In their last episode before the summer hiatus, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk afternoon pop-ins, cigarette nostalgia, do-gooder derogation, and rejected generations. Also, RJ watches Cobra Kai while Sarah's son (thankfully) opts not to take over the world. To respond to the opening appeal, visit www.mbird.com/support (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E353807&id=2). Click here (https://www.southernliving.com/the-lost-art-of-afternoon-visit-8648289) to read Patricia Sha...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk marketing trauma, cultural decline, and the pluses and minuses of the silent treatment. Also, Sarah goes on a date to WalMart, while RJ tries real hard to be the shepherd. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/05/mothers-day-email-opt-out/682715/) to read Ellen Cushing's article "The Brands Are Very Sorry About Your Trauma." Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/06/american-pop-culture-decline/682578/) to read Is Thi...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Pope Francis, dirty dishes, eternal life, and Dave's new book, The Big Relief. Also, RJ bleeds in the pulpit while Sarah takes us to the alley. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj5z4SbrH20) to listen to (and watch) Gregory Porter sing "Take Me to the Alley". Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/04/how-to-load-dishwasher/682425/) to read Ellen Cushing's "There Are Two Types of Dishwasher People" in the Atlantic. Click here (https...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk comic marriages, unruly kids, brainwashed Christians and Lenten props. Also, RJ recounts his favorite ever baptism while Sarah revises her opinion of frozen margaritas. Click here (https://mbird.com/events-list/) to register for the NYC Conference. Click here (https://amzn.to/3GlmWrd) to pre-register Dave's new book, The Big Relief. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/03/jim-gaffigan-tom-papa-marriage/682170/) to read Olga Khazan's articl...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk trend fatigue, athletic nepotism, and toxic preconditions. Also, RJ ponders South Korean babies while Sarah balks at a decision-making expert's decision. Click here (https://mbird.com/events/relief/) to register for the upcoming Mbird Conference in New York City (5/1-3) Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/07/style/gen-z-trend-cycle.html) to read Callie Holtermann's "Too Many Trends!" in The New York Times Click here (https://www.theatlantic.c...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk gracious dermatology, religious resurgence, endemic narcissism, and alto harmonies. Also, Sarah sings some spirituals while RJ watches some cows. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/well/dr-pimple-popper-profile-sandra-lee.html) to read "Dr Pimple Popper Knows You Can't Look Away" by Eve Peyser Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/us/christianity-us-religious-study-pew.html) to read Ruth Graham's report on how Christianity’s Decline in U.S. ...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk relationship recessions, trustafarian guilt, providential nuns, and revitalized churches. Also, Sarah throws a Galentine's party for the ages. Click here (https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/issue-26-the-holy-spirit/) to order a copy of the Holy Spirit issue of The Mockingbird, or here to subscribe (https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/4-issue-subscription/) to the magazine Click here (https://mbird.com/events/relief/) to register for our upcoming NYC Conference (5/1-3) ...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk attention wars, inner critics, and middle school drama teachers. Also, RJ learns what HALT stands for, while Sarah gets her playdates mixed up. Click here (https://mbird.com/announcements/issue-26-of-the-mockingbird-is-available-to-pre-order/) to learn more about (or order!) the Holy Spirit Issue of The Mockingbird Click here (https://www.netflix.com/title/81945091) to watch_ The Turnaround_ Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/01/attention...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk diminished partying, fearful motivations, radical saints, and the difference between spells and prayers. Also, Sarah shares what will happen when all the yards are finally mowed. Click here (https://mbird.com/events/relief/) for more details about our Spring Conference in NYC (5/1-3) Click here (https://amzn.to/4jjdPX7) to pre-order Dave's new book, The Big Relief Click here (https://link.vox.com/view/608adc8291954c3cef050976mov8j.19km/1e7a998d) to read Oshan Ja...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 12 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk peak reviewing, Martha Stewart's redemption, and Vietnamese recovery. Also, Spotify brings Dave full circle while Sarah uncovers a lost monologue from an 80s classic. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/style/reviews-ratings-online.html) to read "Whatever You Do, Don't Review This" by Eric Taub in the NY Times. Click here (https://www.seenandunseen.com/what-spotify-wrapped-really-tells-us-about-ourselves) to read Belle Tindall's "What Spotify Wrapped ...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk prepositional gratitude, backfiring fatalism, overgrown cemeteries, and lighthearted Advents. Also, RJ expounds on the benefits of bumblefat. Click here (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E353807&id=2) to respond to the opening appeal and support Mockingbird this year-end! Click here (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/why-is-gratitude-so-difficult) to read Joshua Rothman's essay in The New Yorker, "Why Is Gratitude ...