in the military gave them, what it took, and how faith became the thread that started to stitch them back together. From life growing up to the trauma of combat, and from isolation to post-traumatic growth, this conversation is
Why Elders Matter
In this episode, I sat down with Mason King and Nick Crawford—two of my fellow elders at The Village—to talk about plurality. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s biblical, and because it has been a safeguard in my ministry. Early on, I had all the power, all the control—and I knew it. It was efficient, it was fast, and it was dangerous. So we talk about why one-man leadership is a bad idea,
The Beauty of Belonging
Man, today’s episode is rich. I’m sitting down with Dr. Michelle Bowman—an educator, leader, and sister in Christ who has walked through the fire and come out on the other side with her joy still. Her story? It’s not the cleaned-up version. It’s real. Ten years of struggle, a marriage that ended in heartbreak, and a journey back into the family of faith, not with shame but with strength.What you’l
Women in Ministry
In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Colleen Searcy and Ryan Wester for a really honest, meaningful conversation about calling, faith, and what it looks like to lead in the local church as a woman.Colleen grew up in a home shaped by deep faith. Her grandfather didn’t just teach her the Apostles' Creed—he lived it. From early on, she was being discipled, not just taught. Her story
Peace and Purpose in Sobriety
In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Danny Spencer, a long-time member of The Village Church, as he shares his powerful story of healing and hope. Raised in a home marked by addiction and loss, Danny carried deep wounds into adulthood—even as he built a successful banking career. Behind the scenes, alcohol was quietly undoing everything.At his lowest point, Danny found his way into a
Authentic Leadership
Leadership under pressure is no joke. Pastors Leonce Crump and Joby Martin open up about the weight of responsibility—when betrayal, exhaustion, and doubt threaten to take you out. Leonce shares about seasons of heartbreak that nearly broke him, and Joby talks about burnout, even in a thriving ministry. This isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about leaning into Jesus when you’re running on empt
Imperfect Parenting
Family life is messy—loud, exhausting, and often overwhelming. But the everyday moments—car rides, meals, bedtime—can be sacred opportunities to point our kids to Jesus.This week on the Overcomers Podcast, I sit down with Adam Griffin, author and host of the Family Discipleship Podcast, to talk about leading our families in grace, not perfection. Adam shares his struggles with impatience and how e
Life and Sexuality
Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Overcomers. In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Zember, whose journey with Jesus shows the messy, beautiful reality of sanctification. Growing up in a Christian home in Southern California, Kim had some transformative encounters with Jesus, but her path hasn’t always been straightforward.We dive into the challenges Kim faced growing up—especially her e
The Healing Process
What if the key to true success is embracing your vulnerabilities? In today’s episode of the Overcomers Podcast, the tables turn—Lauren Chandler interviews me about a season of deep transformation. We’ll unpack my journey from external success in ministry to confronting the internal struggles I couldn’t ignore anymore. I was emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, and hiding behind humor and problem-solvi
The Kings Table
On this episode, I sit down with two of my closest friends, Josh and Trevor, to reflect on insights from a 90-year Harvard study on adult development, highlighting the essential role of deep, reliable friendships—what we refer to as a "King's Table" or "3 am friends." Throughout our discussion, we underscore the significance of vulnerability in building lasting male friendships
Worship-Fueled Courage in the Face of Adversity
As I wrap up this season, I want to neatly summarize what this season was about. Whether it was walking through the four Horseman of the apocalypse, interviews, question and answers, the whole point was to highlight how true overcoming is not tied to mere personal effort or any treasure of this world, but arises from deep, heartfelt worship, rooted in the confidence of Jesus' reign and rule. T
Common Questions About Suffering and God's Love
On this episode of The Overcomers I tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about suffering and God's love. Questions like why bad things happen to good people, why doesn't God answer prayer, and others. All with the aim of confronting the lies that will lead people to dark spaces with the truths of scripture.My prayer is that through this series you will discover and be reminde
Overcoming Spiritual Starvation with Gary and Sandi Stevenson
It's possible to have everything this world has to offer and be starving — maybe not physically, but spiritually. In this episode of The Overcomers, I want to help you gain a deeper understanding of the profound symbolism of the black horse from Revelation 6 and its connection to spiritual famine. Gary and Sandi Stevenson's marriage was built on shaky grounds from the start, marred by infi
Overcoming the Pressures of the Platform with Max Lucado
This episode is a slight departure from my usual episode, but I had the profound opportunity to sit with Max Lucado, a man I have admired for many years, to discuss the layers of growth and grace that have marked his journey from a young man battling alcohol to the seasoned pastor he is today. In our candid conversation, you will get to see the heart of a spiritual leader who has walked through th
