Ryley Heppner Podcast

Following Christ in Action Sports | Beaver Fleming

In this episode I dive into a conversation about faith, skateboarding, and Nitro Circus with professional skateboarder Beaver Fleming. From his journey into action sports to joining the legendary Nitro Circus team, Beaver shares the highs and challenges of his career, the wildest stuff he's attempted, and the lessons he's learned along the way. We explore how his faith in Christ has shaped his life and career, keeping him grounded in a culture often focused on thrill and self-promotion.
Whether you're a fan of skating, inspired by bold faith, or curious about how to balance passion and purpose, my hope is that this conversation will encourage you to trust God’s plan and live for His glory, no matter where He’s placed you.
Beaver is a skateboarder originally from Knoxville, TN, who embarked on his skateboarding journey at the age of 10. Beaver's enthusiasm for skating led him to be invited to join Nitro Circus in his final semester of high school, where his skills quickly gained recognition. Notably, he clinched the Simple Sessions "Best Trick" award three times, showcasing his innovation and prowess in the world of skateboarding. In 2017, Beaver Fleming made a mark at the Nitro World Games, securing an impressive 2nd place. With a unique style and a history of standout achievements, this skateboarder continues to leave a mark on the skateboarding scene.
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A Conversation About Film, Faith and Seasons | Abby Olcese

In this episode, I sit down with film critic and author Abby Olcese to discuss her new book, "Films for All Seasons." Abby highlights how the changing seasons influence our emotional connection to movies, how certain films reflect the rhythms of life in profound and unexpected ways and how Christians can engage thoughtfully with film.
Abby Olcese is a writer on film, popular culture, and faith. Her work has appeared at Think Christian, Sojourners, Paste, RogerEbert.com, and /Film. She is also the film editor for The Pitch, a website and magazine serving the greater Kansas City, Missouri, area. She lives in Kansas City.
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The Revelation Conversation (Part 1) | G. K. Beale

I had the immense privilege today of getting to chat with renowned biblical scholar G.K. Beale to explore the profound depths of the Book of Revelation. Known for his expertise in biblical theology and his groundbreaking works on Revelation, Dr. Beale unpacks the book’s rich symbolism, its connections to the Old Testament, and its enduring message for the Church today. 
Dr. Gregory K. Beale is Professor of New Testament at RTS Dallas. He has had a long and distinguished academic career, teaching at Grove City College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Wheaton Graduate School, and Westminster Theological Seminary. Before joining the RTS Dallas faculty in 2021, he served as Westminster’s J. Gresham Machen Chair and Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Interpretation. He is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. Beale is a native Texan and a graduate of Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas Theological Seminary, and Cambridge University.
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Wonders From Your Law | Kevin Chen

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin S. Chen, author of "Wonders From Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology." Kevin shares insights into the "nexus passages"—key texts that bridge themes, stories, and promises across Scripture—and why they matter for understanding the Bible as a whole. 
Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just beginning to dive into Scripture, I hope this conversation (and ultimately Kevin's new book) will deepen your appreciation for the richness and wonders of God’s Word.
Kevin S. Chen is professor of Old Testament Studies at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, CA. He previously taught at Christian Witness Theological Seminary in San Jose, CA, and Union University in Jackson, TN. He is the author of The Messianic Vision of the Pentateuch and is a contributor to the Worldview Study Bible.
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The Quest for the Historical Baptizer | James F. McGrath

In this episode, I sit down for a second time with James McGrath to discuss his fascinating new book, "John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer." We dive into the life and legacy of John the Baptist, exploring his historical significance, his relationship with Jesus, and how his ministry shaped the Gospel story. James shares insights from his research, including the role of non-canonical texts like the Mandaean scriptures, and tackles misconceptions about John’s character and mission. 
James Frank McGrath is the Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University. He is known for his work on Early Christianity, Mandaeism, criticism of the Christ myth theory, and the analysis of religion in science fiction. McGrath received his Ph.D. from Durham University in 1998.

