Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 5: Hope Is Not Naive: A Holiday Invitation to Superman Fans

In this short Thanksgiving episode, Rick invites listeners to help shape next month’s conversation on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality. As the holidays approach—a season often filled with mixed emotions—Rick poses three reflection questions:

* Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?

* Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?

* Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode 4: Forgiveness

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

In the Superman & Lois finale, Clark extends forgiveness to Lex Luthor — even beyond the grave. In this episode, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore Superman’s radical hope that enemies can become friends, and ask what it would take for us, as individuals and as a nation, to live with that same forgiving strength.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode Three: I Never Lie

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

This podcast explores faith and storytelling through the enduring myth of Superman.

Today we’re asking a tricky question: How can Superman be called “a man who doesn’t lie” while living a life built on disguise? What do we make of Clark Kent’s double identity — and what can spirituality teach us about truth, masks, and the complexity of being human?

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode TWO: You Are Who You Choose to Be - The Iron Giant as the Greatest Superman Film

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

This podcast explores faith and storytelling through the enduring myth of Superman.

Today we’re talking about The Iron Giant, a 1999 animated film that might be the greatest Superman movie ever made, even though Superman himself only appears in the background—on a comic book page, and in the imaginations of a child and a robot.

What makes The Iron Giant so powerful is that it isn’t just about strength or heroism; it’s about choosing to love in a world full of fear.

Today, we look at what it really means to say, “I am not a gun… I am Superman.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality, the podcast where mythology meets theology, and capes meet contemplation.

In this show, we will explore what the Man of Steel can teach us about who we are, what we believe, and how we live. Through a spiritual lens, especially in the Ignatian tradition and through my own experience as a spiritual care provider in hospitals, we look at some of the deeper truths behind Superman’s story—truths about calling, identity, compassion, adoption, and even the mystery of presence.

This podcast is partly about fandom, but more about formation.

Today, in our very first episode, we are looking at the 2025 Superman film by James Gunn and asking what the myth of Superman can reveal to us about our own deepest longings for purpose, belonging, and transformation?”

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Follow today at https://supermanpodcast.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com