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk post-election uncertainty, grieving non-grandparents, digital self-worth, and the bondage of the will. Also, Dave shares an important new use for q-tips. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/12/opinion/donald-trump-election.html) to read Adam Grant's op-ed in the NY Times, "If You’re Sure How the Next Four Years Will Play Out, I Promise: You’re Wrong". Click here (https://mbird.com/week-in-review/november-2-8/) to read Dave's post-election round-up on Mbi...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk vibes, clutter, high school bullies, and fortunate falls. Also, Sarah contemplates Elvis, while RJ comes to terms with his uncoolness. Click here (https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/the-varieties-of-travel-experience/articles/vibes) to read Kyle Edward Williams piece on Vibes in the Hedgehog Review. Click here (https://aeon.co/essays/the-life-changing-magic-of-japanese-clutter) to read Matt Alt's essay on The Joy of Clutter for Aeon. Click here (https://www.buzzf...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Recorded in front of an audience in Tyler, TX, Sarah and Dave do their best to explain the What and Why of The Mockingcast. Think of it as a rare peek behind the curtain as well as a perfect jumping on point for new listeners. Also, Sarah spills some serious tea about a presidential funeral.
Oct 22, 2024•49 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Michelin stars, friends with money, autonomy traps, and Kristofferson's conversion. Also, Sarah and Dave gush about their favorite poet-priest-prophet-musician-TacoBellObsessive Andy Squyres. Click here (https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/) to listen to The StoryMakers Podcast. Click here (https://www.economist.com/business/2024/09/24/the-curse-of-the-michelin-star) to read The Economist's report on The Curse of the Michelin Star. Click here (https://glob...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk school drop-off insanity, mindful underparenting, Silicon Valley rationalism, and anorexic recovery. Also, Sarah listens to a parking lot confession, while RJ fails to keep up. This episode is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Everett Lees. Click here (https://givebutter.com/JZEkfM?fbclid=IwY2xjawFeSvVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbRrpRhrzKMd6q9c09qRr3IFrFDjEHVGONLoT9vlhTU8yt4oAmEvLGdUUQ_aem_RL-fYabJtdAZmmV0UMKkAA) to give to the Lees Family Trust. Click here (https://www...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In their first episode back, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk peak loneliness, familial estrangement, and forgiven shoplifters. Also, our new logo/icon debuts, and a pair of Condons learn to surf. Click here (https://mbird.com/events/the-language-of-grace/) for more information about our upcoming event in Tyler, TX (Sept 27&28) Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/27/magazine/loneliness-epidemic-cure.html) to read "Why Is the Loneliness Epidemic So Hard to Cure?" in the NY Times Magazine Clic...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 7 min
For Mockingcasters looking for something to listen to while the gang is on hiatus this summer, look no further! We hope you enjoy the first episode of the new season of Mbird's The Brothers Zahl podcast, "Faith". Click here (https://open.spotify.com/show/6frnfe7MX9ieCnYE9Vr129?si=0a13bb2039da4ff6) to subscribe or listen to more episodes on Spotify Click here (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brothers-zahl/id1552891662) to subscribe or listen to more episodes on Apple Click here (https:/...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 28 min
In their last episode before the summer hiatus, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk wedding snobbery, tearjerker movies, and secular exorcisms. The gang wish listeners a fruitful unburdening these next few months! If you feel so led, visit www.mbird.com/support to respond to the opening appeal. Click here (https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/article/2024/may/15/why-gossip-wedding) to read Francesca Carington's article in the The Guardian, "Why Are We So Snobby About Other People's Weddings?" Click here (h...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk weight loss drugs, hypochondria, and the hound of heaven. Also, Sarah attends a pool party while Dave fesses up to his inner Christian Scientist. Click here (https://talkingbird.fireside.fm/) to listen to the recordings of our recent NYC Conference. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76QV2SrSqgo) to watch Jerry Seinfeld's commencement address at Duke. Click here (https://www.thecut.com/article/body-positivity-influencers-weght-loss-drugs-mounjaro.html) ...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Recorded live in front of the audience at Mockingbird's annual conference in NYC, RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk quarter-life crises, parental control, dating types, and the relief of not being God. Also, Dave and RJ finally figure out who won. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/04/running-marathon-quarter-life-crisis/678156/) to read The New Quarter-Life Crisis by Maggie Mertens in The Atlantic. Click here (https://www.thecut.com/article/brooding-parenting-with-control-issues...
