The Holy Post

The Holy Post

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The Holy Post episodes

  • 740: Is Empathy Killing the West & What Makes a Soul Secure with Alison Cook

    Is empathy becoming a liability in American Christianity? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre discuss the growing backlash against empathy and why some conservatives argue that too much compassion can lead to bad politics, bad theology, and even the decline of Western civilization. They also look at Russell Moore's warning about the "fear-driven church" and how anxiety about God, outsiders, and our own communities can shape the way Christians think and behave. Then, Kaitlyn talks with psychologist Alison Cook about attachment theory, the limits of human relationships, and why no other person can give us the security we ultimately need. Plus, what Lewis and Clark's bathroom habits can teach us about American history.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/218066312?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

    0:00 - Show Starts

    1:18 - Theme Song

    1:40 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you

    2:36 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.

    4:53 - Writing in Epcot?

    7:05 - News of the Hindquarters

    12:45 - The Anti-Empathy Movement

    20:05 - Christianity and "Western Civilization?"

    37:21 - The "Fear-Driven Church"

    51:13 - Interview

    56:21 - Therapy Culture and the Church

    1:03:44 - Security in Christ

    1:24:58 - End Credits

    1:25:30 - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at https://pod.link/1583657464

    Articles Discussed in News Segment:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/maga-right-christianity-empathy-toxic/688755/

    Resources:

    The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy by Alison Cook: https://amzn.to/3VjvuXi

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 27 min
  • 739: Debriefing the Debate over Evangelicalism

    Podcast hosts, ASSEMBLE! Phil, Skye, Kaitlyn, and Esau come together to debrief the new books by Kristen Kobes Du Mez, Bonnie Kristian, and Charlie Dates, as well as their recent interviews on The Holy Post. They each critique or defend evangelicalism, but who's right? Is evangelicalism worth fixing? Does the current debate unknowingly center only white experiences of evangelicalism? And is evangelicalism even a thing, or just a category pollsters made up? Plus, the team wrestles with their own responsibility and calling in the Christian media marketplace.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/817a857f-dc0d-4d90-b029-e81e8b62b28d?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-22T21%3A00%3A38.053Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true

    Getting Schooled - Baptism 201:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/29fcb625-2936-450e-be1f-e93c8b0621e8?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-22T21%3A17%3A05.196Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true

    0:00 - Show Starts

    1:18 - Theme Song

    1:40 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

    2:40 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

    4:29 - Phil's Mysterious Illness

    5:37 - The State of Evangelicalism

    16:40 - What Sells

    21:32 - Evangelicalism vs. the Mainline

    26:04 - Would You Raise Your Child Evangelical?

    30:20 - Moved by Media or Always Corrupt?

    40:50 - What's the Better Question?

    51:08 - What's the Takeaway?

    1:05:49 - End Credits

    Books Discussed in News Segment:

    In Defense of Evangelicalism by Bonnie Kristian: https://amzn.to/47aShaj

    Live, Laugh, Love by Kristin Kobes Du Mez: https://amzn.to/4xFicC0

    What Has Justice to Do with Righteousness? by Charlie Dates: https://amzn.to/46FB6NV

    Resources:

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 8 min
  • 738: Are Evangelicalism's Failures Bugs or a Feature? with Bonnie Kristian

    Following the 9/11 terrorist attack 25 years ago, Americans began using more "good versus evil" rhetoric, but have we taken it too far? Many of the tech bros developing AI were fans of sci-fi novels and movies in middle school, but completely missed the point of those stories. We may all pay the price. Bonnie Kristian, the deputy editor at Christianity Today, returns to discuss her new book "In Defense of Evangelicalism." While she agrees with many of the recent criticisms of the movement, she says the problems within evangelicalism are bugs rather than features and believes its critics have gone too far.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/215893715?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

    The SkyePod with Chuck Todd!

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/politics-and-pluralism-with-chuck

    0:00 - Show Starts

    1:24 - Theme Song

    1:47 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

    2:46 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

    3:48 - Chuck Todd on the SkyePod

    8:22 - 9/11's 25th Anniversary

    27:52 -Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you

    28:55 - Living in Bad Science Fiction

    52:20 - Interview

    1:00:38 - Reform or Destruction?

    1:13:45 - The Wal-Mart of Christianity

    1:34:36 - Are Critics the Bigger Problem?