Thinking Biblically About Danger and Risk | Jeremy Lundgren

In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Lundgren to explore his new book, The Pursuit of Safety: A Theology of Danger, Risk, and Security. Jeremy challenges assumptions about safety in modern life, asking how a biblical worldview reshapes our understanding of risk, fear, and trust in God. Together, we discuss what it means to follow Christ in a world obsessed with security, how Scripture invites us to embrace faithful risk-taking, and the implications for the church, mission, and daily discipleship.
Jeremy Lundgren (PhD, Wheaton College) is director of Nicolet Bible Institute and coordinator of the MA in Biblical and Theological Studies program at Wheaton College.
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Bonhoeffer for the Church | Matthew D. Kirkpatrick

In this episode, I sit down with Bonhoeffer scholar, Matthew D. Kirkpatrick to discuss his new book, "Bonhoeffer for the Church: An Introduction." Kirkpatrick offers a fresh and accessible look at the life, theology, and enduring legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most influential Christian voices of the 20th century. In our conversation we explore how Bonhoeffer’s insights on discipleship, community, and faithfulness in times of crisis remain profoundly relevant for the church today. 
Matthew D. Kirkpatrick is Tutorial Fellow in Christian ethics and doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, the University of Oxford. He has published widely on Bonhoeffer's thought, including Attacks on Christendom in a World Come of Age (2011), Bonhoeffer's Ethics (2011) and, as editor, Engaging Bonhoeffer (2016).
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Mobilizing for the Gospel | Jim Essian

In this episode, I sit down with pastor and author, Jim Essian,  to discuss his latest book, "Send: Loving Your Church by Praying, Giving, or Going." Jim shares about his journey from professional baseball to church planting and founding the Plant Fort Worth network, which has helped plant 15 churches in just six years. He unpacks the heart of his new book, what it means to "live sent," and how churches and individuals can embrace God's global mission.
Jim Essian planted The Paradox Church in 2011 in Downtown Fort Worth and serves as Lead Pastor. He played eight years of professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Detroit Tigers organizations, prior to planting. He founded the church planting network Plant Fort Worth, which has seen 15 churches planted in the Greater Fort Worth area in the last 6 years. He is the author of Jesus For You: He Became Like You So You Could Become Like Him. Jim is married to Heather and they have three girls: Harper Grace, Hollis Jane, and Hadden Faith.
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From Southtown to P.O.D. | Sonny Sandoval

In this episode I have the amazing privilege of getting to sit down with Sonny Sandoval, the legendary frontman of P.O.D., to talk about his upcoming autobiography, Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds. This conversation was one of, if not the highlight of this podcasting thing so far. Sonny was one of a kind. The nicest guy, and clearly so passionately fixated on Christ.
Hope you enjoy and are encouraged by our conversation. And I hope you go grab a copy of Sonny's new book on February 25th. It is absolutely worth the read.
Sonny Sandoval is the lead singer and lyricist of the multi-platinum band P.O.D. (Payable on Death) and cofounder of The Whosoevers. He is a product of Southtown, the southern part of San Diego that approaches the border with Mexico. He is the founder and president of the Youth of the Nation Foundation, which reaches out to children from underprivileged neighborhoods and gives them the opportunity to find their self-worth and value. Sonny is married to his high school sweetheart, Shannon, and they have three children.
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A Multiethnic Approach to Scripture | Janette H. Ok

In this episode, I was joined by Dr. Janette H. Ok, a leading New Testament scholar, to discuss her contribution as editor and commentator in the groundbreaking commentary, "The New Testament in Color." Dr. Ok shares the inspiration behind this project and reflects on how her own cultural background has shaped her approach to Scripture. We explore what "in color" signifies—not just diversity, but also interpretive depth and theological nuance—and how this approach can challenge traditional readings of the New Testament.
Janette H. Ok is associate professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the author of Constructing Ethnic Identity in 1 Peter (T and T Clark). She is currently writing a commentary on the Letters of John (NICNT, Eerdmans) and To Be and Be Seen, coauthored with Jordan J. Cruz Ryan (Baker Academic).
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