Talk About That

John does some retail therapy and ponders a bold new way to reduce his screen time. Meanwhile, Jonnie hits the road with way too much luggage and tells the strange history of the Patron Saint of Toothaches. Plus, a conversation about vulnerability and why a life without humility is so dangerous. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Telepathy: "Tell me you know what I'm saying without telling me you...

"You do not need to know precisely what is happening or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope." - Thomas Merton. In this episode, we have a conversation about the "pursuit of happiness" and why adapting to challenges is a far better goal.  Plus, John gets a 4...

Bertrand Russell said, “There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.” If there was ever a flagship quote for our podcast, is this it? Are we drowning in knowledge? Is knowing too much actually harming our brains? In today's episode, a conversation about information overload in the age of the internet and whether knowing too much is killing our brains. Plus, Joh...

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate." - Carl Jung. Self-awareness is a double-edged sword. Too much of it and you can become an introspective navel gazer. But at the same time, as John Calvin said, "without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God." In this episode, John and Jonnie talk about what healthy self-awareness looks like v...

John comes in second place A LOT and tries his best to look menacing on his way to Walgreens. Meanwhile, Jonnie eats way too many caramels and learns that the most highly ranked restaurants are also selling car parts. Plus, a conversation about the trap of comparison and how to enjoy the one life you've been given. We make a lot of resolutions this time of year, things we plan to do... but is ther...

"He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears." - Michel de Montaigne. This guy said that in the 1500s… so anxiety has been around for a while. In this episode of Talk About That , we talk about fear and worry - is there a way to get better at worry? Can we worry less in 2025? Is that a resolution we can keep? Listen in to our conversation about gratitude and actively looking...

Think about it: the greatest adventures you’ve experienced almost certainly had inconveniences. What mishaps are you currently experiencing that might lead to great stories later on? On this episode of Talk About That , we share some laughs about our holiday hiccups, and a few of our favorite funny moments from Christmases past. As GK Chesterton wisely said, "An adventure is only an inconven...

John becomes an impromptu firefighter and turns Jonnie's rental car story into a sermon illustration. Meanwhile, Jonnie gets flagged at the airport and tells us the real reason "It's a Wonderful Life" became a classic. Plus, a conversation about self-righteousness and the temptation to make the gospel about "other more sinful people" when it's really about us. Today's episode is NOT sponsored...

John questions Santa's delivery route and takes a private jet straight to prison. Meanwhile, Jonnie has his rental car confiscated in the middle of the night, and tells the story of the time Winston Churchill got a prescription for booze. Plus, a conversation about Advent, waiting, and the beauty of brokenness. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Gift Bags and Limp Bizkit: "Both great for people w...

John tells us why we really eat turkey at Thanksgiving and is forced to perform in a talent show before he can join the feast. Meanwhile, Jonnie defends the lowly Sloppy Joe as a quality sandwich and tells the tale of the woman so cheap she made nightgowns out of newspapers.  Plus, a conversation about what it really means to "prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies” and why some peo...

On this episode of Talk About That , we come back to the idea that cynicism is easy and hope is hard. If we’re not careful, we can all be cynics. But what have we built? The things that we grow and build in life that matter most are usually the people with whom we’ve built relationships. Today, John and Jonnie have a conversation about the courage it takes to hope and why the next gene...

John defends green peppers, eats gum wrappers, and needs a hobby. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders why people romanticize medieval times and reveals the surprising reason the sandwich was really invented.  Plus, a conversation about wisdom and foolishness, and how the internet has robbed us of contemplation before rendering an opinion. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Chewing Gum: "We'll see you again...

John keeps a secret folder of phrases to make himself look cool at parties and invents a clothing line. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders people who pray with one eye open and tells the story of the man who was jailed for 7 years for smoking tobacco.  Plus, a conversation about the one thing wise and stupid people have in common.  Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Dogs: "We're like cats, except we're ex...

