The Fascinating Podcast

In this week's episode we tackle the controversy over NFL personnel protesting the National Anthem. What's it all mean and what is an appropriate response? We also consider why the billion dollar American Christian fiction industry doesn't export so much to other nations. Plus, a fun cameo from a very special guest making his first appearance by phone on the Storymen.

Our co-host Clay got engaged over the summer! We welcome his fiance Jen to the show to get the scoop on how they met and how he popped the question. Plus, Jen joins in on our PPOWs and of course displays her Geek credentials. It's probably the most heartwarming StoryMen ever!

The StoryMen return once more! We catch up on our very eventful summers. We update you on the various projects we have brewing. We recap our favorite books of the summer. And we argue over which movie reigned supreme at the box-office. We're back! And it's good to be back.

Churches all over North America are in sharp decline - especially among younger believers. Author Zach Hoag sees this not as a threat, but an opportunity. It's an apocalypse - a revealing of deep problems in the Church - and great promise.

Evangelicalism tends to create anxiety in us - that we're not doing enough to earn God's love. Author Ed Cyzewski joins us to share his path from anxiety to security, through the path of contemplative prayer.

Since Matt just put out a new translation of the book of Ruth, we discuss the issues that go into translating the Bible. What questions do translators have to ask themselves? What're our favorite translations? PLUS: our hot take on the new Jordan Peele project!dro

Late Night has become a landscape of political humor. What is satire? When is it effective? And what effect is the current brand of political humor having on American culture? PLUS: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2.

In light of some recent confusion surrounding the Civil War, Clay leads us in a historical discussion of President Andrew Jackson and the causes of the Civil War. We also argue about Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2 and play a new game: Generals vs Generals!

The StoryMen welcome author and beaver-pants-maker Paul J Pastor to talk mysticism and his new book The Listening Day.

Since Summer is nearly here (unless you live in TX like Clay and JR.), we each pick three books we've loved lately. That's nine total books you want to add to your list. PLUS updates on all three StoryMen writing projects!

Rick Lee James returns to the StoryMen to give us the scoop on his latest work. "The Invitation" is a communion song that invites everyone to the table. We talk about communion, worship and - since Rick is a consummate geek, too - comics.

Katherine Sanchez of BUT WHY THO? joins the StoryMen to disect that very bad first season of IRON FIST. What, exactly, went so wrong?

It's that time of year again! We return with our FOURTH annual Pop Culture Bracketology! Who made the list this year? And who will win the final game? The vote is YOURS!

The StoryMen reflect on the 2017 Oscars and make our predictions, complain about what got snubbed and the worst films of 2017. PLUS: What's new at Norville, an update on our refugee family and how Clay got onstage with Pen & Teller!

The StoryMen welcome journalist Tom Krattenmaker back to the show. Tom's provocative new book, Confessions of a Secular Jesus Follower, is all about why someone who doesn't believe in God wants to follow Jesus. Plus, an update on our StoryMen refugee family.

Andrew Baron, co-founder and CEO of Humanwire gives us an inside look at the global refugee crisis. Humanwire is his innovative solution to connect real people on both sides - those who want to help and those who need it. PLUS, the StoryMen adopt a refugee family. Listen for details on how you can join us to support them!

Artist, activist and scholar Dr. Su'ad joins the StoryMen to discuss her new book, MUSLIM COOL. She explains how Islam and hip hop are challenging and changing the American identity. Plus: we run down the Oscar nominees for Best Picture.

Our 150th episode is dedicated to Susako Endo's masterful novel SILENCE. In honor of the new film from Martin Scorsese, we interview an array of artists, theologians and historians about the themes of this powerful story.

The StoryMen look back at their favorite TV, Books, Film and Comics from 2016. What were your favorites?

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, the StoryMen give you a whole episode dedicated to the smash Netflix hit LUKE CAGE! Our all-star panel includes hip hop theology scholar Daniel White Hodge, religion and comics scholar Katherine Sanchez and hip hop artist Da MAC. We talk race, religion and hip hop, and how this show changed the game.

Randal Rauser returns to the StoryMen, bringing his friend, co-author and atheologian Justin Schieber with him. They show us how an athiest and a Christian can engage in kind, respectful and profitable dialog - all for the common good!

The StoryMen welcome Rabbi Eliyahu Fink and Reverend Tara Thomas Smith to discuss the latest HBO sensation WESTWORLD. We dive deep into the show's theology through the plot and characters, so listen up!

Thomas Jay Oord returns to the podcast to reflect on a year with his landmark book The Uncontrolling Love of God. How has he navigated the criticism and praise surrounding the book? And what's next?

Hip Hop artist Da MAC returns to the StoryMen to give us the behind-the-scenes scoop on his new album JOURNEY. From conceptualization to songwriting to recording and production, learn how an independent artist makes an album. PLUS, hear his new song, "UNITE", featuring Jaci Butler of Jagged Row

Author Lorie Langdon returns to the StoryMen! She reflects on how it feels to wrap up her 4-novel DOON series, then puts our geek credentials to shame. And finally, Lorie gives us the scoop on her buzzy new YA mystery, Gilt Hollow. Listen in for tips on writing a good mystery, plus a couple of fun updates from the StoryMen on our own writing projects!