In this inaugural episode of The Esau McCaulley Podcast, Esau is joined by Nancy French and Ameen Hudson for a conversation on sports rivalries, identity, and the power of narratives. From the WNBA rivalry of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to iconic NBA players like Magic and Bird, the group explores how trash talk and competition shape perceptions, and the way political and racial dynamics impacts how athletes are viewed. Then, Nancy and Ameen open up about the cultural and political narratives they've found themselves trapped in. Nancy shares her journey from being deeply embedded in the Republican Party to facing rejection for challenging its current direction, while Ameen reflects on navigating the expectations placed on him as a Black man who cares about justice, but also holds socially conservative views. Also, is Nancy French the greatest pickleball trash talker of all time?

Esau McCaulley sits down with Grammy-winning artist Lecrae for a candid conversation about his career, faith, and the personal challenges of living in the public eye. Reflecting on how his music has evolved over the years, Lecrae opens up about the journey that has shaped him both spiritually and professionally. The two discuss everything from Kendrick Lamar's and Simone Biles' unexpected shoutout to navigating criticism from fans and the church alike. Lecrae also delves into the pressures of creating music while wrestling with faith in a secular world and how he now sees himself as a "hybrid" between two cultures.

Esau sits down with friends Jonathan Warren Pagan, rector of Emmanuel Anglican Church, and Kimberly Deckel, executive pastor of Church of the Cross. They dive into the complexities of multiracial identity within the church, exploring how churches can better serve multiracial families and create genuinely welcoming spaces. The conversation touches on the unique challenges multiracial individuals face, the politics of identity surrounding public figures like Kamala Harris, and the importance of cultural curiosity in faith communities.

NBA Finals. Trump’s sledgehammer policies. A Bible debate over sex. Esau, Justin Giboney, and Producer Mike truly tackle it all this week. First, why do small markets (and small churches) keep getting overlooked? Then, what’s really driving the fight over international students on U.S. campuses? Also, a popular pastor claims the Bible does not say sex before marriage is wrong, but we aren't convinced. Finally, sports heartbreak, Taylor Swift, and Mike (kind of) makes his co-host debut.

1:04 - NBA Finals and Small Markets/Churches

9:22 - The Bible Sexual Immorality Debate

25:11 - Mike's Corner: International Students on Campus and Trump

46:48 - Taylor Swift

Elite universities are trying something new, or maybe not so new. To attract more conservative faculty, they’re adopting diversity strategies once used to support marginalized communities. So now that DEI is working for the right, is it still “woke”? Plus, fake Pope quotes are everywhere. Why is everyone trying to make the new Pope say what they want to hear? And in other news: a plantation burns, prom has officially lost its mind, and Producer Mike is in need of some friends.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:11 - Big Budget Proms

14:18 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

15:40 - Fake Pope Quotes

25:18 - DEI for Conservatives

39:51 - The Plantation Fire

47:12 - End Credits

Sarita Lyons is here to tell us about her book, Church Girl. She and Esau talk about her journey, from how she was pulled from her faith to what brought her back. She explains why she wrote a book specifically about being a Black Christian woman and why that specificity matters. And, this week in Holy Sports, should there be spaces where you can’t discuss race and politics?

0:00 - Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/ESAU

2:00 - Theme Song

3:31 - Are You Washed, Church Girl Edition

10:15 - Can You Separate Accomplishments from Race?

18:52 - Church Girl and Coming Back to Jesus

38:25 - Favorite chapter of Church Girl

47:53 - End Credits

Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women by Sarita T. Lyons: https://a.co/d/5zt4gfM

LeBron James made headlines for confronting ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith after criticism of his son, Bronny. Esau and Malcolm Foley unpack the moment and ask: What’s a parent’s role in their child’s success, and when does helping become too much? They also explore the growing backlash against empathy and wrestle with how we should use power and privilege for the good of others. Plus, in our new “Freezing Cold Takes” segment, we admit seasonal depression is real… and maybe soccer is actually good?

0:34 - Show Begins

1:20 - Freezing Cold Takes

6:05 - Holy Sports

17:52 - The Sin of Empathy Book

26:27 - Is This a Real Problem?

