The two pastors talk about the “me too” campaign.

With the loss of Tom Petty, the two pastors talk about the role the arts play in our lives.

Excerpts of the following songs have been included in this episode for illustrative purposes:

1. Intro: "Jesus" by Rich Mullins (demo version). Source: https://youtu.be/9K66Q7t3Vvg

2. Outro: "Into the Great Wide Open" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Source: https://youtu.be/aR7GBXneiK8

After the shooting in Las Vegas, the two pastors talk about grieving tragedy after tragedy. How do we balance finding peace and being active for good?

Pastor Beth has downsized her pastoral library considerably. The two pastors talk about the role books play in the formation of a pastor. They talk about the books with which they are willing to part and those with which they are not.

In reference to the infamous children’s book by Taro Gomi, the two pastors embark on a fairly funny conversation about how much we have within our reach to consume. Is it good that we have so much at our disposal? Or isn’t it? What do you think?

The two pastors get caught up talking about some of their heroes of the faith—folks like St. Francis, Julian of Norwich, and Henri Nouwen. Listen in as they affirm “who we are informs what we believe.” What we have endured influences the kind of God we believe in or don’t believe in.

Both Pastors Michael and Beth have journeyed from a fundamentalist Christian practice to a progressive liberal practice of Christianity. They speak candidly about how their understanding and interpretation of scripture has changed over time.

The two pastors are so grateful for the faithful pastors who are offering shelter and nourishment, physically, emotionally and spiritually, to those who are affected by Hurricane Harvey. Listen in on them talking about their first thoughts and how they plan to stay focused on the long game of caring for and rebuilding Houston.

The two pastors continue their conversation with Roberta Smith, Beth’s new southern friend. They talk about the economy, the need for a new mindset and how Jesus was desperate to give voice to a conversation not happening. Some things never change!

[For Part One of this conversation, please listen to Episode 80: "Robert E. Lee and the Apostle Paul"]

After last week’s protest, counter-protests and violence in Charlottesville, the two pastors welcome Pastor Michael’s friend, Roberta Smith. Roberta is from Virginia and attended the University of Virginia. Together, they talk about sacred places, sacred texts and sacred cows.