    1:37:51 - End Credits

    1:38:29 - Sponsor - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at https://links.thepourover.org/holy-post

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    Sci-fi and Tech Oligarchs:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/08/silicon-valley-science-fiction-jill-lepore-book-review/688467/

    Other Resources:

    In Defense of Evangelicalism: A Response to Its Cultured Despisers by Bonnie Kristian: https://amzn.to/4xkkFRX

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 40 min
  • 737: The Surprising Origin of Evangelical Femininity with Kristin Kobes Du Mez

    Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the best-selling "Jesus and John Wayne," is back with another look at the forces that shaped modern American evangelicalism. This time she explores the backstory of evangelical femininity in her new book, "Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made." Also this week: Phil wants to know what links three recent celebrity deaths—Dolly Parton, Gloria Steinem, and Wendell Berry. To the surprise of many, The Christian Post has published an anti-Christian nationalist article. Is it a sign that the evangelical support for MAGA is finally turning? Plus, weird science awards.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/d5dde089-df69-4faa-a088-c903e95ca080?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-08T21%3A39%3A36.002Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true

    Check out this bonus interview with Kristin Kobes Du Mez:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/9c348a0c-111e-4203-99e6-3373210c01f8?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-08T20%3A28%3A21.690Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true

    0:00 - Show Starts

    1:17 - Theme Song

    1:39 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

    2:42 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

    3:40 - World Relief Update with Matthew Soerens: The State of the Golden Door - Help sign a letter to President Trump on behalf of refugees! https://www.worldrelief.org/goldendoor

    7:26 - Quirky Science!

    13:10 - Christian Post Anti-Nationalism Article?

    27:39 - Dolly, Wendell, and Gloria, Oh My!

    34:19 - Sponsor - Renovare Book Club - Spiritual formation through books! What else could you ask for? Learn more at https://renovare.org/bookclub

    35:22 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

    36:32 - Why Didn't Christians like Gloria Steinem?

    54:44 - Interview

    1:28:44 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    Weird Science! (No relation to the song or movie):

    https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2026-09-05/research-on-cockroach-milk-nose-blowing-wins-ig-nobel-prizes

    Christian Post article on Christian Nationalism: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/christian-nationalism-already-failed-america-once.html

    Hannah Anderson on Dolly and Wendell: https://hannahanderson.substack.com/p/dolly-and-wendell

    Other Resources:

    Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made by Kristin Kobes Du Mez: https://amzn.to/4xNdx1E

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 30 min
  • 736: Reuniting Justice & Righteousness with Charlie Dates

    Why are the Christians who profess right doctrine about God often the most opposed to social justice in his name? That contradiction is at the heart of Charlie Dates' new book. He talks with Skye about how separating justice and righteousness is damaging both white evangelicalism and young black activists. Also this week: Reflections on the wisdom of Dolly Parton, why religious tolerance isn't enough to heal America's divisions, and the difficulty of being an introvert within evangelicalism.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/728db798-3a84-4359-9d16-b6c8429205b1

    0:00 - Show Starts

    0:44 - Theme Song

    1:23 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

    2:21 - Sponsor - The Esau McCaulley Podcast - Esau has conversations that challenge your thinking, strengthen your faith, and give you plenty of reasons to laugh. Listen now at: https://pod.link/1770229436

    3:43 - Dolly Parton's Legacy

    27:07 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.

    28:12 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at: tyndale.life/nltselect

    29:30 - When do We Become the Person We Ought to Be?

    43:06 - Covenantal Pluralism

    52:38 - Interview

    1:02:57 - White Evangelical Blindness

    1:09:17 - MLK50

    1:15:00 - Waning Interest in Justice

    1:22:00 - Fearing God vs. People

    1:28:22 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    Morality, reflection, and age:

    https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/when-do-we-become-the-person-we-ought

    Covenantal Pluralism: The Geopolitics of Interfaith Religious Freedom by Iqbal Akhtar:

    https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-31479-6

    Other Resources:

    What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness?: Reclaiming the Intersection of Protest and Prayer by Charlie Dates: https://amzn.to/4zPhVym

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 34 min
  • 735: Is Socialism Christian? plus Matthew Loftus

    Socialism appears to be having a moment with a recent CNN poll finding that one-third of Democratic voters now consider themselves "democratic socialists." But what does socialism believe, and is it compatible with Christianity? Kaitlyn interviews Matthew Loftus about pop psychology and how the spread of therapy culture can distort the Christian life. Also this week: After shutting down U.S.A.I.D., why is the Trump administration now increasing funding to Christian relief agencies? Why do conservatives have more children than liberals? And would you like cake in your shake?

