Best Brian Swartz Podcasts (2025)

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183. Shannon Fleck of Faithful America 28:32

3M ago28:32

28:32

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Shannon Fleck, the new executive director of Faithful America. She discusses Christian Nationalism in Oklahoma and nationally. You can watch a video version of his conversation on YouTube. Fleck's predecessor, Rev. Nathan Empsall, previously appeared on episode 61 of Dangerous Dogma. He al…

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182. Ruth Braunstein on When the Wolves Came 29:31

3M ago29:31

29:31

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with sociologist Ruth Braunstein about her documentary podcast When the Wolves Came. You can also find her writings at her Substack newsletter Democracy Is Hard. Mentioned in the episode is Caleb Campbell, who previously appeared on episode 150 of Dangerous Dogma. Note: Don't forget to subscrib…

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181. Angela Denker on Disciples of White Jesus 32:15

4M ago32:15

32:15

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with journalist and Lutheran minister Angela Denker about her forthcoming book Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood. You can watch a video version of this conversation here. You can also hear an earlier conversation with Denker in episode 68, and a conversation with …

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180. David Swartz on Rebel on Main 26:26

4M ago26:26

26:26

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with historian David Swartz about his new narrative podcast project Rebel on Main, which offers a historical and contemporary exploration of a Kentucky county and its unusual Confederate statue. You can watch a video version of this conversation here. (You can also hear an earlier episode with …

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179. Munther Isaac on Christ in the Rubble 42:44

4M ago42:44

42:44

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, about his forthcoming book Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza. He also talks about Donald Trump's plan to "take over" Gaza, the importance of using the terms "genocide" and "…

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178. State Senator Shows How NOT to Read Proverbs 16:18

4M ago16:18

16:18

On Tuesday (Feb. 25), a session of the Oklahoma Senate transformed into a spontaneous Bible study. Or perhaps more of a Bible study cosplay demonstrating how not to read the Bible, specifically how not to read the Book of Proverbs. In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor unpacks the errors in how Proverbs was cited by a state senator tryin…

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177. Countering Sean Feucht with Karrie Gaspard-Hogewood 29:19

5M ago29:19

29:19

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Karrie Gaspard-Hogewood, a sociology doctoral fellow at Tulane University, about a protest march she organized to counter an event by Christian Nationalistic musician Sean Feucht in New Orleans on Feb. 8, 2025. You can learn more about Feucht at A Public Witness, including reports on his p…

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176. Paul Raushenbush & Trump's Targeting of Christians 26:43

5M ago26:43

26:43

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Rev. Paul Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, about various ways the Trump administration has targeted Christian groups, including Episcopalians, Catholics, and Lutherans. You can read more about the recent attacks on Lutheran charity work in a report at A Public Witness…

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175. Mariann Budde, John Danforth, & Prophetic Preaching 27:24

5M ago27:24

27:24

In this episode, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with John Danforth, a former U.S. Senator and Episcopal priest, about the controversy over Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde's sermon during an inauguration prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral. You can read more about the issue at A Public Witness, including a report on the sermon,…

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174. Joe Blosser on To Love Our Neighbors 49:24

6M ago49:24

49:24

Joe Blosser talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book To Love Our Neighbors: Radical Practices in Solidarity, Sufficiency, and Sustainability. He also discusses understandings of how a neighbor is, church food pantries, and economic neoliberalism. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness…

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173. Bruce Chilton on the Herods [Reissue] 48:09

7M ago48:09

48:09

Bruce Chilton, professor of religion at Bard College, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The Herods: Murder, Politics, and the Art of Succession. He also discusses the political issues at play in New Testament stories like the birth, teachings, and death of Jesus. This episode is being reissued and was originally released…

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172. Christi Harlan on Jimmy Carter's Sunday School Lessons in Washington, D.C. 45:24

7M ago45:24

45:24

Christi Harlan talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new books Mr. President, The Class Is Yours: Jimmy Carter's Sunday School Lessons in Washington, D.C. and Normal Lives: President Jimmy Carter and His Church. She also discusses Carter's teaching style and humor, as well as the church's history. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to o…

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171. Samuel Perry on Religion for Realists 49:22

7M ago49:22

49:22

Samuel Perry, a professor of sociology at the University of Oklahoma, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Religion for Realists: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of Religion. He also discusses issues of religious identity, partisanship, and Christian Nationalism. He previously appeared on episode 46. Note: Don't forget…

