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.
Dec 08, 2017•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 177
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.
Dec 01, 2017•51 min•Season 1Ep. 176
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!
Nov 24, 2017•59 min•Season 1Ep. 175
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?
Nov 17, 2017•53 min•Season 1Ep. 174
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.
Nov 10, 2017•44 min•Season 1Ep. 173
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
Nov 03, 2017•47 min•Season 1Ep. 172
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.
Oct 27, 2017•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 171
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?...
Oct 20, 2017•51 min•Season 1Ep. 170
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
Oct 13, 2017•43 min•Season 1Ep. 169
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
Oct 06, 2017•56 min•Season 1Ep. 168
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.
Sep 29, 2017•57 min•Season 1Ep. 167
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!
Sep 22, 2017•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 166
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.
Sep 15, 2017•52 min•Season 1Ep. 165
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.
Jun 16, 2017•58 min•Season 1Ep. 164
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.
Jun 09, 2017•47 min•Season 1Ep. 163
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
May 19, 2017•59 min•Season 1Ep. 162
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.
May 12, 2017•53 min•Season 1Ep. 161
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!
May 05, 2017•52 min•Season 1Ep. 160
The StoryMen welcome author and beaver-pants-maker Paul J Pastor to talk mysticism and his new book The Listening Day.
Apr 28, 2017•49 min•Season 1Ep. 159
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!
Apr 21, 2017•51 min•Season 1Ep. 158
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.
Apr 07, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 157
Katherine Sanchez of BUT WHY THO? joins the StoryMen to disect that very bad first season of IRON FIST. What, exactly, went so wrong?
Mar 27, 2017•50 min•Season 1Ep. 344
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!
Mar 17, 2017•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 156
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!
Feb 24, 2017•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 155
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.
Feb 17, 2017•43 min•Season 1Ep. 154
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!
Feb 10, 2017•50 min•Season 1Ep. 153
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.
Feb 03, 2017•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 152
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.
Jan 13, 2017•2 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 151
The StoryMen look back at their favorite TV, Books, Film and Comics from 2016. What were your favorites?
Dec 30, 2016•2 min•Season 1Ep. 149
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.
Dec 30, 2016•3 min•Season 1Ep. 150