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/735-is-socialism-christian-plus-matthew?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

    0:00 - Show Starts

    0:44 - Theme Song

    1:07 - Sponsor - Curiously, Kaitlyn - Got questions about faith that only a kid would have the courage to ask? https://pod.link/1739169925

    2:00 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

    4:13 - Taste-Testing a Dr. Pepper Milkshake

    8:33 - Trump Sends Money to Christian Orgs

    18:09 - Socialism: what even is it?

    29:50 - DSA's Weird Platform

    44:40 - Dogs Vs. Babies (Dogs are Winning)

    52:09 - Interview

    56:33 - Examples of Therapy Culture

    1:04:54 - Clinical Therapy vs Therapy Culture

    1:27:13 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    After Aid Cuts, Trump Sends Money to Christian Orgs:

    https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/world-vision-usaid-cuts-christian-ngos-trump-hiv/

    Jesuits on Democratic Socialism:

    https://www.americamagazine.org/short-take/2026/08/18/democratic-socialists-america-catholic-social-teaching/

    Liberals vs Conservatives on Having Kids:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/08/fertility-gap-conservative-liberal/688334/

    Other Resources:

    Resisting Therapy Culture: The Dangers of Pop Psychology and How the Church Can Respond by Matthew Loftus:

    https://amzn.to/4iscEqn

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 28 min
  • 734: The Problem With Modern Dating Culture and the Resurgence of Christian Music with Kelsey McGinnis

    Dating apps were supposed to make romance easier, but have they actually made men and women worse at dating? Kaitlyn Schiess takes over the host chair with Skye Jethani and Mike Erre to talk about Bumble's decision to let men make the first move and why modern dating culture seems to be leaving everyone frustrated. Then they turn to AI and ask what happens when people start outsourcing friendship, advice, and intimacy to chatbots, and why churchgoing Christians may be especially eager to trust the technology. Later, Kaitlyn talks with musicologist Kelsey McGinnis about the resurgence of contemporary Christian music and artists like Forrest Frank and Brandon Lake who are introducing CCM to a new generation. What makes Christian music "Christian," and can worship, celebrity, money, and the music industry coexist without corrupting one another?

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/734-the-problem-with-modern-dating?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

    0:00 - Show Starts

    1:42 - Theme Song

    2:12 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you

    3:08 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

    5:05 - Bumble's Controversial Change

    23:29 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at:

    https://www.tyndale.com/sites/lasb/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20Life%20Applicati[…]ource=Holy%20Post%20Podcast&utm_medium=Microsite%20Nov%202025

    24:24 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

    25:30 - AI Will Affect Your Social Life

    37:02 - Evangelicals Are AI-Pilled

    48:19 - Interview

    55:25 - What is CCM?

    1:00:06 - Forest Frank

    1:20:06 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    Bumble's Big Change:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/08/bumble-dating-app-men-message-first/688298/

    Evangelicals and the Machine God: https://mereorthodoxy.com/american-evangelicals-long-for-the-embrace-of-the-machine-god/

    Christian Co-Living:

    https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/christian-co-living-housing-crisis/

    Other Resources:

    Kelsey Kramer McGinnis Website: https://www.kkramermcginnis.com/

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 21 min
  • 733: Will Progressive Pastors Close the Political "God Gap"? and Elizabeth Neumann

    Since the 1980s, the Republican Party has increasingly been associated with Christianity, while the Democratic Party has distanced itself from religious rhetoric to be more inclusive. But is that changing? This year, a surprising number of pastors are running for Congress as Democrats, and they are not shy about infusing their campaigns with faith. Republicans eager to protect their brand are fighting back by calling these progressive clergy candidates "PINOs"—Pastors in Name Only. In related news, Ryan Burge reveals surprising data about the political views of mainline ministers. Kaitlyn interviews counterterrorism expert Elizabeth Neumann about the rise of political violence, how the threats in the U.S. are changing, and how churches can be part of the solution. Also this week—the world's slowest concert reaches a milestone.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Getting Schooled - Aliens 101:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/getting-schooled-aliens-101?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

    0:00 - Show Starts

    1:30 - Theme Song

    1:52 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

    3:23 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

    5:12- 600-Year-Long Organ Song!

    14:44 - "Pastors in Name Only?"