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170. Tony Campolo on Faith as Babylon Falls 54:33

8M ago54:33

54:33

This episode features a conversation originally recorded in May 2020 for the podcast Baptist Without An Adjective. In it, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor interviewed author and sociologist Tony Campolo. The author of 35 books and a longtime professor at Eastern University, Campolo died on Nov. 19 at the age of 89. This conversation is being rebroad…

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169. Grace Ji-Sun Kim on When God Became White 42:38

8M ago42:38

42:38

Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity. She also discusses issues of racism, patriarchy, and Christian Nationalism. She previously appeared on episode 145. She writes a Substack ne…

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168. Drew Strait on Strange Worship 47:09

8M ago47:09

47:09

Drew Strait, a New Testament professor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism. He also discusses issues of strategic nonviolence, empathy, and suspicion of state power. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winni…

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167. Bekah McNeel on This is Going to Hurt 50:47

8M ago50:47

50:47

Journalist and author Bekah McNeel talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book This Is Going to Hurt: Following Jesus in a Divided America. She also discusses addressing issues of immigration, education, and guns. She previously appeared on episode 70. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witn…

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EPISODE 195: Halloween IS Houdini Day with Houdini Historian and Expert John Cox 1:40:28

8M ago1:40:28

1:40:28

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 32:30 Happy Halloween Ramblers, today we welcome back our dear friend Harry Houdini historian and expert John Cox to celebrate the life, legend and lore of the greatest magician/escape artist/ of all time on this the 98th anniversary of his death on Halloween 1926.. Check out Johns incredible website to learn everything there …

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166. Michael Austin on American Christian Nationalism 48:00

9M ago48:00

48:00

Michael Austin, a philosophy professor at Eastern Kentucky University and Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership of Hebrew College, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian. He also discusses American values, teachin…

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EPISODE 194: The Scariest personal Stories in Paranormal Investigations With Kurt Konecny and Tim Swartz 2:29:33

9M ago2:29:33

2:29:33

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 39:45 As we are knee deep in the spooky season we thought we would bring you a special spooky episode!! Show legends Kurt Konecny and Tim Swartz join us to tell some of their spookiest stories involving their ownparanormal research... keep the lights on for this one!! So kick back, enjoy, and please subscribe, rate and share t…

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165. Jerome Copulsky on American Heretics 48:45

9M ago48:45

48:45

Jerome Copulsky, a research fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book American Heretics: Religious Adversaries of Liberal Order. He also discusses colonial Anglicans, debates during the Confederacy, and Christian Nationalism. Note: Don'…

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EPISODE 193: Horror Writers Round Table, Three drastically different Styles, Same Genre with Dacre Stoker, Casey Masterson and Rex Hurst 2:01:01

9M ago2:01:01

2:01:01

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 29:15 Horror novels... why are they all lumped together when there are so many different sub genres, yet in book stores or websites they are all in the same section, from gothic horror to comedy horror to splatter punk to classic horror and so on, should they all be considered the same, and if so, how can you build a fan base.…

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164. Amanda Tyler on How to End Christian Nationalism 51:15

9M ago51:15

51:15

Amanda Tyler of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her forthcoming book How to End Christian Nationalism. She also discusses the Christians Against Christian Nationalism effort, issues involving public education, and different ways to engage in the public square. She previously appeare…

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EPISODE 192: The Devil in Disguise : A New Comic Book Adventure with Creator and Writer Robert Radu 1:36:50

9M ago1:36:50

1:36:50

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 31:35 Imagine a world where a King of Rock and Roll actually worked for the government, worked as an undercover agent, worked hard to rid the world of evil doers... and used all his abilities, and talents to succeed. Imagine the dark world he would enter and the lengths he would go..... Well imagine no longer, because Robert R…

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163. Blake Chastain on Exvangelical and Beyond 51:53

9M ago51:53

51:53

Blake Chastain, author of The Post-Evangelical Post, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book Exvangelical and Beyond: How American Christianity Went Radical and the Movement That's Fighting Back. He also discusses racism, consumerism, and Donald Trump. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public …

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162. Lore Ferguson Wilbert on the Understory 45:25

9M ago45:25

45:25

Lore Ferguson Wilbert talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book The Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor. She also discusses issues of grief, COVID-19, and hope. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, …

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161. Darryl Stephens on Reckoning Methodism 46:30