38:45 - Our Moment of Cultural Shame

44:14 - End Credits

The internet has become an angry place, but how did it get here and is there any fixing it? Esau is joined by Hannah Anderson and Hannah King to unpack why everyone on the timeline seems ready to fight, how rage has become its own online currency, and whether we’re all just really, really lonely. Also, Esau may or may not have tried a social media experiment that has now turned into an ethical crisis.

Rolling Stones Article on Rage Bait:

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/what-is-rage-bait-influencers-making-people-angry-1234976621/

Goodbye Billy Graham and Tim Keller. Hello...um...well, we're not sure. Esau McCaulley is joined by Justin Giboney and Tish Harrison Warren to discuss whether Christianity still has a public face, or if the era of unifying spiritual leaders is over. They explore the rise of social media influencers in faith spaces, why young people may be returning to church, and whether the church is fairly represented in the media. Plus, they share why there's still reason for hope, even in a time of overwhelming bad news.

- Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/ESAU

For too long, the history of Black Christianity in America has been told in incomplete or misleading ways. Esau sits down with theologian and author Walter Strickland to discuss his new book, Swing Low: A History of Black Christianity in the United States. They explore the theological foundations of the Black church, the overlooked figures who shaped its legacy, and why its story is about more than just politics.

Swing Low, volume 1: A History of Black Christianity in the United States by Walter Strickland - https://a.co/d/0Q4YUJr

Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family - www.meetfabric.com/ESAU

What really happened at the Council of Nicaea? Did Constantine force Christians to declare Jesus as God? Was the Bible invented there? And why does the Nicene Creed still matter today? Esau McCaulley sits down with Dr. George Kalantzis, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to clear up the biggest misconceptions about Nicaea, the divinity of Christ, and the role of the early church in shaping Christian belief. They also discuss why the early Romans thought Christianity was too "soft,"  and how the church resisted the empire.

What's it like being married to someone the internet loves to hate? Esau McCaulley sits down with Nancy French (wife of David French) and Jonathan Warren (husband of Tish Harrison Warren) to talk about love, marriage, and surviving the chaos of public life. From meeting their spouses in unexpected ways to navigating online backlash, they share candid stories, hilarious moments, and hard-won wisdom on commitment, faith, and keeping your sanity when strangers have opinions about your relationship. Plus, a deep dive into romantic comedies, an impromptu marriage advice segment, and a surprise cameo from Esau’s wife, Mandy.

For years, we’ve been told that racism is about hate. But what if it’s actually about money? Like… a lot of money? Esau McCaulley sits down with Dr. Malcolm Foley—historian, author, and expert on racial violence—to break down how greed, not just racism, has been running the show all along. From lynchings as economic control to modern capitalism’s obsession with exploitation, we follow the money and ask: Why does nobody preach about greed? What did Ida B. Wells figure out that we keep ignoring? And how did Frederick Douglass have better jokes about injustice than we do now?

Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward by Malcolm Foley: https://a.co/d/aMG5CNy

When disaster strikes, what should Christians do? Esau sits down with Jamie Aten, a disaster relief expert, and the Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. They talk about the devastating wildfires in California, how climate change and policy decisions are making disasters worse, and why churches play a crucial role in relief efforts.

List of Ways to Contribute:

https://www.holypost.com/post/ways-to-contribute-to-la-fire-relief

Author and mother of six, Katie Blackburn joins Esau for a conversation around single parenting, disability, and faith. Katie shares her experience raising a son with severe autism, the grief and grace that come with it, and how the church has responded, sometimes with welcome, other times with unintentional exclusion. Together, they explore why single parents and families affected by disability often feel unseen in church spaces, and what communities can do to change that. They also talk about Katie’s new children’s book The Very Best Baseball Game, inspired by a local disability league, and how stories can help us better understand diversity, empathy, and belonging.

0:00 - Show Starts

2:15 - Mount Rushmore of Family Films

7:55 - Single Motherhood

10:42 - Writing as Therapy

18:09 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

19:21 - Church with Single People

24:28 - The Very Best Baseball Game

33:20 - What Can Churches Do for Disabled Children?

