The Fascinating Podcast

Spiritual abuse can be hard to spot. What counts as spiritual abuse? How can we identify it? And what does resisting it well look like? We have thoughts.

What does it mean to be a good ally? How can aspiring allies join in the work of justice without centering ourselves? Author and leadership coach Natasha Sistrunk Robinson returns to the show to share insights about how to advocate well in this critical time.

Christians are called to care for the most vulnerable. What does that look like during a global pandemic? We consider everything from facemasks to geography to church gatherings.

Dr. Jane Hong joins the show to explore the experience of Asian Americans in the USA. How has that experience been erased from our history, and what does it look like to ensure we hear these vital stories? PLUS: Allie Mikalatos joins us as a very special guest host.

So much of Christianity is associated with Whiteness and European history. But Minister Onleilove Chika Alston joins us to explore the Black roots of the Bible. What does it mean to say the Bible is a Black book? And why is that an important confession for all of us?

Author and activist D. L. Mayfield joins us to dissect the American Dream. Her new book explores the dangers of the essential American ideology. We dive into the dangers of idolizing Liberty. Plus, conspiracy theories!

Marlena Graves joins us to explore the dangers of religious triumphalism. How does Jesus' way lead down... and how is down really the way up?

The last couple of years have shined a spotlight on false sources of news - and from elections to pandemics, they've done real damage. How can we spot fake news? How can we be a people of truth?

Sandra Maria Van Opstal joins us to settle the deadlock in this year's Bracketology. But really she's here to talk about how to take justice work seriously - in our every day lives. How can we begin chasing justice?

Bracketology is back! Even though it's not March, and we never had a Madness, your faithful Fascinating hosts bring back our annual pop culture bracket. This year is our most harrowing yet, with thrilling triumphs and devastating upsets. Who will win it all? The final choice is YOURS!

Gene Yang returns to the show with his most personal work yet: Dragon Hoops. How did a self-professed nerd end up writing a graphic novel about basketball? And what surprising connections did he find to faith? 

Jennifer Cho joins Kathy and JR. to discuss the reality dating phenomenon Love is Blind. Who did we love? Who did we hate? And does the show have anything to teach us?

With the COVID-19 quarantine in full swing, your Fascinating friends come to the rescue! We have a whole slew of books, movies and TV to keep you busy while you're trapped inside.

There are so many reasons to think the world is doomed. We investigate the signs of the times, from coronavirus to Love is Blind.

No one likes change. And few changes are harder to grieve than changes in our faith. What happens when we change - and our community doesn't? How do we change well - and how is grieving an essential aspect of that process?

In honor of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, we explore some of the rituals and practices that we've found helpful in reconstructing our faith. Plus: a sad update on the Flat Earth Rocket Man

When we reconstruct our faith, we draw from any number of sources. What books and films have been helpful in reconstructing our faith? PLUS: Kathy dives in on the ongoing controversy with Women of Color at a university chapel.

We're back! 2020 is a new era for the Fascinating Podcast. We kick of by recapping the Oscars - especially Parasite's big win. Then we preview what's in store for the podcast this season!

As Season 3 draws to a close, we reflect on the last decade. What are our favorite books, TV shows and films of the last ten years? Plus: the Star Trek TNG fan theory you didn't know you wanted.

Two things turned 21 this year that were major battles in the culture wars: Harry Potter and the Clinton Impeachment. What kind of perspective does a couple of decades and a year offer to these two issues? Have we learned anything in the interim?

Since it's the Advent season, we count down our favorite holiday films. Plus, a deep dive into Bong Joon Ho's sensational new film PARASITE.

For our Thanksgiving episode, presidential candidate Mark Charles joins us to uncover the Doctrine of Discovery. How did the Church's adoption of Empire pave the way for violence toward Native peoples during European colonialism? How are we still feeling its legacy today?

Mr. Rogers left an enduring legacy, as embodied in the new film A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, starring Tom Hanks. We review the film, and interview journalist Tom Junod, the real life inspiration for the film!

Editor and author Sarah Parker Rubio joins us while Kathy is away. First, we fight off some attacking turkeys. Then we dive into Sarah's journey to becoming a children's book author. Plus: could anything be more timely than a story of a refugee family?

Reverend Stephanie Lobdell joins us to talk about what ministry to Gen Z looks like. Then we dive into what happens when life doesn't turn out like we thought it would. We take a deep dive into mental illness, and how a diagnosis impacts our calling.