10M ago46:30

46:30

Darryl Stephens, director of United Methodist Studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book Reckoning Methodism: Mission and Division in the Public Church. He also discusses issues of sexuality, colonialism, and public advocacy. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter …

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EPISODE: 191: A Novel Look at the Romantic Writers with Professor and Author Chuck Rosenthal 1:33:35

10M ago1:33:35

1:33:35

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 29:45 Shelley, Keats, Byron and Beatriz? Beatriz, Who's Beatriz? Well the answer to that questions is the main character of the new time travel novel by the great Chuck Rosenthal Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest. But the real question is, who were Shelley, Byron and Keats, at least that'sthe question new students were asking (…

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160. Julie Faith Parker on Eve Isn't Evil 44:40

10M ago44:40

44:40

Julie Faith Parker, a visiting scholar at Union Theological Seminary and a biblical scholar in residence at Marble Collegiate Church, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her book Eve Isn't Evil: Feminist Readings of the Bible to Upend Our Assumptions. She also discusses translation problems, the role of the matriarchs, and female proph…

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EPISODE 190: Pop Culture Potpourri X-Men, Star Wars and other Ramblings with with Pop Culture and Film Critic Theo Rickman 1:42:59

10M ago1:42:59

1:42:59

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 32:30 In 2024 the world is rebounding from an almost 3 year lockdown, during which pop culture had a weird thing happened, it almost stopped (with everything shutting down) but became even more popular with the masses (as being shut up inside, people really fell back into all things pop culture, as they couldn't do much else O…

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159. Matthew Taylor on the Violent Take it by Force 58:52

10M ago58:52

58:52

Matthew Taylor, a scholar with the Institute for Islamic-Christian-Jewish Studies, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his forthcoming book The Violent Take it By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy. He also discusses the New Apostolic Reformation, election prophecies, and the Jan. 6 insurrection. Note: Don'…

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158. Jason Shelton on the Contemporary Black Church 50:45

10M ago50:45

50:45

Jason Shelton, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion. He also discusses impacts of the civil rights movement, racial injustices, and the COVID-19 pandemic on church life. Note: Don't for…

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157. Joel Looper on Another Gospel 48:16

11M ago48:16

48:16

Joel Looper talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his forthcoming book Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Evangelical Identity. He also discusses messianic and apocalyptic rhetoric in Trumpism. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, cultu…

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EPISODE 189: Rock -n- Roll Legend Robert Lee Balderrama of ? and the Mysterians and Beyond!! 1:40:06

11M ago1:40:06

1:40:06

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 28:00 In 1966 a song was released by a group of unknown Mexican American kids from Michigan that would change Rock-n-Roll, inspire generations of musicians and shape music for decades to come. ? and the Mysterians classic #1 hit 96 Tears has lived on as one of the greatest songs in the history of rock music, often credited as …

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156. Tripp Fuller of Homebrewed Christianity 55:54

11M ago55:54

55:54

Tripp Fuller of Homebrewed Christianity talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about podcasting, community, and speaking out in public. He also talks about Theology Beer Camp on Oct. 17-19 in Denver. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And …

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EPISODE 188: King Arthur, What Do We Know, What Can We Know with Authors and historians Christopher Gidlow and Paul Begg 2:05:53

11M ago2:05:53

2:05:53

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT: 31:00 Who was King Arthur, was he real, a legend, or a wish? What can we know, and what will we never know? And how close did Monty Python get? We are thrilled to be joined by historians and authors Christopher Gidlow, author of the books Reign of Arthur: from History to Legend and Revealing King Arthur: Swords, Stones and Digg…

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155. Tony Jones on the God of Wild Places 45:59

11M ago45:59

45:59

Tony Jones, a theologian and author, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The God of Wild Places: Rediscovering the Divine in the Untamed Outdoors. He also discusses hunting, death, and ministry. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, a…

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EPISODE 187: The Mysterious Djinn with Kurt Konecny and Tim Swartz 1:44:36

11M ago1:44:36

1:44:36

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 29:00 What are the Djinn? Genies? Daemon's? Ghosts? Imps or fairies? Are they good, bad or ugly? Do they predate man or do they even exist at all?? Tim Swartz and Kurt Konecny join us again to discuss this listener request topic of the Djinn… you may want to leave the lights on for this episode ramblers!! So kick back, enjoy, …

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154. Thomas Jay Oord on Expulsion from Church of the Nazarene 46:10