    31:37 - World Relief Update with Matthew Soerens - In this update, Matthew Soerens shares five things you need to know about deportation. If you want to partner with World Relief in walking alongside families in crisis, visit worldrelief.org/holypost

    56:12 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

    57:16 - Interview

    59:05 - Non-Idealogical Violence

    1:08:20 - Definition of Political Violence

    1:14:20 - How People Get Radicalized

    1:27:07 - How Should We Respond?

    1:36:24 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    600-Year Long Organ Piece

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68209691

    PINO Pastors? https://religionnews.com/2026/08/04/pastors-name-only-republican-attacks-democrat-pastors/

    How Liberal are Mainline Clergy?

    https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/mainline-clergy-are-different-and

    Other Resources:

    Elizabeth Neumann's Website: https://elizabethneumann.org/

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    1 hr 37 min
  • 732: Mailbag! Prenups, "Mere Christianity," and Did Jesus Help People Get Drunk?

    The age of generic, non-denominational Christianity may be coming to an end. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss why Christians are increasingly drawn to narrower theological identities, and whether the internet is turning legitimate doctrinal differences into purity tests and church fights. Then, the crew opens the mailbag to answer whether prenuptial agreements are compatible with Christian marriage and if praying in public is an authentic expression of faith or an uncomfortable performance. They also consider what Christians should read to better understand the end times and why Jesus supplied wine to an already-drunk wedding party. Also this week, why the VeggieTales have nothing to fear from the cyclosporiasis outbreak.

    Holy Post Live!

    https://www.holypost.com/events

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/732-mailbag-prenups-mere-christianity?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

    0:00 - Show Starts

    0:33 - Theme Song

    0:55 - Sponsor - Ridge - The Ridge 5-in-1 Power Bank, power on-the-go without compromise! Get 40% off Ridge by going to https://www.ridge.com/HOLYPOST

    2:23 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.

    3:25 - Is Mere Christianity Over?

    22:33 - Christian Prenups?

    29:41 - Did Cyclospora get Bob and Larry?

    31:03 - Sponsor - If you want your generosity to make a real, lasting difference for refugee students and their families, start your monthly partnership today at https://worldrelief.org/holypost

    32:23 - Sponsor - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!

    33:33 - Did Jesus Get People Drunk?

    46:05 - Praying in Front of Non-Christians?

    52:07 - What Liquid Would You Dispense from Your Fingers?

    55:43 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    Is Mere Christianity Over? https://mereorthodoxy.com/is-the-era-of-mere-christianity-over/

    Other Resources:

    Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

    Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

    Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

    Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop

    The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    57 min
  • 731: Why You Should Talk to Strangers with Nicholas Epley

    "Big Eva" may be fading, but a new generation of online Christian influencers is taking its place. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the rise of "Gig Eva," how digital platforms are reshaping Christian authority, and why accountability to real churches and communities still matters. Then, the number of words people speak each day is dropping as more of everyday life moves online. The crew considers what we lose when convenience replaces even the smallest human interactions. Then, Skye talks with behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley about why conversations with strangers usually go better than we expect. They discuss how small choices to connect with others can make us happier, healthier, and less divided. Also this week, a new explosive ocean discovery.

    Holy Post Plus:

    Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

    https://holypost.substack.com/p/731-why-you-should-talk-to-strangers?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

    0:00 - Show Starts

    0:44 - Theme Song

    1:06 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

    2:10 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Your support puts healthy food within reach, fueling the future for kids and their families. Give now at https://FeedingAmerica.org/SummerHunger

    2:52 - Orcas Exploding Sunfish!

    9:40 - Big Eva is now Gig Eva

    29:43 - Sponsor - World Relief - Update with Matthew Sorens! Help today at http://worldrelief.org/holypostadvocates

    34:08 - Humans are talking less!

    45:46 - Interview

    52:07 - The "Quiet Car" on the Train

    59:17 - The Power of Reciprocity

    1:08:51 - Testing for Yourself

    1:17:07 - Technology's Role in This

    1:31:52 - End Credits

    Links Mentioned in News Segment:

    Orcas Raming Into Sunfish:

    https://www.npr.org/2026/07/24/nx-s1-5905327/orcas-ram-sunfish-hard-explodes

    From Big Eva to Gig Eva:

    https://firstthings.com/goodbye-big-eva-hello-gig-eva/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

    Humans Speaking Fewer Words:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/07/talking-less-reasons/688074/

    Other Resources:

    A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection: https://amzn.to/3RIeF6K

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    1 hr 22 min

About The Holy Post

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Join VeggieTales and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer and co-host Skye Jethani (author, speaker, pastor) for a fast-paced and often funny conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and…

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