The Fascinating Podcast

What does faith look like when the church fails us? We reflect on our faith journeys - how we've all moved out of the institutional church in different ways. We explore what that has looked like, consider the state of our faith now and imagine what comes next. Join us for part one of a two-part discussion!

Some say we're living in the age of remakes, reboots and legacequels, but the truth is that we've been retelling stories since that first "Once Upon a Time..." In honor of the release of JAMES, the new retelling of Huckleberry Finn, we explore why we enjoy retelling stories, what separates the good retellings from the soulless remakes and even... what happens when the Bible reinterprets itself!

Why isn't police reform happening? Despite massive waves of sustained protest around the country, policing seems to be stuck. Dr. Daniel Reinhardt, an officer for 20 years, insists the problem is the internal culture of policing. How can we change that? Daniel joins us to explore what ordinary citizens can do to make real, systemic change.

It's the annual Fascinating Pop Culture Madness tournament. From Prince Harry to the boat-killing Orcas to the best T-Swift Team up, our patented, professionally calibrated bracket leaves nothing to chance. Listen up and get ready to cast your vote in the final game. Who will reign supreme this year? It's up to you!

Why are the people with the most power so often the most miserable? Author Naomi Kanakia joins us to reflect on the way oppression hurts everyone - even those who oppress. We also explore the possible limits of found family and what's so great about the so-called Great Books.

Ben Winters returns to the show! He's the creator and executive producer of the hit new CBS show TRACKER. He's got oodles of Audible original short novels! And his latest novel, BIG TIME just dropped! Will Ben reveal the secrets of his prolific career? Is it possible he is releasing something else this year? Just how long ago was the 90s, exactly? All this and more in his triumphant return!

This weekend is St. Patrick's Day - but beyond the green and the clovers, what is Patrick all about? Host Matt Mikalatos takes us into his new book, Praying with St. Patrick, to discover what wisdom Patrick has to offer for us today!

Killers of the Flower Moon is getting a lot of attention in awards season - and a lot of praise for its depiction of Native Americans. But Dr. Randy Woodley, Indigenous screenwriter and activist, cautious us against rushing to heap praise upon Martin Scorsese's latest. We welcome Randy to share his experience in the film industry and how he has navigated the conversations around this film.

The gang is back! In a season premier tradition, we catch up on what we missed on break. Then Matt challenges JR. and Kathy with some slang new and old. And of course, a feral hog update.

It's the last episode of the season - and the year! On our season finale, we count down our favorite books, movies and more. Plus, we share some of YOUR picks!

Surrogacy is an act of service for another, one that involves a whole body, and two families. What are the ethics of surrogacy? And why don't our laws reflect the modern science of surrogacy? How can surrogacy be unjust? Dr. Grace Kao joins us to explore the complexity of this act. PLUS: some of our least favorite Christmas traditions!

The surprise hit of December is GODZILLA MINUS ONE, the latest Japanese Godzilla movie. Since we all saw it, we do a spoiler-free reflection on why it's so great - and why you should try to see it if you can! Plus, since Christmas is approaching, we explore some of our Christmas favorites.

The author of 1 Timothy says he doesn't permits a woman to teach or have authority. He also says women are saved through childbirth. So does that mean women can't preach? Does it mean women can only be saved by having babies? Um... probably not. Dr. Sandra Glahn returns to the show to take us to the ancient city of Ephesus. What do we need to know about Artemis of the Ephesians to make sense out of these otherwise bizarre, contradictory instructions.

The Marvels is the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it's been a box office flop. So why do our three co-hosts like it so much? We review the film, including what worked for us and what didn't so much.

For decades, science fiction writers imagined a future where religion had gone extinct. But in M. V. Melcer's new sci-fi thriller REFRACTIONS, religion is alive and... if not exactly well, then thriving. She joins us to explore why religion isn't going anywhere - even as technology continues to advance. PLUS: time-travelling telescopes and more!

The F.B.I. played a key role in the development of White Christian Nationalism. Sound like a tinfoil hat conspiracy theory? Dr. Lerone A. Martin joins us to share the receipts. His new book THE GOSPEL OF J. EDGAR HOOVER shows how F.B.I. Director Hoover worked with evangelical leaders like Billy Graham a generation before the Moral Majority and the rise of the Religious Right. Hoover wrote essays for Christianity Today that Evangelical pastors and Sunday school teachers used for sermons and lessons across the country - and that's just the beginning. Listen in; you won't believe how wild this interview is!

Should Christians watch horror movies? What about movies about demonic possession? Film critic Josh Larsen returns to the show to take us into his new book FEAR NOT. We explore the role horror can play in creating spiritual conversations and even in spiritual formation!

Our own JR. is a contestant on Season 5 of Press Your Luck! He takes us behind the scenes from how he got on the show to the extensive casting process to the filming - and yeah, getting to meet the host, Elizabeth Banks.