42:38 - End Credits

What happens when a Korean drama holds up a mirror to the world? Esau sits down with Cultural Critic, Rebecca Sun to talk about Squid Game—the Netflix phenomenon that just released its second season. Esau and Rebecca break down how the show’s brutal, beautifully shot narrative forces us to wrestle with big questions: What is the show actually saying about capitalism? What happens when art critiques its own existence? And what does Squid Game’s creator really want us to take away from all the chaos?

Rebecca Sun's Articles:

There’s a Reason ‘Squid Game’ Hit a Global Nerve”

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/opinion/squid-game-season-2-essential-twist.html

‘Squid Game’ Returns: Inside Netflix’s Darker, Terrifyingly Relevant Season 2:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/squid-game-season-two-creator-lee-jung-jae-interview-1236058780/

Denzel Washington was recently baptized and now believes he's been called to ministry. How does he compare to other celebrity Christians and do we expect too much, or not enough from the most famous believers? Also, Esau talks about a recent CT article on family estrangement drawing from his own personal experience. How do we follow the commandment to honor our mother and father when we are cut off from them?

Christianity Today article on Estrangement: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/11/estrangement-parents-love-carrie-mckean/

Esau is joined by Justin Giboney and Tish Harrison Warren to look back at the major religious, cultural, and political stories of 2024. From the impact of the election and the rise of AI in churches to surprising shifts in church demographics and the ongoing challenges of political polarization, the conversation dives deep into what shaped the church this year.

Esau is joined by fellow Wheaton professors, Emily McGowin and Timothy Larson to talk about the origins of some of our favorite Christmas traditions and why Christians should fully embrace celebrating all 12 days of Christmas.

Why do we read the Bible? What are the best practices to interpret it? And how does the way we approach scripture shape who we become? Kevin Vanhoozer joins Esau to try to answer these questions as they discuss his most recent book, Mere Christian Hermeneutics. They discuss CS Lewis' influence on the book and why there is a difference between reading the Bible literally and literalistically

Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically: https://a.co/d/fLINdN9

Russell Moore’s Book List:

https://www.russellmoore.com/2024/12/11/my-favorite-books-of-2024-2/

New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson, joins the show to talk about her journey to becoming a movie reviewer, the best films of 2024, and what makes a movie truly great. Esau and Alissa also dive into their favorite Christmas movies and the state of religious films in the industry today.

Esau sits down with Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt to discuss her latest book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Can Teach the Church Today. Together, they explore the fascinating history and theology surrounding Mary Magdalene, dismantling misconceptions about her past and highlighting her role as a model disciple and preacher. Along the way, the conversation touches on spiritual warfare, women in ministry, and the importance of retrieving overlooked stories from church history.

The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today:

https://a.co/d/6JqNrh2

It’s Thanksgiving, and we’re serving up a special holiday edition of The Esau McCaulley Podcast! First, Esau, Kaitlyn Schiess, and Skye Jethani go head-to-head in a Thanksgiving food draft to create the ultimate feast. Then, Esau and Producer Mike dig into your questions, tackling how to lovingly disagree with others, a time when Esau admitted he was wrong, what Jesus meant when he said he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and Esau’s hot take on turkey.

Mike Cosper joins Esau to talk about Trump’s cabinet picks—Dr. Oz? Matt Gaetz? These picks are more controversial than past presidential cabinet picks and show a bit of where the administration’s priorities lie. He also breaks down the big ideas in his book, The Church in Dark Times.

Ever wonder what a hip hop beef can teach us about disagreements in the church? Esau McCaulley sits down with friends Malcolm Foley and Justin Giboney to dig into the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake saga and how it actually mirrors some of our own church conflicts. They chat about when disagreements are just for fun (LeBron vs. MJ) and when they go deeper, revealing what we truly believe. From handling low-stakes beefs to learning how to disagree without tearing each other apart, they dive into how conflict can help us grow, and maybe even bring us closer together.

Why does everything feel like a reboot? In this episode, Esau is joined by producer Mike and historian Malcolm Foley for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of American pop culture. From promising films like Sinners and Thunderbolts to the creative fatigue behind endless reboots and auto-tuned algorithms, they explore whether we're stuck in a cycle of stagnation and cynicism, and why Beyoncé’s country album might provide a glimmer of hope for the future of the pop culture industry.

