Hodgepodge Theology

HPT has dropped 72 epidoses of pure audio gold (1 per week - for 72 weeks straight)! We've continued the pursuit of Christ through fun, engaging and hodgepodgy conversations. Some guests have been "very special" and some have been "mediocre." Through it all, we have had an absolutly amazing time together. Our guest today, is David Bowden (author, poet/spoken word artist and co-founder of Spoken Go...

Have you been trying to figure everything out? How's that going for you? Eric and James talk through the true insider's guide to life, happiness and true prosperity.  Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a comfortable and join our conversation. 

Preparedness vs. Panic Exploring Stewardship, Fear, and Wise Living The long-awaited rumors have finally come to fruition. James & Eric refrained from saying ANYTHING prior to the mics going live. Every word you hear in this episode unfolded for the first time, exactly as it happened.  As you might expect, the conversation is all over the map...and it is delightful.  Amazing as it might sound, the...

Did James just claim that Eric's middle name is Ned?? Or did he actually go so far as to use the name, "Percival"?? What. Is. Happening? The meat of the conversation explores the lack of creativity when remakes emerge more often than we might like. Eric and James weave that topic into the illusion some believers put forth for the world to see. Meaning, authenticity is what we should strive for, no...

Right off the bat, the grand winner is announced for the "Funkiest Photo" contest. The prize is delivered to said winner in true hodgepodge fashion. The conversation takes a deeper turn as the guys explore the concept of satisfaction, contentment and the awe and wonder of our Amazing God! Searching for satisfaction? Can't get no satisfaction (like Mick Jagger)? Join the conversation as we seek to...

If you've known any young teens or kids in the year of our Lord, 2025/2026, you probably have heard the term, "67." Today, here on HPT, (officially Epidode 67) we lay that to rest. We deem "67" as dead and gone. Sorry. We had to take action since no one else would. Eric introduces his friend, Rev. Jonathan Gabhart , Spencer native and pastor of worship arts at Pillar Church in Michigan.  The discu...

"Is that your truth, or the truth?" In this episode, James and Eric dive headfirst into the blurring lines of the modern era. As AI reshapes how we consume and create information, the guys tackle the dangerous shift from objective reality to "self-proclaimed truth." How do we stay anchored when the world around us is moving at fiber-optic speeds? In This Episode: The Age of AI: A look at the "new...

Waaaaaaay back, in Episode 17 , "very special guest," Karen Covell, was introduced. Karen is a producer and the founder of the Hollywood Prayer Network . Today, nearly 50 episodes later, Karen and her husband, Jim, are IN STUDIO for another installment of a fun and hearty conversation about faith and the arts. Jim, a composer for film and TV, provided affirmation and clarity for HPT's intro and ou...

Discipleship is key to the life of a believer. Jesus commanded it before He ascended into Heaven (Matthew 28:19-20). Eric and James discuss a new plan for discipleship at Hope Church.  They also introduce a word to us that most people don't use on a regular basis.

Apparently, we do not have a "very special guest" this time...instead, he's introduced as "Spencer Royalty." Eric, James and nobility (Kevin Brown) talk callings, equipping and how YOU might even be called to something God has lined up and arranged ahead of time.  Kevin oversees The Outreach . This is a place for people to gather and eat. Some might be in need of food. Some might be in need of com...

The recording studio had pockets of water and evidence of roof leakage when Eric and James entered to record. That sparked the conversation that we are to, "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:20-21 NIV).  Later, the conversation shifts...

Is fear a secondary emotion, or a spiritual roadblock? This week, James and Eric are joined by Michael to pull back the curtain on the things that keep us up at night. From the irrational "spiders and heights" phobias to the deeper, more paralyzing fears that stop us from stepping into our calling, the guys get honest about their own struggles. We're diving into the "contagion" of fear—how it spre...

Eric presses one of the infamous buttons??!? Yes, it is true. Eric surprises James, not by carrying out the intro but by randomly pressing a sound effect.  James responds by calling Eric out by his full name AND by bestowing upon him an additional new middle name. HPT welcomes several teen guests into the conversation. Here, the discussion delves into authentic faith and future plans. The teens al...

The opening pit stop is lots of fun as James shares one of his fainting stories. Eric and James find common ground in their mutual phobia of needles.  Things take a slight turn as they get back onto the highway towards the ultimate destination: to equip people to understand Christ better and to walk in His footsteps with joy. The cost of redemption through Christ takes center stage for the next le...

Micah Runcorn (self-proclaimed #1 fan of the podcast) joins the conversation one final time before shipping off to U.S. Army basic training! Eric, James and Micah all share their glorious proposal stories. The romantic listener should grab some tissue and prepare for their hearts to be warmed. James quizzes Micah on his discipline methods & how that impacted Micah as an adult. As usual, there are...

Our episode begins with a little more Ned & Jim confusion, a little fun & laughter AND James actually presses the correct button for a timely and appropriate sound effect (for once). Then, the conversation shifts focus to the week of prayer and fasting that James and Eric are walking through with Hope Church. In order to fast (or to partake in any spiritual discipline) it is important to slow down...

James' favorite word isn't actually spoken during this episode, BUT the rich, deep, engaging plethora of topics is ever present.   "Very special guest," Pastor Bobby Van Otterloo, from New Life Church in Sioux Center, joins the discussion today!  

Ned & Jim make a brief guest appearance before Eric & James jump back in to get things going. The conversation is classic Hodgepodge Theology, spanning the canvas from paper straws, to VBS (Vacation Bible School) & all the great childhood memories therein, to a peek behind the pastoral curtain into the sermon prep process. Of course, we keep the destination in sight: To equip people to understand...

What We're Diving Into: The "Efficiency" Trap: Why we try to "life-hack" our sanctification and spiritual growth. The Theology of the Interval: Learning to see the "waiting rooms" of life not as wasted time, but as holy ground. Endurance vs. Arrival: Shifting our perspective from "getting it over with" to "getting something out of it." The Final Wrap-up: Why the journey isn't just the path to the...

🎙️ Episode 53: Our First Roadtrip (Season 2 Premiere) Episode Summary: Pack your bags and squeeze in—we're hitting the road! To kick off Season 2, we're breaking our 30-minute mold for an hour-long family reunion. This episode features seven of my sons and one daughter-in-law for a conversation that is equal parts chaotic, hilarious, and profoundly "hodgepodge." We're navigating more than just hig...

In this one-year anniversary special of Hodgepodge Theology , hosts Eric and James reflect on their favorite episodes and the journey so far. Featuring special guest Dr. Tena Runcorn , the episode takes an unexpected turn with surprise call-ins from Rev. Mark Schwarz (Okoboji Bible Conference) and listener Chris. It's a fun, unscripted look at Christian theology , community, and the beauty of the...

James and Eric are joined by Aaron Abramson , CEO of Jews for Jesus , to discuss the intersection of Jewish identity and faith in Jesus . Jews for Jesus is a global ministry, whose mission states, "We relentlessly pursue God's plan for the salvation of the Jewish people." In this episode of Hodgepodge Theology, we dive into a fascinating conversation about the mission of Jews for Jesus, the beauty...

While we'd like to focus on the fact that the milestone of episode 50 has been reached, a deeper discussion has taken center stage: CATS vs DOGS.  Believe it or not, we find no resolution in the debate AND we bring it right back to the gospel of our LORD Jesus.

Could the title say it all? Special guest host Jon Coulander.

James tells a story with a theme of waiting for closure, which prompted a discussion on Christ's second coming and the posture His church should be finding peace in during this season of Advent.