The Fascinating Podcast

We've all had... kind of a lot... going on, so we take a breather to play some catch-up. From the media we've been enjoying to our thoughts on the election to what's next for us, there's a ton of good stuff in here!

In the wake of a decisive presidential election in which Evangelicals yet again turned out in record numbers to put an unrepentant fascist, felon and sexual predator in the highest office in the US, we ask: how do we love our Christian Nationalist neighbors? Pastor, author and former white nationalist Caleb E. Campbell joins us to explore how Christian Nationalism is a competing religion, and what it looks like to engage those under its sway with transformative love.

JR. is starting a new venture centered around board games! Since Kathy's on the road, Matt and JR. explore what exactly Game Nights with JR. is and how you can be part of it! PLUS: Election security!

Two years after the Dobbs decision allowed individual states to determine access and restrictions to abortion care, people of faith are still learning what an abortion is and isn't and learning what the consequences are when people who don't understand reproduction and healthcare make the rules. Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, take a listen as we talk with Elaina Ramsey, the executive director of Fath Choice Ohio, about the intersection of faith and reproductive healthcare.

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Emily Nussbaum joins us to explore the roots of reality television. Forget the Real World - reality tv started way earlier than you think. And there's a paradox at the heart of the genre Emily's new book, Cue the Sun, invites us to sit with. We explore everything from Candid Camera to Hell's Kitchen to Love is Blind. Whether you're part of Bachelor Nation or couldn't care less about which housewives are real, this episode will surprise and delight!

What's the best movie to watch at Christmas? What about Easter? Film Critic Abby Olcese's answers might surprise you. In her new book, Films for All Seasons, she explores movies that help us engage the story of the Church year. From Advent to Lent, Easter and Pentecost all the way to All Saints' Day, Abby offers up the most surprising and insightful films that help us know Jesus more fully than ever.

Andrea Stewart is back with the first book in a dark new trilogy. Why would she ever decide to write another epic fantasy trilogy? What will she do if TikTok gets banned? And how does she navigate the power she wields as an author? All this and more on the new episode!

Jason Pargin returns to the show! His latest standalone novel is an uproarious takedown of internet culture. If anyone knows just how insidious social media has become, it's Pargin, who's been on just about every platform that's existed. In spite of all that, he remains shockingly optimistic about the potential we have for meaningful connections. PLUS: a surprise guest host!

S. B. Divya returns to the show to take us on a whirlwind tour of far-future Earth. Her latest novel explores the nature of choice and consent, as well as what it's like to persist in the face of disability. Plus: has she figured out what dark matter is? (No, but wait till you hear about the short story she's working on!) All this and more!

We're back! Season 13 is the march to episode 400! We get back together to review what we missed this summer - especially all that political turmoil. Then we review a surprising summer movie box office and give you a preview of what's coming up this season. All this and more on the season premier!