0:00 - Show Starts

0:45 - Theme Song

2:55 - Uninformed Takes on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners

10:16 - Movies with Anit-Christian Elements?

18:16 - Worst Pop Culture Era

26:15 - How in-Person Classes Change Things

33:55 - Revitalization of Pop Culture

47:15 - End Credits

Trump Won. Are we surprised? How did it happen? What does this say about the Democratic party? Where do we go from here? Esau, Justin Giboney, and Michael Wear give their thoughts on the election and what this’ll mean for Christians.

In this Halloween special, Esau teams up with Kaitlyn Schiess and Emily McGowin for a deep dive into the mysteries and controversies of October 31st. Is Halloween too pagan for Christians, or can it actually be a way to mock and confront evil in a deeply faithful way? And why do some people shun haunted houses and horror movies, while Kaitlyn finds them thrilling—and even theological? Plus, a fierce debate over the best Halloween candy, and a shocking discovery: Esau’s childhood nightmare, Freddy Krueger, might be closer than he ever imagined.

Former NFL running back, Matt Forte, and his wife Danielle Fortet sit down with Esau talk about the challenges of balancing professional athletics with faith, marriage, and family life. Matt reflects on his NFL career, the pressures of performing on the field, and how his faith guided him through the highs and lows. Danielle shares her journey of finding her identity beyond being a “trophy wife,” discussing the unique challenges faced by spouses of professional athletes and how her relationship with Christ kept her grounded.

They also talk about their children’s book, My Hair Can, inspired by their daughter’s experience with racism and is an encouraging reminder for young readers about loving their hair, respecting differences, and celebrating their God-given uniqueness.

My Hair Can - https://www.amazon.com/My-Hair-Can-Matt-Fort%C3%A9/dp/1496480899

Esau sits down with Lisa Fields, CEO of the Jude 3 Project, to explore the complex relationship between faith, logic, and emotion. Together, they discuss how apologetics has evolved beyond purely intellectual arguments, how we’re often less rational than we think, and why understanding the emotional roots of belief is crucial in today’s world. Lisa also shares insights from her own life and how our own stories of pain can become a powerful source of encouragement for others facing similar struggles.

When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience by Lisa Fields: https://a.co/d/bqc1Cw9

Everyone needs a life coach sometimes and Esau is here to play the role. In today's episode, he answers the internet's questions about friendship, marriage, calling, AI, church, and, yes, the ethics of eating your kid’s leftovers. Joined by Producer Mike and Holy Post Community Coordinator Emerson, the trio tackles everything from existential crises to the proper number of slices you’re allowed to take from a pie. Whether you’re wondering how to make friends as a tired parent or if your marriage is weird because you don’t fight, Esau’s got takes, and lots of them.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:10 - Are Leftovers Fair Game?

5:32 - A.I. and Writing Careers

9:50 - Adult Friendships

17:35 - A Marriage with No Fights?

21:45 - Sponsor - Northern Seminary - Through Taste of Northern, you can experience the richness of a theological education for free, with leading New Testament scholars. Visit https://www.seminary.edu/taste to join a class today!

23:08 - Unfulfilling Job

35:18 - Is four “a few?”

37:45 - Church Disappointment

47:00 - End Credits

0:00 - Theme Song

2:03 - Last Time Your Church Made You Feel Loved

7:10 - Paul and Love?

13:50 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

14:50 - Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/ESAU

17:00 - The Bible’s Emotional!

27:50 - Covenant vs. Court

40:04 - Was He Rehabilitating Paul’s Image?

49:32 - End Credits

The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul’s Theology by NIjay Gupta: https://a.co/d/82LsTS0

Paul and the Language of Faith by Nijay Gupta: https://a.co/d/bROX4lx

My Hill to Die On - In-N-Out Burger is Overrated:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-hill-to-die-n-125861271

Why do some successful people inspire us while others ignite our outrage? Esau is joined by John Onwuchekwa to unpack our complicated relationship with wealth, celebrity, and privilege. From Katy Perry and her trip to space, to Deon Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders' jersey retirement controversy, we explore what our inconsistent reactions reveal about ourselves and what we prioritize. Also, we introduce a brand new segment - Low Stakes Conspiracy Theories. Mike wonders if Stevie Wonder is actually blind and John is just asking if we actually went to the moon...