John gets frustrated with ChatGPT and wants to be a monk (except for the silence part). Meanwhile, Jonnie stays at a hotel with a fancy television and thinks his wife may have stolen several pair of slippers.  Plus, a conversation about prosperity, giving, and surrender.  Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Bobbing for Apples: "The Halloween Party game that's also an interrogation technique."   FO...

John tells us why he just can't lick his fingers anymore and gets jealous of the Bachelor. Meanwhile, Jonnie dishes on an exciting delivery to the old ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ set and gets irritated by fancy ketchup at restaurants.  Plus, a conversation about talent vs discipline and why repetition matters more than you think.  Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Text Messages From Political Campaign...

John gets played by his own dog and ponders a replacement for smart phones. Meanwhile, Jonnie learns about pandas who fake pregnancy and how Abe Lincoln got body-shamed by an 11-year old girl.  Plus, a conversation about forgiveness and grace as a habitual act. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Moving Walkways at the Airport: "We make you feel like you're in a factory that makes lazy people."  ...

John looks bad in volleyball shorts and talks to a coconut. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders the origin of the “redshirt freshman” in football and why the Beatles’ biggest hit was almost a song about breakfast.  Plus, a conversation about the subtle difference between a wise person and a fool.  Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Oatmeal: “Tastes 45% better than it looks.” Take a journey with us through...

John supersizes his game day food and ponders a time before cellphones ruined us. Meanwhile, Jonnie tells us why a picnic is no picnic and reveals how a little citrus saved some British sailors. Plus, a conversation about goals and systems, and why one is more important than the other.  Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Hot Air Balloons: “The only form of flight that combines a wicker basket wit...

John ponders neural implants and whether he’d want to control devices with his mind. Meanwhile, Jonnie tells us about the guy who saved the entire world from annihilation by not doing his job, and shares the absolute worst inspiration Bible verse if you are a a wrestler. Plus, a conversation about the broken two-party system and the importance of seeing the humanity in people with whom you disagre...

John and Jonnie chat about the pros and cons of performing at a music festival. Then, Jonnie tells the tale of the very first chiropractor and shares some old jokes about changing light bulbs.  Plus, a conversation about anxiety and brokenness, and why we need the proper perspective during hard times.  Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Trophy Shops: "If you have 30 bucks, we'll make you a winner...

John gets a present straight from the garbage and starts a militia. Meanwhile, Jonnie wrecks his first car spectacularly and tells us about the longest baseball game in history. Plus, a conversation about choosing hope over fear and how our actions can make deserts or forests. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Bubble Tea: “When you want a drink you can chew.” FOLLOW Jonnie W.: https://jonniew.co...

John learns the origins of the slang term “Rizz” and raises a celebratory toast to 17th century Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Jonnie haunts his own car while it’s in the repair shop and reveals why being the opener as a comedian can sometimes be a real sweet spot. Plus, a conversation about idols and order, and how misplaced priorities can lead to all kinds of problems. Today’s episode is NOT sponsore...

John’s recliner dreams are dashed and he hesitates to tell strangers what he does for a living. Meanwhile, Jonnie has nightmares he can’t wake up from and argues that a very popular trilogy of movies are all about 30 minutes too long.  Plus, a conversation about how we evaluate others versus how we judge ourselves. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Sporks: “Imagine an eating utensil somehow more...

John has to relearn geometry and tries his best not to be a bad sports parent. Meanwhile, Jonnie reminisces about school supplies that were also implements of carnage and reveals the history behind National Waffle Day. Plus, a conversation about disagreeing with someone without being disagreeable. Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by High-Heeled Shoes: “When you want to make yourself look taller AN...

John tells us about some odd olympic sports that got discontinued and learns about a forbidden dance that terrified Christian parents when we were kids. Meanwhile, Jonnie ponders an old joke about traffic and reveals the story of the woman behind the most iconic line from a commercial in the 1980’s. Plus, a conversation about eternity and why it’s a lot sooner than you think. Today’s episode is NO...