Persevering Over the Oppression of the Pale Rider
I've personally felt the heavy hand of illness and seen its shadow loom over those I care for. In this episode, we will examine what the Pale Horse represents and how we are to combat it. We will also take a look at what Revelation has to say about how illness and sickness affects the saints today. This conversation isn't just theological—it's personal. I share some of my own journey t
Confronting the Despair of the Black Rider
In this episode, I want to orient our thinking around how we're going to experience the Black Horse and its Rider. Because if we're going to overcome the Black Horse, then we need to understand how the rider and the horse affect us and those around us.This conversation isn't meant to be an intellectual exercise; it's a realistic look at the black rider's impact on our faith and
Bonus Episode: More Powerful Than You Believe
My new book, The Overcomers: God's Vision for You to Thrive in an Age of Anxiety and Outrage, is out now and for the first time ever, I decided to be the one that read the book for audio. So this bonus episode is the reading of Chapter 1 - More Powerful Than You Believe. You can get the audio book from Audible or you can buy the book really wherever books are sold. Hope this blesses and encour
Common Questions about the Book of Revelation
Could the book of Revelation be more comforting than confounding, more hopeful than horrifying? On this episode, I’m tackling some of the most common questions asked about the book of Revelation. From overcoming anxiety around the book, to the rapture, to the end times — I walk through what the book says and doesn’t say. I hope to dispel some of the mystery and offer a hopeful vision for the belie
Overcoming False Gospels with Russell Roberts
We've been walking through the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and if you'll remember, the first horse is a white horse and its rider has a white robe and a crown. It looks like Jesus, but it's not Jesus. And so I said in Episode 1 that this rider is like an antichrist. It comes presenting itself as a gospel but it's no gospel at all. And one of the ways this plays itself out is o
Guarding Against the Conflict and Anger of the Red Rider
On this episode, we will examine the red horse and its rider from Revelation 6 — an emblem of war and rage. It seems like everywhere we look there is war happening. But it's not just global conflicts that I want to examine; I want to turn the lens inward. I want to draw your attention to the reality that these bloody conflicts and war is never far from our souls. There is a violence that that
Rejecting the False Gospel of the White Rider
This season I’ll be talking through some of the topics from my latest book, The Overcomers. In this episode I’m addressing what the White Rider represents in the book of Revelation. I’ll unpack the subtle dangers of false gospels infiltrating Christian thought—be it the illusive pursuit of self-actualization or the distorted focus on health and wellness over spiritual depth. And how these deceptio
Overcoming Poverty with Richmond Wandera
On this special bonus episode of The Overcomers, I get to sit down with Pastor Richmond Wandera. Growing up in the slums of Naguru, Uganda, Richmond experienced a life that few could imagine. After the murder of his father, his family was plunged into poverty; a life where survival became the primary focus. Richmond shares about his transformative journey from hopeless adversity to passionate advo
Diving Deeper: On Addiction and the Idol of Control
This episode we will revisit Becca's and Tyler's episodes with the hope of shedding some light on the wounds and lies they believed that led to patterns of self-destruction and idols that gave them illusions of control.Whether you find yourself identifying with Becca or Tyler, or you're simply in need of a reminder of God's patience and grace, this episode will provide perspective
Overcoming Addiction and Demonic Oppression
Tyler’s story may be one of the crazier stories I’ve gotten to be a part of, but what I love about our God is that despite all the evil the enemy intended for Tyler, his life is marked by God’s pursuit of him. Tyler, opens up about the tragedies that have marked his life, his spiral into addiction, and his experiences with spiritual warfare. From childhood abuse to the loss of his mother, Tyler le
Overcoming an Eating Disorder
Beneath the veneer of a successful college athlete, Becca grappled with anxiety and eating disorders, resorting to harmful coping mechanisms that included purging, overexercising, and substance abuse. The institutional and societal pressures around body image coupled with her desire to achieve pushed Becca to her breaking point. One encouragement I hope you hear is there is no spiritual bypass—the
Diving Deeper: On Sorrow and Questioning God
In the previous episode, you heard the story of the Drake family as they faced their son's illness and ultimate passing, as well as the questions that stirred up within them. In this episode I want to help lift your face and turn your gaze from your immediate situation and toward the unseen realities — where you can find endurance even in the most difficult times. Jesus, in His infinite empath
Overcoming the Loss of a Child to Cancer
The Drakes, longtime members of The Village Church and active figures in our Recovery ministry, share the journey of their son Abram’s battle with neuroblastoma — a rare, aggressive form of childhood cancer. From the initial symptoms to the unthinkable loss of their young child, they find themselves asking some really tough questions of God. I have been so encouraged by the courage and belief in