0:00 - End Credits

0:34 - Low Stakes Conspiracy Theories

9:56 - Going to Space

19:56 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

33:35 - Fantastic Four Trailer

48:12 - End Credits

We Go On by John Onwuchekwa: https://a.co/d/5BRpREP

What if the resurrection isn’t just a matter of faith—but of history? In this special Holy Week episode, Esau McCaulley sits down with New Testament scholar Craig Keener to explore the historical evidence for Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, Rome’s brutal use of the cross, and why the earliest witnesses to the empty tomb were women. They also reflect on the personal and political meaning of the cross, and how the resurrection reshapes our understanding of suffering, hope, and what it means to be human.

0:00 - Theme Song

11:11 - Crucifixion in the Ancient World

20:28 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

25:25 - The Woman and the Empty Tomb

35:00 - Romans and Afterworld Belief

40:50 - The Importance of the Crown of Thorns

44:46 - End Credits

DEI is all over the news right now. The Right hates it and the Left idolizes it, but what if there was a different way to approach the controversial topic? Esau McCaulley is joined by writer and cultural commentator Marie Beecham for a candid conversation about what happens when DEI and antiracism efforts go off the rails—and what it looks like to chart a better path forward. They talk about Marie’s journey through progressive anti-racism, her disillusionment with parts of the movement, and how her faith shaped a more nuanced, hopeful approach. 

Want to hear more from Marie? Listen to her podcast, Know Better Do Better.
https://mariebeecham.com/podcast

0:00 - Theme Song

13:00 - Faith and Racial Justice

20:06 - Sponsor - Northern Seminary - Through Taste of Northern, you can experience the richness of a theological education for free, with leading New Testament scholars. Visit https://www.seminary.edu/taste to join a class today!

22:10 - Ignoring Relevancy

39:25 - DEI

46:50 - Moment of Cultural Shame

52:05 - End Credits

Esau, Justin Giboney, and Tish Harrison Warren explore the recent Target boycott led by Black church leaders during Lent and what it reveals about how Christians think (or don’t think) about money. They unpack the role of ethical spending, the challenges of discipleship in a convenience-driven culture, and whether the Church should be speaking more directly about where and how we spend. Along the way: the Barbie Movie is Christian, nature is good, and Lebron broke Esau's heart.

Holy Post Plus:

Esau McCaulley on Podcast on Negative World:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/125787958/

0:00 - Theme Song

3:13 - Barbie is a Christian Movie?

8:35 - The Target boycott

17:35 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

22:56 - Marvin Sapp and Tithing

39:08 - Lebron broke Esau's heart

43:35 - End Credits

What do Black churches, Catholics, and evangelicals all agree on? That Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is a big, problematic mess. Esau is joined by Malcolm Foley to unpack the sweeping legislation that slashes aid to the poor while delivering massive tax cuts to the wealthy. What does this reveal about our national values and how should the church respond to a policy so openly shaped by greed? Plus, the team reflects on the devastating flash floods in Texas that killed over 100 people. How long should we wait before asking the hard questions about accountability and whether this tragedy could have been prevented?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:20 - Hot Dog Eating Content

3:30 - AI and Racism

18:10 - Church Response to Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

22:38 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

23:52 - Employment vs Proof of Employment

52:47 - End Credits

As the Fourth of July approaches, Esau and Tish Harrison Warren reflect on what patriotism means today, especially for Christians who feel caught between critique and love of country. Then, Tish introduces the idea of “big church privilege,” and explores what’s gained and lost in the shift from large, well-resourced congregations to smaller, more intimate communities. Finally, they break down Peter Thiel’s recent comments about stagnation, progress, and humanity’s future. What happens when tech leaders try to achieve perfection without God?

0:00 - Theme Song

0:58 - 4th of July

12:16 - Small Church Privilege

26:08 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

27:35 - Peter Tiel’s Eschatology

43:38 - End Credits

Marine biologist and author Rachel Jordan joins Esau McCaulley in studio to talk about her new book If the Ocean Has a Soul. They dive into the deep waters of science and theology, discussing coral reefs, climate change, and why the ocean might be one of the most overlooked witnesses to God's glory. Rachel shares how a tenth-grade biology class changed her life, how she navigates faith in scientific spaces (and vice versa), and what the church often misses about the natural world. Plus: jellyfish football teams, Titanic conspiracies, and the surprising spirituality of sea creatures.