It's time for another Fascinating-on-Fascinating interview! With the launch of their new book, Kathy and Matt share the hot seat to dish on what it looks like to disagree well. How did their book on civility turn into a meditation on the fruit of the Spirit? Why is civility too low a bar? Plus: a deep dive into kindness, because nice isn't a fruit of the Spirit!

Alex Shvartsman returns to the podcast! The new book in the Conradverse features Conrad Brent, the magic Batman, facing off against his most challenging adversary yet: bureaucratic incompetence! We take the opportunity to reflect on why leadership so often fails to govern well, including a look at the historic removal of Kevin McCarthy as the Speaker of the House. PLUS: Which horror movie monster does your Ennagram number suggest you are?

Why hasn't America ever faced its original sins of chattel slavery or genocide against Native Americans? What's at stake if we were to face those sins? What might confession look like? What about repenting or repair? On the season premier of the Fascinating Podcast, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins us to frame this conversation for us. How does she find hope in the face of our national reluctance? PLUS: an historic moment in the Fascinating Universe happened this summer, and we've got the full story!

What happens when you tell a story that turns out to be an echo of some ancient wisdom? Graci Kim returns to the show for a special deep dive into the conclusion to her Korean-mythology-inspired fantasy trilogy. We explore how Korean mythology evolved, how she chose which versions of the various myths to recontextualize and how she discovered her legacy as a storyteller. Plus, we meditate on what it means to be Korean diaspora and how we reconnect with the loving mystery at the heart of the universe.

What would happen if churches dedicated ourselves to healing our communities? Jose Humphreys returns to the podcast to take us through his new co-authored book ECOSYSTEMS OF JUBILEE. We explore how Sabbath is good news for everyone - and why it means so much more than just going to church on Sundays.

What does it mean to belong? As a woman of two worlds, Tasha Jun was never quite sure where she fit. But again and again, she returned to the dream her mother had - Tasha as a fierce tiger. Tasha's book is an exploration of identity, ethnicity and belonging. She takes us into the ideas she explores and what it looks like to make a home between two worlds.

While they were on the set of Z-Nation for their supersized episode 100, the StoryMen got to interview A Song of Ice and Fire author George R. R. Martin! Listen in as George talks about his new TV show Captain Cosmos and his charity for wolves.

What does it take to fit into US culture? Gene Luen Yang first asked that question in 2006 with his groundbreaking graphic novel AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. Now it has become a show on Disney+. We welcome Gene back to the show, and he brings the show's composer Wendy Wang. We explore how their faith shapes their art, and the surprising ways it shows up in the show. It's a season finale you won't want to miss!

Who gets to tell a story? Can a white person write black or Asian characters? Can a person of color play a traditionally white role? We dive into this perennial conversation. We're informed by R. F. Kuang's new bestseller YELLOWFACE, Halle Bailey's Little Mermaid and Miles Morales as Spider-man. PLUS: our non-spoiler thoughts on ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE!

What do we mean when we say the Bible is "inspired"? Zack Hunt, author of GODBREATHED, joins us to explore why we're so hung up on inspiration. We dive into issues like who wrote the books of the Bible, how much it matters, and who decided what made it in, or not. Oh and also Dan Brown because why not?

Christian mission work has a long, dark history of colonialism and decimation of indigenous cultures. Despite some reforms, the problems haven't disappeared. Author and activist Mekdes Haddis joins us to offer a vision of a Just Mission. She shares how growing up in Ethiopia shaped her experience of mission, and some of her vision for how we can fulfill Jesus' great commission without sacrificing justice and holiness.

The debate about immigration feels like it's at an impasse. What does it mean for our perspective to be just? Karen Gonzales challenges us to change the conversation by centering the very people who are already in the middle: immigrants. How does the our perspective on this issue change when we listen to the people we usually just talk about?

Andrea Stewart returns to the show to celebrate the epic conclusion of The Drowned Empire trilogy and her newly-minted status as Best-selling author. We do a spoiler-free exploration of Andrea's writing process and what it takes to deliver on the big questions her series asks. PLUS: Matt gives us some details on the latest Writer's Strike.

With Kathy in Paris and the internet abuzz with talk about God's gender, Matt and JR. welcome Rev. Tara Thomas Smith as a guest co-host. Tara takes us deep into what's at stake in this conversation, and we explore how best to refer to God in terms of gender. Trust us, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Best-selling author Julianna Baggott returns to the show as we explore her trippy new short story collection, I'D REALLY PREFER NOT TO BE HERE WITH YOU. Why did she return to short fiction? What has she learned from screenwriting about how ideas are forged into stories? Plus, a tour of some of our favorite stories from the collection!

Dr. Emily Friedman returns to the show. Last time (which was admittedly way too many years ago), she was an expert on the way history smells. Now she's become the premier public scholar on the burgeoning world of table top role playing games. What are her favorite hidden gems - simple enough even kids can play? And what's going on with D&D these days? Speaking of D&D, Kathy and JR. do a quick review of the new film.