May 01, 2024•59 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk furniture flipping, rental people, lunar eclipses, and Rwandan redemption. Also, RJ drops some serious science. Click here (https://conference.mbird.com/) for more details about next week's Mbird Conference in NYC Click here (https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/amanda-montell-book-excerpt/) to read the excerpt from Amanda Montell's new book The Age of Overthinking in Marie Claire Click here (https://www.sarahhinlickywilson.com/theology-a-recipe) to receive Sarah...
Apr 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk elephant mudslides, liquid death, Alzheimers, and atonement. It's an instant classic! Click here (https://conference.mbird.com/) to register for the NYC Conference (April 25-27). To reserve a spot for the James Tissot exhibit, email info@mbird.com ASAP. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/04/why-animals-play-evolution/677477/) to read Sallie Tisdale's piece in The Atlantic, "Do Animals Have Fun?" Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk interpersonal dislikes, luxury beliefs, and Roman revenge. Also, polyamory. Click here (https://www.ask-polly.com/p/its-not-a-moral-failure-to-dislike) to read the Ask Polly newsletter, "It's Not a Moral Failure to Dislike Someone" by Heather Havrilesky Click here (https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/luxury-beliefs-that-only-the-privileged-can-afford-7f6b8a16) to read Rob Henderson's op-ed in the Wall Street Journal "Luxury Beliefs That Only the Privileged Can...
Mar 11, 2024•57 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk rainy days, mean girls, and the strange blessing of Parkinson's. Also, the boys learn an important lesson about temperature. Click here (https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/issue-24-mystery/) to order a copy of The Mystery Issue of The Mockingbird Magazine. And here (https://conference.mbird.com/) for more details about our upcoming NYC Conference (4/25-27). Click here (https://mbird.com/theology/the-gospel-for-those-broken-by-the-church/) to read about Rod Rosenbla...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 11 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk core memories, superegos, uncool churchgoers, and revenge vampires. Also, Dave sights a celebrity while Sarah dials up some French-Canadian cartoons. Oh, and the gang flips out over Fargo! Click here (https://conference.mbird.com/) for more information, or to pre-register for our NYC Conference (4/25-27). Click here (https://linkst.thecut.com/view/6309327606c1220f7549d11fk9w96.12b/ab349fd3) to read Kathryn Jezer-Morton's newsletter on "Why Are Parents So Fixated...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk Tetris, youth groups, paganism, and magi interlopers. Also, Dave plays some bingo while RJ questions the wisdom of the buddymoon. Click here (https://www.wired.com/story/why-everyone-is-obsessed-with-the-kid-who-beat-tetris/) to read Angela Watercutter's piece on Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Kid Who Beat Tetris in Wired. Click here (https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/of-interest/2023/12/23/fun-is-dead/) to read Karen Heller's essay, "Fun Is Dead" in the W...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk top words, millennial motherhoods, cancerous insights, and sad Christmases. Everyone also gives a few recs from the year gone by. Click here (https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year) to read about Mirieam-Webster's word of the year. Click here (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/03/arts/rizz-oxford-word-year.html) to read about Oxford's. Click here (https://mbird.com/social-science/parenting/thou-shalt-have-a-thing/) to read Jordan Griesbeck's pos...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 15 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk passive aggression, teenage misery, jazz flute comebacks, and wartime prayers. Also, Sarah celebrates Wally Moon day while Dave declares the worst of the meats. Click here (www.mbird.com/support) to respond to the opening appeal. We need your support! Click here (https://www.economist.com/1843/2023/11/21/sorry-you-feel-that-way-why-passive-aggression-took-over-the-world) to read Josh Cohen's essay on Passive Aggression in 1843 Magazine. Click here (https://www.n...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 14 min
In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk eldest daughters, crypto parents, and a pair of awe-inspiring conversions. Also, Dave binges some Curb while Sarah discloses the worst thing someone said to her in the early days of grief. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/11/first-born-children-eldest-daughter-family-dynamics/675986/) to read Sarah Sloat's piece on The Plight of the Eldest Daughter in The Atlantic. Click here (https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/why-are-we-so-obsessed-with...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 19 min
