The Fascinating Podcast

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

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.

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

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:

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.