0:00 - Theme Song

0:52 - Low-Stakes Conspiracy Theory

6:07 - Aquatic Sports Mascots

17:18 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

18:35 - Scientists and Faith

26:12 - The Ocean and God’s Glory

32:35 - Can Fish Talk?

46:25 - End Credits

If the Ocean Has a Soul: A Marine Biologist’s Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science by Rachel G. Jordan: https://a.co/d/f0hLtQZ

Pastor and author Sharon Hodde Miller joins Esau McCaulley for a surprising conversation about the live-action Lilo & Stitch and how a children’s film quietly captures the realities of single motherhood, economic pressure, and communal grace. Then, Esau and Sharon talk about the challenges of pastoring in a polarizing time and how their online persona compares to their pastoral persona. Also, we have a Disney movie draft and a winner is declared.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:25 - Disney Movie Draft

13:40 - Lilo and Stitch

15:48 - Why Does Sharon Prefer the Remake?

22:42 - Single Motherhood

25:03 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

27:10 - Being a Pastor with a Platform

40:45 - Free of Me

50:36 - End Credits

Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It’s Not About You by Sharon Hodde Miller:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801075238?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_R7GWYC5AW573Y1AZXT64&bestFormat=true

It’s officially summer, and things are heating up. Esau is joined by Justin Giboney and producer Mike to swap summer playlists, celebrate Kirk Franklin’s unexpected honor at the BET Awards, talk about what kids should do during the summer, and unpack the recent protests in Los Angeles following aggressive ICE raids. What does faithful protest look like? How do Christians respond when political theater overshadows human dignity? And can you really call it a cookout without Earth, Wind & Fire?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:17 - Cookout Playlist Mount Rushmore

5:35 - BET Music Awards and Kirk Franklin

11:55 - Kid Rock

18:36 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

19:46 - Summer Protests

38:30 - Coco Gauff and Black Accomplishment

46:12 - End Credits

A Coldplay concert kiss cam became the most viral moment of the week. Esau, and bestselling author Nancy French unpack the now-infamous clip of an affair caught on camera. Was it hilarious or heartbreaking, and what does it say about our appetite for public shame? They also debate whether a World War II hero should also be remembered as a TikTok star, whether celebrity-branded Crumbl cookies are harmless fun or late-stage capitalism in dessert form, and if Walmart might actually be... beautiful. Plus, Esau discovers there’s a wrong way to invite your producer to a Cubs game.

0:00 - Theme Song

4:00 - D-Day Veteran and TikTok Star

10:25 - Coldplay Outs CEO Affair—Funny or Tragedy?

21:08 - Benson Boone Cookies and Parasocial Relationships

31:24 - An Ode to Wal-Mart?

Ghosted: An American Story by Nancy French: https://a.co/d/0UhumZ5

A controversial new IRS regulation just opened the door for churches to endorse political candidates from the pulpit. Esau McCaulley and Justin Giboney weigh in on if this a win for religious freedom, a threat to the church’s public witness, or just business as usual? Then they unpack the unexpected reunion of hip-hop duo The Clipse. One brother found faith. The other kept rapping about dealing drugs. So what happens when grace and drug bars share the same tracklist? Can Christian artists operate in secular spaces without compromise?

Plus: Black vs. African American, summer recommendations, and is Mike secretly the voice of the Bible Project?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:52 - Churches Endorsing Candidates

14:50 - African American or Black?

17:05 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

24:40 - Is Mike the Bible Project guy?

26:35 - Drugs and Gospel on the Same Album

41:11 - Summer Plans

45:00 - End Credits

Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church’s Public Witness Leads Us out of the Culture War by Justin Giboney: https://a.co/d/cMMUHlQ

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Americans are left reeling. The violence is shocking and upsetting, but it also reveals the depth of our country’s divides. Esau is joined by Christina Edmondson of Truth’s Table to reflect on what this moment means for the church and the wider culture. They consider the tension between honoring Kirk’s dignity and confronting his harmful rhetoric, why Black Christians experience these events differently, and what it means to love enemies without excusing injustice.

