The Fascinating Podcast

Weber Shandwick executive Jennifer Cho joins us to talk about what happens when it's time to change jobs... or even careers. How do you know when it's time to go? What are best practices for making a pivot?

Enneagram expert Suzanne Stabile joins us to explain the ins and outs of this ancient spiritual formation tool. We do a deep dive on what makes a Nine and how they relate with the world. Plus, the results of Bracketology 2018! 

In the wake of the 2016 election, the state of Evangelicalism is under debate. A new book wonders whether Evangelicalism is worth fighting for. Professor and contributor Karen Swallow Prior returns to the show to talk about why she's still Evangelical - and what the future of the movement could look like. Plus, a game you won't see coming.

It's that time of year again! Find out who made it to the StoryMen final game in our annual pop culture bracket. Then, YOU get to pick the winner!

America's prison system is deeply broken. Can the Church be a voice of hope and healing? Dominique Gilliard offers a powerful vision of restorative justice that seeks to heal the wrongs our prison industrial complex has inflicted on our culture. 

How does a Christian conduct business in a way that's biblically faithful? After all, Jesus never had a 401k. Moses didn't have a search committee. Professor Alec Hill joins us to explore how we find ethics in Scripture... and bring them into the modern business world.

Writing and publishing guru Jane Friedman joins us to talk about the business side of writing. Plus, what do you do when you hate your book cover?

Scholar and theologian Elaine Storkey joins the StoryMen to summarize her answer to the question, "Why are humans so violent towards women?" Based on a lifetime of research and exploration, Dr. Storkey has a powerful vision for how the Church can be an agent of healing.

Dancer Aesha Ash invites the StoryMen into the world of the Swan Dreams project. How is she using the beauty of dance to bring hope, smash stereotypes and inspire kids of all colors and backgrounds?

Star Wars artist John DiBiase joins us to talk about the art of a galaxy far, far away. Plus, a deep dive into Christian music and a surprise hijacking.

Film Critic Josh Larsen joins the StoryMen to explore how we read movies as persons of faith. What's the difference between having a conversation with a film and colonizing it? How do films express deep human longing?

Writer and podcastor Mur Lafferty joins us to talk about what it looks like to be a professional writer. We then dive into the process of creating her newest novel, Six Wakes, a locked-room murder mystery in space... with CLONES! Plus, a shocking PPOW that will go down in StoryMen history!

The StoryMen tackle The Last Jedi with the help of Rabbi Eliyahu Fink. We're just as divided as the rest of fandom, but that doesn't stop us from wrestling with what the film has to say about that old time religion.

It's the StoryMen Season 8 finale! We go out with a bang, welcoming author Sarah Shin to discuss why being "colorblind" just isn't good enough. We do a deep-dive into what it looks like to seek out cross-cultural friendships without being "that person" who offends and wounds when we're trying to heal. 

In our penultimate episode of Season 8, we review our favorite Books, TV shows and Films of 2017. 

Why are so many female characters in the Bible ignored, marginalized or sexualized? Dr. Sandra Glahn joins us to discuss her new project, Vindicating the Vixens. We explore John 4 and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman as a case study.

Stephen R. Donaldson returns to the StoryMen to discuss his new book, Seventh Decimate. We talk about pursuing knowledge in the age of alternative facts and fake news, and the StoryMen convince Steve to preach a little, despite himself. 

Pastor and author Tara Beth Leach brings us a new vision for empowering women in ministry. Drawing from her new book, Emboldened, she demonstrates how empowered women are good news for the whole Church - and the world!

White people find race challenging to talk about. Far too often conversations around race summon feelings of shame and anger. Author, pastor and justice activist Ken Wytsma helps us talk about white privilege and white supremacy. How can we have the conversations that are healing and holy?

Science-fiction author David Walton joins us to explore his new book The Genius Plague. A hard-science novel about a terrifying smart-zombie apocalypse raises questions about what it means to be human and conscious.

JR.'s editor from IVP, Al Hsu, joins us to talk about the rerelease of his book Grieving a Suicide. We explore how conversation surrounding mental health and suicide has changed in the last fifteen years, as well as how we can be better about prevention. 2 - Book Launch 6 - Incentives 11 - PPOW 15 - Al Hsu 26 - Is Suicide a Cardinal Sin? 30 - Processing Suicide 43 - Connect with Al

After eight seasons of the StoryMen, JR. finally publishes his first book! We get the scoop on Empathy for the Devil, including a deep dive on Jezebel. Plus, a giveaway with a surprise prize.

Randal Rauser returns to the StoryMen to talk about his problems with salvation. Specifically, Randal helps us think through how we think about what it means to be saved. From being friends with the Devil to saved serial killers to trying to understand the Trinity, we work to wrap our minds around exactly how vast God's grace for us is. 3 - Book Update 7 - Randal's Back 10 - What does it mean to b...

Salvation Army officer and warrior against human trafficking Danielle Strickland joins us. She quickly becomes our new favorite person as she explains why begrudgingly watching The Walking Dead became a spiritual exercise that tied directly into her justice mission. In This Episode: 4- Danielle Strickland 8 - In the Salvation Army 16 - The Zombie Gospel 33 - PPOW 40 - Connect with Danielle

The StoryMen discuss the habits of a writer. When did we begin writing? What habits help us be effective? And how do we hack our own brains to make sure we get projects done? 7- Writing 23 - First Pro Paper 31 - Making time to write 44 - PPOW