11M ago46:10

46:10

Thomas Jay Oord, a theologian and author, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about being disciplined by the Church of the Nazarene, which resulted in him losing his preaching credentials and being expelled from membership. He also discusses the church trial process, his defense of affirming LGBTQ+ people, and open and relational theology. L…

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153. Jenai Auman on Othered 51:00

12M ago51:00

51:00

Jenai Auman, a writer and artist, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized. She also discusses church trauma, the importance of lament, and misuse of Scripture. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witnes…

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EPISODE 186: McCarthyism and It's Lasting Impact with Dr. Andrea Bails and Elizabeth Levy Authors of Witch Hunt : The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare 1:57:08

12M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 34:00 These days it is common to hear people say we should go back to the America of the 1950's, I couldn't DISAGREE more! The 1950's in America gave rise to a movement that could have ended the freedoms we have forever, and this movement was lead by one man who's name has not only become synonymous with fanatical witch hunts,…

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152. Ross Kane on the Good News of Church Politics 50:30

12M ago50:30

50:30

Ross Kane, a professor of theology, ethics, and culture at Virginia Theological Seminary, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his new book The Good News of Church Politics. He also discusses local engagement, the biblical word for the church, and the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award…

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EPISODE 185: The Amazing History of the NHL with NHL Trivia Master and Historian Liam Maguire 2:07:23

12M ago2:07:23

2:07:23

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 32:00 You think you love hockey? Think you know hockey? Well, if you want to know everything there is to know about the greatest game on ice (sorry curling) and the NHL there is only one person to talk to, and that's historian, author, emcee, host, keynote speaker and official trivia master of the NHL the great Liam Maguire. W…

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EPISODE 184: True Crime and Serial Killer History With Legendary Author Harold Schechter 1:37:51

1y ago1:37:51

1:37:51

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 30:00 What is it that fascinates us when it comes to serial killers and their horrific crimes. How is it that "serial killer culture" is even a thing, or how "murderabilia" is a collectors' hobby? Top selling author Harold Schechter joins us today to talk about his career as a true crime author and historian Harold is the auth…

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151. Andrew Garnett on Christians and the Roman Army 47:49

1y ago47:49

47:49

Andrew Garnett, pastor Hampton Baptist Church in Virginia, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his book Christians and the Roman Army: Lessons for Today. He also discusses the impact of the rise of Constantine, differences between leaders and congregants, and Fourth of July services. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning…

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150. Caleb Campbell on Disarming Leviathan 50:41

1y ago50:41

50:41

Caleb Campbell, pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his forthcoming book Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. He also discusses Turning Point USA, syncretism, and missionary strategies. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Publi…

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149. Shirley Mullen on Claiming the Courageous Middle 49:06

1y ago49:06

49:06

Shirley Mullen, retired president of Houghton College (now University), talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her new book Claiming the Courageous Middle: Daring to Live and Work Together for a More Hopeful Future. She also discusses liberal arts education, listening to others, and embracing middle spaces. Note: Don't forget to subscribe…

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148. Diana Butler Bass, Adriene Thorne, & Andrew Whitehead on Christian Nationalism & Mainline Protestants 1:00:00

1y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This episode features the audio from an online book launch for Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. Co-authors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood hosted a panel conversation with Dr. Diana Butler Bass, Rev. Adriene Thorne, and Dr. Andrew Whitehead on Christian Nationalism and mainline Protestants. Bass, who w…

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EPISODE 183: It's Time to Talk about Time and all it's Weirdness With Tim Swartz and Kurt Konecny 1:59:33

1y ago1:59:33

1:59:33

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 33:45 Time, what is time? How does it work? Is it real or just a man made construct? Can we travel Time, What are Time Slips??? These and many other questions can be explored in the new book Weird Time: Exploring the Mysteries of Time and Space by Tim Swartz and Sean Casteel featuring essays and chapters by a whos who of the w…

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EPISODE 182: Phil Silvers: Burlesque, Broadway, Banana and Bilko With Steve Everitt the Co-owner/Founder of the Phil Silvers Archival Museum 2:20:39

1y ago2:20:39

2:20:39

INTERVIEW BEGINS AT : 35:55 Welcome back to our series on classic comedians, and this time we honor the life and career of the great Phil Silvers, who is as big as ever, in the UK??? Sadly he is grossly underappreciated and somewhat forgotten in his home land of the USA. Phil Silvers was a comic who did it all and conquered it all, from his early d…

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