Diving Deeper: On Marriage, Divorce and Reconciliation
I'm joined by my lovely wife Lauren on this episode as we talk a bit more about the episodes with the Youngs and the Derdens. If you haven't listened to those episodes yet, I'd encourage you to go listen to them for context. Lauren and I discuss some of the lessons with think can be drawn out of their stories as well as evidences of the Lord's grace and movement throughout their st
Overcoming Divorce and Dysfunction
SummaryI was once again so encouraged by my conversation with the Derdens. There is little about Josh and Domonique’s story that isn’t shocking — from how they met, to Domonique uncovering Josh’s affair the night before their wedding, to how the Lord ultimately mended their hearts and marriage. It’s a gut wrenching story of the damage caused by unrepentant sin but a testament to God’s unrelenting
Overcoming in the Midst of a Broken Marriage
Aaron and Jill Young’s story is heart wrenching at times.They take us through their difficult experiences, from growing up in a broken family to their struggle to find identity and meaning and how those undealt with wounds led to heartache early in their marriage. While what led to the brokenness in their marriage is all too common today, what’s different is how they navigated the pain and afterma
Diving Deeper: On Secrecy, Isolation, and Physical Pain
In this episode I wanted to take a look back at the previous episodes and dive a little deeper into what the Lord did in Boston and Katie’s lives and what He may have for you. In the quiet moments of our conversations, Boston and Katie spoke of the solace they found in the promises of God and the transformative power of practicing Christian disciplines. Their advice wasn't just practical, it w
Overcoming In Prolonged Suffering
SummaryKatie and Matt share their decade-long journey of battling with endometriosis, Lyme disease, multiple physical ailments and surgeries– not to mention the emotional toll of losing a loved one in the midst of it all. They've faced wave after wave or trials with courage – leaning on each other, their community, and an unshaken faith in who God says He is.If you find yourself in similar cir
Overcoming the Lies of Secrecy and Isolation
Despite being raised in a loving Christian household, Boston experienced early battles with intense anxiety and depression, a struggle that escalated into feelings of worthlessness and self-violence during her teenage years. Circumstantial life changes added to her feelings of isolation and deepened her desire to hide the tumult she felt inside. Despite the darkness, Boston held onto the promises
Overcoming Life's Storms
What happens when life throws you curveballs like a struggling marriage and a brain cancer diagnosis? In this inspiring episode, my wife Lauren and I are joined by our good friend, Josh Patterson, as we candidly discuss our journey through marriage and the season of brain cancer. We open up about the struggles we faced during the first seven years of our marriage and how our expectations and desir
Overcoming Suicidal Ideation
What does the journey of faith look like when it's tested by the darkness of a sin-broken world? Logan and Katy Thomson can attest, there is always hope and healing to be found in Christ.Together, Logan and Katy walk us through their struggles with difficult family dynamics, Katy's haunting experiences of sexual assault, her battle with PTSD, and even demonic oppression. Through it all, th
Overcoming Same-Sex Attraction
Growing up as the child of Vietnamese refugees, Jonathan faced struggles with identity, shame, and belonging. In this conversation, he opens up about his journey of same-sex attraction as a Christian and how his faith in Jesus has been both a battle and a gift. He shares his experience of discovering that God's grace is big enough to hold our doubts and fears, even in our darkest moments.Throu
Overcoming Alcoholism
How can faith in Christ help us overcome the darkest moments in our lives? Join me for an honest and vulnerable conversation with my dear friends, Ben and Lindsey Eenigenburg, as they share their journey of overcoming alcohol addiction. Ben opens up about his personal battle with alcoholism, anxiety, and hiding while Lindsey offers her perspective as a wounded wife struggling with anger and resent
Overcoming an Abortion
What if you could face your deepest shame and find God’s grace meets you there? Join me as I welcome Emma, who shares her emotional journey of navigating life after a heartbreaking abortion. In this candid conversation, Emma opens up about her search for identity and love amidst her parents' divorce, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and the difficult decision she made to end it.Together, we
Overcoming the Death of a Child
When Vince and Katie Dang found out they were expecting their son Charlie, they never could've imagined the journey that lay ahead. Their story is marked by unimaginable pain, doubt, resilience and hope. Vince and Katie share their experience of navigating the loss of their beloved son, who was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and how it affected their marriage, faith,
Overcoming Grief
Anne Lincoln Holibaugh’s story is marked by a curiosity about God, overcoming fears, challenges, and loss by a relentless pursuit of Jesus. From her early years, haunted by the fear of her parents' death, to her transformative encounter with Jesus at a church camp, Anne Lincoln’s resilience and pursuit of God in times of struggle is at the heart of what it means to be an overcomer.Anne Lincoln