Screenwriter Henry Gayden returns to the podcast to discuss his new film, SHAZAM!: Fury of the Gods. He takes us into the process of writing a superhero movie in a shared universe. How did that skittles gag happen? What about THAT cameo? And how does he balance humor, action and so much heart?

This installment of the Fascinating Book Club welcomes science-fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky to discuss his new classic space opera series CHILDREN OF TIME. Adrian talks about his writing process, where the ideas for these creatures come from and what real empathy looks like in a world where we're not actually all the same.

It's March Madness and that means it's time for our super-sized Bracketology episode! What will win in this year's annual bracket? And, for that matter, who even are the contenders?! Listen up and brace yourself for surprise match-ups and even a surprise guest! PLUS: Don't forget that YOU get to vote on the final winner!

Your hosts review the Best Picture Nominees for the 2023 Oscars, then make predictions. Hey... you already know who won, so it's pure schadenfreude for you!

Author S. B. Divya returns to the show to unveil her latest novel MERU. While most of her work has been near-future, MERU is a far-futuristic space opera with giant humanoid mermaid space-fairies. How does she go about crafting the far future? How does she imagine the ways humanity might evolve (or evolve ourselves)? And what does this sort of science fiction tell us about how to navigate our world today?

The new film COCAINE BEAR plays fast and loose with historical events for the sake of entertainment. In honor of the film, we turn to the Bible - what stories from scripture would make good (and loose) adaptations? Then, we explore how a playful attitude toward Scripture can be fruitful. So what stories did we miss?

A freak scheduling conflict has thrust our cohosts into the Quantum Realm. You know what that means - a Feral Hog update! Well... not JUST a hog update. Since time moves differently in the Quantum Realm, we spend some extra time on what's been fascinating us lately and then we end up exploring Marvel's latest film, Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania!

What's the difference between deconstruction and decolonization? Author and activist Tamice Spencer-Helms joins us to share insights from her new book FAITH UNLEAVENED. How did Tamice meet White Jesus? Why was he so detrimental to her faith? And how has she learned to walk away from him and back to the brown Palestinian liberator?

The Bachelor turns 21 this year, so we take a deep dive into the world of reality dating. Our guide is reality TV show expert Nguhi Ross, who leads us through the highs and lows of Bachelor Nation. Why does this franchise have such staying power? What is the best reality dating show to follow in its wake? And what has this done to our culture as a whole?

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.

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!

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 be saved? 40 - Ending on a high note 44 - PPOW 48 - Where on the Internet?

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

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.

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.

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

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!

Jake Kerr returns to the StoryMen to tell us why he started his own publishing house.

The StoryMen finally welcome Tom Fuerst to the podcast. Tom tells us why we should be fascinated by Jesus' genealogy. Then we dive into the story of Tamar, where Tom explains how righteous prostitution works. Plus a giveaway!

The StoryMen welcome Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan to talk about Good Christian Sex, the subject of her new book. Why are the Church's conversations about sexuality so confused? How can we move toward a holy conversation about sex and sexuality? Plus a giveaway!

The StoryMen welcome author and self-proclaimed Wild One Shannon Wilson. After comparing travel notes with Matt, Shannon tells us who these Wild Ones are. Why hasn't the Church embraced them? And how can the Church do better at making space for Wild Ones?

Dr. Emily Friedman joins us to put our geek credentials to shame, then share about her work in the history of smell. Why is something so essential to understanding our world so easily ignored?

The StoryMen revisit their Summer Movie predictions and inquire as to why the movies of 2016 have been so disappointing, overall. PLUS, what have we been reading lately?

In honor of Matt's new superhero novel, CAPEVILLE, the StoryMen welcome author John Otte to help us interview Matt. Get the scoop on his new book, and enter for a chance to win!

The StoryMen return for season 7 with best-selling author Ben H. Winters. Ben gives us the scoop on his new book Underground Airlines, a thriller set in an alternate history where slavery was never outlawed in the United States. We talk religion, race and inhabiting a world nearly as terrifying as the one Ben created... our own!

The StoryMen welcome pastor and author Curtis Tucker to discuss SHAME in the Church. Why have our churches become such shame-factories? And how can revisiting our picture of God help restore our sense of the good news that God did not create us to be ashamed?

Producer Erik Lokkesmoe of Different Drummer productions joins us to talk making films about faith. We talk about his newest film, LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT. A provocative movie imagining Jesus' temptations in the wilderness, this movie spoke to all of us. Come behind the scenes of this breathtaking movie!

Author and all around good guy Jason Boyett was our first ever guest on StoryMen, and now he's back for episode 132 to talk about his new book on Greek Mythology. Plus Matt and JR. face off in a Pop Mythology Trivia Battle. It's The Greek vs. The Beard in a titanic quiz clash.

Joshua Ryan Butler returns to the StoryMen to talk about the spiritual sequel to The Skeletons in God's Closet. Joshua takes us into The Pursuing God to discover a fresh vision of a relentless, loving God. PLUS: we discuss whether Jesus could have sinned or not!