In this episode we talk about theological family trees. What influences shape our core religious convictions and make us who we are? We also talk a little about the debate and the near extinction of humanity that almost happened 900,000 years ago.

In this episode, recorded minutes after Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, we talk Nietzsche. We think a bit Nietzsche's early work, The Birth of Tragedy. We try to think through what it might speak to a dramatic, polarized political situation, and what it might teach us about how both parties understand the human condition.

In this episode Bill and Scott talk about Donald Trump, his shooting, and his convention where he accepted the Republican nomination for President of the United States. We were both excited to see the Hulkster back in public life!

In this episode we discuss a phenomenal text on leadership, Failure of Nerve. We think with the author about what's behind the emotional limitations to change in church, society, and our personal lives. We conclude with some Christian reflections on Rabbi Friedman's work, which we think could be useful inside and outside the church.

You can find Rabbi Friedman's book here.

In this episode, recorded on the anniversary of the historic duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, we consider some of the best arguments against the existence of God.

In this episode we talk about the nature of faith in a modern and pluralistic world. What does it mean to have faith and have it challenged? What do you do when people call you dogmatic for believing? How do you share that faith in an inviting, reasonable, and humble way?

In this episode we talk about recent Supreme Court decisions and their short term and long term implications for life in the Republic.

Continuing in the New Persuasive Words tradition, we bring you our legendary post-debate coverage.

In this episode we talk about the Presbyterian Church of America's "cancelling" of NY Times columnist David French.

Click here for David French's account of the affair. Click here if you'd like to hear the affair chronicled in song.

In this episode, actually by listener request, we talk about Israel, Antisemitism, and the war in Gaza.