0:00 - Theme Song

1:34 - Being a Pastor During the Charlie Kirk Assassination

11:38 - Threats Towards Black Schools

31:07 - Sponsor - God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible - Available now, a kid’s storybook Bible from Esau McCaulley: https://a.co/d/hVy8aUl

32:51 - Student Evaluations Disrupting Colleges?

48:45 - End Credits

Preorder Christina Edmondson’s book now: https://a.co/d/6IVi10n

Conservative Political Activist and CEO of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated yesterday while speaking on a college campus in Utah. Esau is joined by Sharon McMahon and Justin Giboney to talk about this horrific and tragic story. They explore the history of political violence in the country, and discuss why this moment feels different and uniquely troubling. They also discuss what comes next and how both the country, and christians, should move forward in a way that tries to ratchet down the temperature and see the humanity in all.

Please join us in praying for the Kirk family and all those grieving his death.

Esau is joined by New Testament scholar Paul Sloan to talk about his new book Jesus and the Law of Moses. They dig into big questions: Did Jesus and Paul disagree about the law? Did Jesus expect his Jewish followers to keep Torah? What about Gentiles? And what if our picture of the Pharisees as strict legalists is all wrong? Plus, they dive into the debate on whether we're expected to follow the commands in the Sermon on the Mount, or if it's merely supposed to show us our need for grace. Plus, old tech and old athletes.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:22 - AOL Just Got Canned?

6:20 - Do We Treat Hymns Like AOL?

18:13 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

19:22 - Is the Law Here to Make Us Want Grace?

26:40 - Jesus and Ritual Purity

41:44 - End Credits

Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel Within First-Century Judaism by Paul T. Sloan: https://a.co/d/5gnNBBQ

Recently, Donald Trump criticized the Smithsonian for focusing too much on slavery, insisting that America’s history should be more “positive” and less “woke.” But can we really tell the story of America without telling the story of human bondage? Esau and Justin Giboney dig into the politics of memory, the temptation to idolize America, and why Christians in particular must insist on telling the truth about our history, both the glory and the shame. Plus, the myth of cancel culture from Paula Deen to Colin Kaepernick, Cracker Barrel outrage, and should we all be corny like Russel Wilson?

0:00 - Theme Song

1:33 - Who gets called “Corny?” Why Russell Wilson?

8:05 - Trump on Smithsonian and Slavery

25:40 - They’re rich, travel, and love to complain

33:10 - Self-Help Makes You a Jerk?

43:02 - End Credits

When the military becomes a political pawn? As Esau and Producer Mike break down Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to D.C., Esau reflects on his family’s experience in the military and the heavy cost of deployments for morale, families, and democracy itself. Then, adult summer camps are on the rise. Are they the answer to America’s loneliness epidemic, or is there an easier and less expensive way to make friends after college? Plus, listener questions about faith in difficult workplaces, the value of liturgy, and the beliefs Esau has changed his mind on over time. 

0:00 - Theme Song

7:30 - National Guard in DC

19:45 - Summer Camp for Adults

24:08 - Do Men Need Activity to Socialize?

29:27 - Top TV shows/movies?

33:17 - Vocation and Faith

45:22 - End Credits

Enter to win a copy of Esau’s Children’s Bible and support the podcast! https://holypost.com/esau

Sydney Sweeney’s “Great Jeans” ad sparked a culture war. Was it clever marketing, coded eugenics, or just outrage for clicks? Esau, Malcolm, and Mike break down who really wins when we fight over denim. Also, Taylor Swift has a new album, a Hollywood actor claims to have been blacklisted for his christian principles, and why old school gospel music should still be relevant today.

0:00 - Theme Song

2:00 - Making Malcolm a Swiftie

10:35 - Sydney Sweeney’s Jeans

22:40 - Neil McDonough Playing the Victim?

21:55 - Sponsor - No Small Endeavor - Award-winning podcast where theologians, philosophers, and best-selling authors talk about faith with Lee C. Camp. Start listening today: https://pod.link/1513178238

34:50 - CEO Disses Gospel Music?

49:20 - End Credits