Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast

If you listen to any of those, you already know my guest: David Dault. David and I have had ongoing conversations for a long time now about faith, culture, and the stories that shape us, and today we are centering that conversation around his excellent new book, The Accessorized Bible.

We talk about how Scripture gets “accessorized” by our assumptions and our agendas, how interpretation has material consequences, and why reading responsibly means paying attention to the lives of the people most affected by our theology. And yes, because it’s us, we also get into Mister Rogers, Superman, and parasocial relationships.

I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get into it.

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Theme Music featured on this podcast is “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” performed by Rick Lee James

Also a special thanks to the @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter and Instagram.

Your host is Rick Lee James.

Rick’s Twitter account is @RickLeeJames and his web site is RickLeeJames.com.

Podcasts From Rick Lee James & Voices In My Head Productions

This Podcast Is Hosted by Rick Lee JamesMister Rogers Quotes on Twitter: @MisterRogersSayRick Lee James on Twitter: @RickLeeJamesRick Lee James Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com

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Voices In My Head Productions does not profit from this program. This show is completely a labor of love out of the respect that the host has for the life of Fred Rogers. We do not own images or sound clips of Fred Rogers used on this show. While this is not a legally binding Mea Culpa, we would appreciate you not suing us.

Author Lori G. Melton invites you to take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor.

Get the Book

Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she’s not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her six children and three grandchildren. She and her husband live in Allegan, Michigan.

https://www.lorigmelton.com

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Theme Music featured on this podcast is “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” performed by Rick Lee James

Also a special thanks to the @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter and Instagram.

Your host is Rick Lee James.

Rick’s Twitter account is @RickLeeJames and his web site is RickLeeJames.com.

Podcasts From Rick Lee James & Voices In My Head Productions

This Podcast Is Hosted by Rick Lee JamesMister Rogers Quotes on Twitter: @MisterRogersSayRick Lee James on Twitter: @RickLeeJamesRick Lee James Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com

----more----

Voices In My Head Productions does not profit from this program. This show is completely a labor of love out of the respect that the host has for the life of Fred Rogers. We do not own images or sound clips of Fred Rogers used on this show. While this is not a legally binding Mea Culpa, we would appreciate you not suing us.

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?”

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Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Theme Music featured on this podcast is "Nouvelle Noel" by Kevin MacLeod

Also a special thanks to the @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter and Instagram.

Your host is Rick Lee James.

Rick's Twitter account is @RickLeeJames and his web site is RickLeeJames.com.

Podcasts From Rick Lee James & Voices In My Head Productions

This Podcast Is Hosted by Rick Lee JamesMister Rogers Quotes on Twitter: @MisterRogersSayRick Lee James on Twitter: @RickLeeJamesRick Lee James Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com

----more----

Voices In My Head Productions does not profit from this program. This show is completely a labor of love out of the respect that the host has for the life of Fred Rogers. We do not own images or sound clips of Fred Rogers used on this show. While this is not a legally binding Mea Culpa, we would appreciate you not suing us.

The topic of this episode is FEELINGS.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Instructions

Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

At checkout use code: 10off

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

Official Music Video:

Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

The topic of this episode is THOUGHTS.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Instructions

Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

At checkout use code: 10off

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

Official Music Video:

Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

The topic of this episode is THOUGHTS.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Instructions

Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

At checkout use code: 10off

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

Official Music Video:

Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

The topic of this episode is Sensations.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas gifts

Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.

Blessings,

Rick

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Get the new song - Whatever You Do

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Instructions

Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

At checkout use code: 10off

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

Official Music Video:

Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, “We need Mister Rogers more than ever.” This audio collection features interviews with fans, friends, and colleagues whose lives were changed by the simple wisdom and kindness of Fred Rogers. For the first time you’ll hear both celebrities and everyday people tell their stories of how Mister Rogers affected them and, in some cases, even saved their lives.

As incredible as it may sound, Fred Rogers personally answered every letter he received. Hearing his words read aloud and the heartfelt gratitude from people who experienced his kindness firsthand make this a one-of-a-kind audio presentation. Hosted by beloved TV personality Tom Bergeron, it will touch you and help you believe, as Fred Rogers did, that all of us are special.

This spoken word collection includes special appearances by Kellie Pickler, The Cowsills, Lee Greenwood, Jim Brickman and Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. It's seventy-two minutes of fun and memories. It also includes a rare interview with David Newell, the "Speedy Delivery" Man from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

https://thankyoumisterrogers.com/

Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.

Music featured on podcast was Stay by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to my guest Dennis Scott and The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my web site is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward being with you again next time.

Until Then: You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Title: You Are Not a Mistake

“everyone makes mistakes once in a while.

—Fred Rogers

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Instructions

Visit

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

At checkout use code: 10off

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

Official Music Video:

Web Site:

https://rickleejames.com

PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing

Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts

Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 

Music featured on the podcast was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.

Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.

Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/

I’m your host, Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my website is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward to being with you again next time.

Until Then, You make each day a special day. You know how? By just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are.

Support This Show On PATREON

https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames