Episodes

When a Seattle pastor gets called out for his Rolex—and responds with a full-blown Instagram meltdown—Wes and Craig grab the popcorn and hit record. In this episode of On This Hill, the guys break down the bizarre online saga between Pastor Russell B. Johnson of Pursuit NW and filmmaker Nathan Apffel, whose new docuseries The Religion Business calls out shady church finances. What follows is a biblical-level clapback full of Louis Vuitton backpacks, luxury hunting gear, and a whole lot of "I’m ...

In this episode, Craig and Wes dive deep into the controversy surrounding the Mayday USA rally in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park. They recount the events—urine-filled balloons, Antifa protestors, and the mayor labeling the peaceful, family-focused rally as “far-right extremism”—and reflect on what it means for Christians to take a public stand in secular, often hostile, cities. The conversation wrestles with tough questions: Does political boldness without the gospel change hearts? Are rallies l...

In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Wes and Craig dive deep into the meaning and purpose of church membership—asking hard questions like: Is official membership biblical or just organizational? Does signing a church covenant change your relationship with Christ? What are the risks and rewards of committing to a local church body? They also reflect on personal purpose in work and ministry, sharing real-life struggles about calling, midlife redirection, and trusting God’s timing in career...

In this fifth episode of On This Hill, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg kick things off with their signature blend of music, banter, and “value-for-value” reflections—thanking their studio musicians, joking about dreadlocks and haircuts, and inviting listeners to subscribe or donate at onthishill.org. They then dive into a rich conversation sparked by Craig’s recent encounter with the Broadway musical Hadestown, using its mythic “don’t look back” storyline to explore how God’s commandments se...

In this episode of On This Hill, we’re diving into the cultural obsession with empathy—why everyone’s saying “I feel ya,” and how that’s become the emotional equivalent of a crying-while-clenching emoji. Empathy is everywhere. It’s our go-to for expressing care, whether it’s saying “same” or absorbing someone’s trauma like we’re human Wi-Fi signals. But here’s the twist: Christian compassion isn’t the same thing. Empathy says, “I’ll feel what you feel.” Compassion says, “I’ll stay with you, ac...

In episode 3 of “On This Hill – No Escape,” hosts Wes Olson and Craig Weinberg celebrate podcast milestones while diving into candid discussions on faith, scripture, and tradition. They reflect on challenging passages from Ezekiel 7—exploring themes of divine discipline, restoration, and the significance of the resurrection as the ultimate “hill worth dying on”—and debate how personal experience and intentional love can shape a genuine relationship with God, beyond mere ritual. Interwoven with h...

In this high-energy episode, hosts Wes Olson and Craig Weinberg dive into candid, no-holds-barred conversations about faith, tradition, and living authentically as followers of Christ. With a blend of humor and deep theological discussion, the duo tackles controversial topics such as the role of ordained clergy versus lay leadership, the symbolism versus literal interpretation of sacraments like baptism and communion, and the influence of church traditions on modern Christian practice. They chal...

In this inaugural episode, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg dive deep into the true purpose of the church. They unpack what “church” really means—from the building we gather in to the community of believers—and share personal stories that reveal the highs and lows of church life. With candid humor and thoughtful insights, they challenge the idea of church as just a weekend social club, urging us to seek authentic fellowship, discipleship, and spiritual accountability. Tune in for a raw, real c...

In this candid "On This Hill" episode, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg overcome technical glitches and share personal introductions as they launch a frank conversation about faith. They explore their unique journeys, discuss the tension between traditional church practices and modern cultural expectations, and even dive into some humorous takes on “dumb church stuff” like dress codes and hairstyles. With a mix of raw insights and lighthearted banter, this episode sets the tone for an honest, ...