The Hopper Podcast

We continue an interview with Pastor Victor Labrada . He tells us about how he discovered his "Cuban-ness" and the challenges of living both inside and outside of his Cuban culture in Miami, Florida. Then, Willy and Dave talk about some of the most disastrous dates the Internet has to offer. Leave a voicemail for us: 214.267.9287 Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

A nuanced conversation about bakers refusing service to gay weddings. When the rights of religious freedom come in conflict with the rights of anti discrimination, who wins? When our values of love and service come into conflict with our values of marriage and gender, what do we do? Call us now: 214.267.9287 Write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

(1:08) We talk to Victor Labrada about how he tries to bring people together from different points of view. (16:20) Then, Willy and Dave discuss the implications of the recent leak of the Supreme Court about the potential ruling to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Willy reads a letter from a former slave to his former master from the Introduction to Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair . This is the beginning of a much larger set of conversations on this difficult, thorny, nuanced topic. Then, to lighten the mood, we review some of the worst things that have happened in the bathroom, ever! Leave us a voicemail at 214.267.9287, or write to...

Screaming profanities can be good for you! How? Willy reports on new research. Then, Dave reminds us of the 4 cardinal virtues. Call us at 214.267.9287 or write us: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Happy Mothers Day. Dave talks about how and when he spanked his kids; but this conversation (as always) needs to be nuanced. Do you spank your kids? If so, when and how? If not, why not? Then, public high schools have installed litter boxes in the bathrooms for students who identify as furries? Leave us a voicemail at 214.267.8287. Email us at: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

What makes a Christian worship service good or bad? Our preferences? Our heart? Our obedience? Discussion kicked off by a quote from James K. A. Smith's You Are What You Love. Then, the story of a super-horny tortoise who saved his species by reproducing prodigiously. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

These new "vigilante" laws are crazy and driving us deeper into the cultural wars. What can we do about it? Then, monkeys are "enslaved" to harvest coconuts. What are the ethical issues surrounding this? This important conversation devolves into silliness. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Happy Easter! The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all of history. Let's rejoice together . . . and, Dave tried to convince Willy of his weird theory. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Lia Thomas (previously Will Thomas) made history when she won the NCAA championship in the 500 meter freestyle swimming race recently. The left says, "You must embrace Lia as a woman athlete like all other women athletes." The right says, "She simply wants to steal victories from the real women." We disagree with both of these narrow, flat narratives. The truth is more complicated. Let's discuss!...

In light of the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, we review the Just War Tradition of Christianity going back to St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Then, Willy starts practicing Judo, and Dave tells stories and gives advice on his experience with various martial arts. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

When should we trust emotions? When should we believe our thoughts? How do they affect each other? Then, a profane crow named "Cosmo" corrupts our children. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Social media share many characteristics with classic cults, both "benefits" and curses. What does that mean for us? Then, German cars are getting vandalized by weasels! Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Answering basic questions to Universal Basic Income: 1) Won't this encourage people to be lazy? and 2) We can't afford it, can we? Then, the story behind Chumbawamba's 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

We've got to talk about about Russia invading Ukraine. In our discussion, we veer into how American conservatives and liberals are each trying to use this invasion to push their own agendas in terrible ways. Then, Eye in the Sky on the ethics of drone warfare, you gotta see this one. Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Introduction to Universal Basic Income as a way to redistribute resources fairly (see our previous episode on the biblical basis). Then, then fake conspiracy growing in popularity, "Birds Aren't Real." Write us or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

The Bible advocates for redistribution of wealth. Really? Yes, let's talk about it. Write us, or send a voice memo: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

The guys debate whether or not babies should participate in the Lord's Supper. Willy thinks they should; Dave thinks they should wait. What do you think? Then, a few of the craziest town festivals in the United States. Join the conversation here: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

We all know that money corrupts politics; where is the justice? Which regulations are just, which are unjust? Then, Dave brings new evidence that common farming methods are increasing climate change, and how we can do better. Join the conversation at: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com .

Is America a Christian nation? Patriots say, "America is special to me." Christian Nationalists say, "America is special to God." What is Christian nationalism? Where did it come from? Then, why are hamsters drinking so much booze? If you know, write us thehopperpodcast@gmail.com .

Dave expresses his concern about the misuse of books like Safe People and Boundaries . They are so helpful for some, but if misunderstood and misused they can become weapons for abuse. And we respond to criticism, correction, and questions from listeners like you. You can criticize, correct, or question us here: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Alternative vs. "Western" medicine - the guys have a rational, nuanced conversation about the benefits of each. Then a few of the craziest lawsuits in recent history. Then a short update on the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus. Comments, criticisms, questions, corrections are welcome here: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com .

Continuing the discussion we started last week with Greg Johnson (go back and listen to that one, first). Then, we hate winter. But building a humongous snowman was fun that one time. Complaints or compliments: thehopperpodcast@gmail.com

Interview with the Rev. Dr. Greg Johnson of Memorial Presbyterian Church about his new book Still Time to Care: What We Can Learn from the Church's Failed Attempt to Cure Homosexuality . Greg says this book is also essential for all Church and Ministry leaders: Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones, by Bill Henson and Meg Baatz. Then, we revisit a segment from our most popular episode of 2021: Linu...

The ups and downs of the recent rise of China. Then, our 3rd installment of Terrible Toys. write to us at thehopperpodcast@gmail.com